Clothespin Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines buttery richness, a tender crumb, and a burst of fruity sweetness, you have to try this Clothespin Cookies Recipe. These charming, twisted cookies are named for their unique shape, which resembles a classic clothespin, and they make for an irresistible snack or elegant dessert. With a tender dough studded with pecans and a jam-filled center, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Clothespin Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Each component has a distinct role, from the creamy butter that provides richness, to the chopped pecans adding a satisfying crunch, and the fruity jam that brings the whole cookie together with a sweet surprise.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Acts as the creamy base, giving the cookies a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting: Adds sweetness and a delicate finish when dusted on top.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary for that perfect clothespin shape.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all other flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a wonderful crunch and nutty depth that complements the buttery dough.
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam: Serves as a luscious filling, offering a bright, tangy contrast.
How to Make Clothespin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring your cookies are soft and tender.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into your butter mixture. Mixing slowly helps avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough, and ensures a consistent texture throughout.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Into Ropes
Form the dough into 1-inch balls and then gently roll each into a 3-inch long rope. This shaping is key for creating the iconic clothespin look and results in uniform baking.
Step 5: Twist Into Clothespin Shapes and Bake
Take each rope and twist it into a clothespin-like shape, then place them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until you notice a light golden brown hue forming on the edges. This signals a perfectly baked cookie with a slightly crisp exterior.
Step 6: Create the Jam Indentation
Once you pull the cookies from the oven, quickly press the handle of a wooden spoon into the center of each one to form a little well. Doing this immediately helps create a perfect cavity to hold the jam after the cookies have cooled.
Step 7: Cool and Fill with Jam
Allow your cookies to cool completely on wire racks. Once cooled, spoon your raspberry or apricot jam into the indentation, giving each cookie its signature fruity center.
Step 8: Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
For that extra touch of charm and sweetness, dust the tops of your clothespin cookies with powdered sugar right before serving. This final step elevates their presentation and adds a delicate, snowy sweetness.
How to Serve Clothespin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and elegant by dusting your cookies with powdered sugar or add finely chopped nuts on top of the jam for a bit of extra texture and visual interest. Fresh berries on the side also complement the jam filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or a rich espresso. For a brunch table, serve them alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream. They also make a charming accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your cookie presentation by arranging them in decorative tins or stacking them with parchment paper in between for a lovely homemade gift. You could also drizzle melted white chocolate over the jam centers for a luscious and festive look that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Clothespin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, maintaining their buttery texture and delightful jam centers.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain cookies before filling them with jam. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then add the jam filling.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy the cookies warm, briefly heat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the texture too much and affect the jam’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds both work wonderfully in this recipe and provide a unique flavor twist. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the right texture.
Is it necessary to use powdered sugar in the dough?
Powdered sugar helps achieve a softer, more tender crumb compared to granulated sugar. It also contributes to the cookie’s slight melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes this Clothespin Cookies Recipe so special.
Can I substitute the jam with something else?
Feel free to experiment with different fillings like lemon curd, chocolate spread, or even caramel. Just keep in mind that thicker jams or spreads will hold better in the indentation.
Why do I need to press the center right after baking?
Pressing the center immediately while the cookies are hot prevents cracking and makes a smooth well that perfectly holds the jam once cooled, preserving the cookie’s shape and presentation.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Clothespin Cookies remain fresh for up to one week, making them a great make-ahead treat for gatherings or everyday enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This Clothespin Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little whimsy and a lot of flavor to your kitchen. It’s a recipe I return to again and again because it never fails to impress, whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with tea. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love how these charming, jam-filled cookies brighten your day.
Print
Clothespin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Clothespin Cookies are delicate, buttery treats shaped uniquely like clothespins, filled with a sweet dollop of raspberry or apricot jam, and dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. These charming cookies offer a delightful combination of tender crumb, nutty pecans, and fruity filling, perfect for tea time or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Filling
- 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to form a smooth, consistent dough without overmixing.
- Shape Dough: Take portions of the dough and shape into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into a 3-inch rope to prepare for the distinctive clothespin shape.
- Form Clothespin Shapes: Twist each rope-shaped dough piece into a clothespin form and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies turn lightly golden brown, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Indent Centers: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon to press an indentation into the center of each warm cookie, creating space for the jam filling.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies onto wire racks and allow them to cool completely, which helps the cookies set and hold their shape.
- Fill with Jam: Once fully cooled, spoon a small amount of raspberry or apricot jam into each cookie’s center indentation, adding a sweet and fruity contrast to the buttery cookie.
- Dust and Serve: Optionally, dust the tops of the cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful, finished look and a touch of extra sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
- If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Jam choice can be tailored to your taste; blackberry or strawberry also work well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
