Description
Clothespin Cookies are delightful buttery treats shaped uniquely to resemble clothespins and filled with sweet raspberry or apricot jam. These tender cookies are lightly dusted with powdered sugar, making them perfect for tea time or festive occasions. Their crisp edges and soft centers combined with a fruity jam filling provide a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
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 prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for tender cookies.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to form a consistent dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, which will be easier to roll into ropes for the clothespin shape.
- Form Clothespin Shape: Roll each dough ball into a 3-inch rope, then twist each rope into a shape resembling a clothespin and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the shaped cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Create Indentions: Remove the cookies from the oven and while still warm, immediately make an indentation in the center of each cookie using the handle of a wooden spoon to hold the jam later.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool thoroughly so the jam does not melt or run.
- Fill with Jam: Once the cookies have completely cooled, fill the center indentations with raspberry or apricot jam to add a sweet and fruity touch.
- Dust and Serve: Optionally, dust the filled cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding jam to prevent it from melting.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If desired, you can use different flavors of jam to vary the taste.
