Grandma’s Golden Clothespin Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Family Treat

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when you whip up these delightful clothespin cookies that remind us of cherished family traditions.

Crisp and delicate, these pastries wrap around metal clothespins during baking, creating a stunning spiral shape.

Generations of bakers have perfected this delicate technique, passing down the secret to creating these elegant treats.

Powdered sugar dusts each cookie, giving them a soft, cloud-like appearance that melts in your mouth.

The buttery dough transforms into golden, crisp spirals that crack gently with each bite.

Rich vanilla and subtle sweetness make these cookies a perfect companion to afternoon coffee or tea.

Bake a batch and watch as smiles spread across faces, one delectable bite at a time.

FAQs

• What are clothespin cookies?

These are traditional pastries shaped by wrapping dough around clothespins, creating a hollow tube-like cookie that’s later filled with a creamy buttercream filling.

• Do I need special equipment to make these cookies?

Yes, you’ll need clothespins wrapped in foil and a food processor. A stand mixer is helpful for the filling, but hand mixers can work too.

• Why do the clothespins need to be wrapped in foil?

Wrapping clothespins in foil prevents the wood from burning during baking and ensures the cookies can be easily removed after cooling.

• How tricky is this recipe for home bakers?

While it looks complex, the recipe is manageable for intermediate bakers who are comfortable with pastry dough and have patience for the chilling and shaping steps.

Why Clothespin Cookies Are So Good

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, and family reunions where everyone craves a delightful sweet treat that's not your typical boring dessert.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: No baking or complex techniques needed, making this recipe accessible for beginners, kids, or anyone wanting a quick and delicious preparation.
• Texture Sensation: Combines creamy smooth base with crunchy pecan topping, creating an exciting mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Super Quick Assembly: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, allowing you to prepare this delectable grape salad in just a few minutes without extensive kitchen time.

Ingredients For Clothespin Cookies

• Butter: A key component that provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookie its shape and crumbly consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in achieving a golden brown color during baking.
• Egg Yolk: Contributes to the richness and helps bind the dough together.

• Water, Salt: Helps hydrate the dough and enhance overall flavor.

• Milk, Flour, Sugar: Creates a smooth, thick base for the creamy filling.
• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth texture to the filling.
• Vanilla, Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Foil: Used to wrap clothespins during the baking process.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.

Step-By-Step Clothespin Cookie Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cookie Dough

• Butter
• Sugar
• Egg yolk
• Flour
• Salt

Pulse the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.

Step 2: Form Dough Ball

Add water to the mixture and pulse until the dough comes together into a compact ball.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently press it together until it feels lightly tacky. Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Wrap clothespins completely in small aluminum foil sheets to protect them during baking.

Step 5: Roll and Cut Dough

Remove one dough half from the refrigerator.

Roll it out on a floured surface into a thin rectangle. Trim the edges and cut the dough into slender strips.

Step 6: Wrap Dough on Clothespins

Carefully wrap each dough strip around a foil-covered clothespin, ensuring a slight overlap. Position the wrapped clothespins on a parchment-lined baking sheet with ends facing downward.

Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 7: Bake Cookie Shells

Bake the clothespin-wrapped dough for 18-20 minutes until they achieve a light golden brown color.

Step 8: Cool Cookie Shells

Allow the cookies to cool for 2-3 minutes. Gently remove the clothespins and transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Create Creamy Filling

• Flour
• Sugar
• Milk

Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens (approximately 10 minutes).

Step 10: Chill Filling Base

Transfer the thickened mixture to a heatproof bowl.

Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring direct contact with the surface to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for 40 minutes.

Step 11: Whip Butter Base

Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip room temperature butter for 8 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 12: Incorporate Filling

Gradually add the chilled flour mixture to the whipped butter, one scoop at a time, until fully incorporated.

Step 13: Finish Filling

Switch to the paddle attachment. Add vanilla and salt.

Beat on medium-high speed for 10-13 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

Step 14: Fill Cookie Shells

Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to fill the cooled cookie shells with the creamy butter filling.

Helpful Tips For Clothespin Cookies

• Refrigerate the dough for 1-2 hours to ensure easy handling and prevent spreading during baking.
• Cover clothespins completely with foil to prevent sticking and make removal easier after baking.
• Use a ruler to create a precise 1/8-inch thick rectangle for uniform, consistent cookie shells.
• Whip butter and flour mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, light texture that pipes beautifully into cookie shells.
• Allow cookies to cool entirely on a wire rack before filling to maintain crisp texture and prevent filling from melting.

Creative Spins On Clothespin Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cookie Option: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for those with gluten sensitivities. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and structure.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Use non-dairy milk in the filling and substitute dairy butter with vegan butter alternatives for a lactose-free version.
• Chocolate Lovers' Adaptation: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate base. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over filled cookies or mix cocoa into the filling for extra richness.
• Nutty Flavor Variation: Add ground nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough for a crunchy texture. Incorporate nut extracts into the filling for enhanced flavor complexity.

Best Pairings For Clothespin Cookies

• Decadent Dessert Wine Pairing: Match these delicate clothespin cookies with a sweet Moscato d'Asti from Italy, whose light effervescence and honeyed notes complement the buttery cookie texture perfectly.
• Sweet Chocolate Companion: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the filled cookies and serve alongside a small espresso for a rich, indulgent dessert experience that balances the cookie's delicate sweetness.
• Creamy Coffee Complement: Brew a smooth vanilla latte or cappuccino to enjoy with these cookies, as the warm milk-based drink enhances the vanilla filling and provides a comforting contrast to the crisp cookie shell.

How To Store Clothespin Cookies Properly

• Store filled clothespin cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent filling from melting.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze undecorated cookies for 3 months or filled cookies for 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Keep unfilled cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.
• Gently warm cookies in oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Allow cookies to cool completely before serving to maintain delicate structure.

Clothespin Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Delightful clothespin cookies dance with Italian heritage, offering a nostalgic sweet treat that whispers memories of traditional bakeries. Crisp pastry shells wrapped around delicate cream filling invite you to savor each delectable bite of this cherished family recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (150 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, chilled
• 1 egg yolk

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 dash salt

Liquid Ingredient:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Combine butter, sugar, egg yolk, flour, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a cohesive texture.
2. Introduce water and pulse until the dough consolidates into a compact ball.
3. Transfer dough to a flour-dusted surface, gently pressing to achieve a lightly tacky consistency.
4. Segment the dough into two equal portions, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
5. Heat oven to 375°F. Completely cover clothespins with aluminum foil sheets.
6. On a floured surface, roll out one dough portion into a thin rectangular shape, trimming edges and slicing into narrow strips.
7. Carefully drape each dough strip around a prepared clothespin, ensuring a slight overlap. Position on parchment-lined baking sheet with ends facing downward. Repeat with remaining dough.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes until achieving a delicate golden-brown color.
9. Allow cookies to rest 2-3 minutes, then gently extract clothespins. Complete cooling on a wire rack.
10. Create filling by combining flour, sugar, and milk in a pan. Cook over medium heat, continuously whisking until thickened (approximately 10 minutes).
11. Remove from heat, transfer to a heatproof container. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring direct contact to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for 40 minutes.
12. Using a stand mixer, whip room temperature butter for 8 minutes until exceptionally light and airy.
13. Gradually incorporate the chilled flour mixture into the butter, one scoop at a time.
14. Switch to paddle attachment, blend in vanilla and salt. Beat at medium-high speed for 10-13 minutes until achieving a smooth, fluffy consistency.
15. Utilize a piping bag with a star tip to fill cooled cookie shells with the prepared cream.

Notes

• Precise dough temperature matters, so use a cold surface and chilled ingredients to prevent spreading during baking.
• Wrap clothespins completely in foil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal after baking.
• Use room temperature butter for the filling to guarantee smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Choose high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile of the filling and cookies.

• Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 80 g
• Saturated Fat: 50 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg