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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Combine butter, sugar, egg yolk, flour, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a cohesive texture.
- Introduce water and pulse until the dough consolidates into a compact ball.
- Transfer dough to a flour-dusted surface, gently pressing to achieve a lightly tacky consistency.
- Segment the dough into two equal portions, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Heat oven to 375°F. Completely cover clothespins with aluminum foil sheets.
- On a floured surface, roll out one dough portion into a thin rectangular shape, trimming edges and slicing into narrow strips.
- 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.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until achieving a delicate golden-brown color.
- Allow cookies to rest 2-3 minutes, then gently extract clothespins. Complete cooling on a wire rack.
- Create filling by combining flour, sugar, and milk in a pan. Cook over medium heat, continuously whisking until thickened (approximately 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat, transfer to a heatproof container. Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring direct contact to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for 40 minutes.
- Using a stand mixer, whip room temperature butter for 8 minutes until exceptionally light and airy.
- Gradually incorporate the chilled flour mixture into the butter, one scoop at a time.
- Switch to paddle attachment, blend in vanilla and salt. Beat at medium-high speed for 10-13 minutes until achieving a smooth, fluffy consistency.
- 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