Description
Delightfully buttery and tender Clothespin Cookies, shaped uniquely like clothespins and filled with sweet raspberry or apricot jam. These classic cookies are dusted with powdered sugar for a light, elegant finish—perfect for afternoon tea or festive gatherings.
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 becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to form a smooth and manageable dough. Stir in the chopped pecans evenly through the dough.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into a 3-inch long rope, preparing them for the unique clothespin shape.
- Form Clothespin Shapes: Twist each rope into a shape resembling a clothespin and place them carefully on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring enough space between cookies for expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies turn a light golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Create Indentations: Remove the cookies from the oven and promptly press an indentation in the center of each cookie using the handle of a wooden spoon, making space for the jam filling.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before adding the filling, ensuring the jam won’t melt or run.
- Fill with Jam: Once cooled, spoon raspberry or apricot jam into the indentation of each cookie, giving them a sweet, fruity center.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar: Dust the filled cookies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant and delicious finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Use either raspberry or apricot jam based on your taste preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding jam to prevent melting.
