Description
Clothespin Cookies are delightful buttery treats shaped uniquely like clothespins and filled with a sweet jam center. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside cookies combine the nutty flavor of chopped pecans with the fruity sweetness of raspberry or apricot jam, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, making them perfect for tea time or special occasions.
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 Mixture: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to form a smooth dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently roll each ball into a 3-inch rope, which will form the unique clothespin shape.
- Form Clothespins: Twist each dough rope into a clothespin shape carefully and place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cookies turn lightly golden brown to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.
- Create Indentations: Immediately after removing from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon to make an indentation in the center of each warm cookie for the jam filling.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer the cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely, which helps the cookies set properly and prevents the jam from melting.
- Fill with Jam: Once cooled, spoon raspberry or apricot jam into the indented centers of each cookie for a fruity burst of flavor.
- Dust with Sugar: Finally, dust the cookies with extra powdered sugar if desired before serving for an elegant and sweet finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper cookie texture.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Use your favorite jam flavors like strawberry or blueberry for variety.
- The indentation should be made immediately after baking so the dough is still soft enough to shape.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
