Step into the world of nostalgic baking with Clothespin Cookies, the irresistible cream-filled pastries that have graced holiday trays and family gatherings for generations. These delicate, golden shells cradle a rich, velvety filling, and are finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. With every buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite, you’ll see why Clothespin Cookies are such a treasured treat—they’re truly a showstopper that’s as much fun to make as they are to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Clothespin Cookies lies in their classic, simple ingredients—each playing a vital role in creating that luscious texture and signature flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute here: every component matters for that authentic cloudlike bite and rich taste!
- All-purpose flour: Gives the pastry its delicate structure, so be sure to measure accurately for the perfect crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch amplifies all the other flavors—don’t underestimate its magic!
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Essential for those flaky, tender shells; keep it cold for the best texture.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and subtle tang, making the pastry extra tender and flavorful.
- Vegetable shortening: Creates that signature silky filling texture and helps with stability.
- Butter, softened (for filling): Blends with shortening for a delightfully creamy filling that’s not greasy.
- Vanilla extract: Gives the filling deep, comforting flavor—pure vanilla is worth it!
- Almond extract (optional): A splash brings a lovely aromatic hint; try it if you love almond notes.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the filling, and makes for a beautiful, snowy finish.
- Heavy cream or milk: Just enough to achieve ultra-smooth, pipeable filling consistency.
- Extra powdered sugar (for dusting): The finishing touch that makes Clothespin Cookies truly enchanting.
How to Make Clothespin Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by whisking flour and salt together in a large bowl. Work in the cold, cubed butter until the mix looks like rough crumbs—this ensures your pastry bakes up pillowy and tender. Stir in the sour cream just until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion snugly, and chill for at least two hours; this step ensures those layers are fabulously flaky and easy to handle.
Step 2: Shape and Roll
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your metal clothespin molds or dowels a light greasing. Dust your work surface with flour and roll one dough portion into a thin rectangle, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into strips—think about 3/4 inch wide and 5 inches long. Gently (but confidently!) wrap each strip around the mold, making sure to overlap the dough so it forms a spiraled shell. Place each seam-side down on your baking sheet so they keep their lovely shape.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop those beauties into the oven for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for pale gold, not deep brown; the idea is a delicate crunch that almost melts once filled. Let them cool on the molds just for a few minutes, then carefully slide them off and transfer to a wire rack—trust me, this is where patience pays off so your shells don’t lose their shape.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
While the shells cool, blend your softened butter and shortening until fluffy (this duo gives the filling that signature richness and lightness). Beat in the vanilla, almond extract if you’re using it, and gradually work in the powdered sugar. Alternate with splashes of cream or milk until you get a thick, pipeable texture that holds its shape. The result is a cloud-like sweetness just waiting to be tucked inside each shell!
Step 5: Fill and Finish
Spoon your dreamy filling into a piping bag and generously fill each shell, making sure every bite delivers that creamy reward. Finish off your fresh Clothespin Cookies with a flurry of powdered sugar—don’t be shy! It adds both elegance and a hint of extra sweetness. Now, step back and admire your tray of edible treasures.
How to Serve Clothespin Cookies
Garnishes
While a thick dusting of powdered sugar is classic, you can up the wow-factor with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or colorful sanding sugar over the tops for extra sparkle. Feeling festive? Add a touch of edible glitter for holiday flair. No matter your choice, a tray of Clothespin Cookies always looks inviting and delectable.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightfully sweet bites with something to balance their richness—think a tray of tart berries, a scoop of sharp lemon sorbet, or simply a good cup of strong coffee or tea. Their creamy centers work beautifully alongside a platter of tangy cheeses or fresh fruit if you’re offering a dessert buffet.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Clothespin Cookies upright in vintage glass jars or line them artfully on a tiered cake stand. They make a playful addition when arranged in “clothesline” fashion, with a ribbon threaded through each shell. Wrap a few in cellophane bags with lovely ribbons for sweet, memorable gifts—they travel well and are guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store filled Clothespin Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Layer them with parchment to prevent sticking and preserve the shells’ tenderness. If you’re planning ahead, keep the shells and filling separate until a few hours before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unfilled shells in an airtight container for up to two months—just be sure they’re completely cool before packing. Fill and dust with powdered sugar after thawing. You can also freeze the filling in a freezer-safe bag and defrost both components overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Clothespin Cookies are at their best at room temperature, but if you’d like to refresh the shells, pop them (unfilled) in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. Let cool to room temperature before filling. Avoid microwaving filled cookies, as the cream can lose its luxurious texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pastry instead of making the dough?
You could use puff pastry in a pinch, but you’ll miss the delicate crumb and signature flavor of true Clothespin Cookies. The homemade dough is worth the extra step and really delivers that satisfying, tender bite.
What can I use if I don’t have clothespin molds or metal dowels?
If you can’t find specific molds, improvise with clean metal cannoli forms or food-safe wooden dowels. Just remember to grease them well before wrapping the dough to ensure easy removal.
Can I flavor the filling in different ways?
Absolutely! The classic vanilla and almond combination is a tradition, but feel free to add citrus zest, cocoa powder, or a splash of your favorite extract to make these Clothespin Cookies uniquely yours.
Do these cookies stay crispy or get soft over time?
Clothespin Cookies are crisp when freshly baked, but they’ll soften slightly after being filled and stored—this makes them even more melt-in-your-mouth! For the crispest shells, fill just before serving.
Are Clothespin Cookies ok for making ahead for a party?
Yes, they’re perfect for party prep! Make the shells and filling in advance, store separately, and fill them a few hours before your guests arrive to guarantee the freshest, most dazzling results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a plate of homemade Clothespin Cookies; each one is a little labor of love that’s guaranteed to bring out smiles. Gather your ingredients and dive in—you’ll quickly see why these nostalgic treats are a bakery-worthy favorite, just waiting for a spot on your next dessert tray. Give them a try and let the compliments roll in!
Print
Clothespin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Clothespin Cookies are a delightful treat with a flaky pastry shell embracing a creamy filling, dusted with powdered sugar. These vintage cookies are perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
For finishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the sour cream to form a soft dough. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours.
- Shape the cookies: Roll out the dough, cut into strips, and wrap around clothespin molds. Bake until golden.
- Make the filling: Beat together butter, shortening, extracts, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fill each cookie shell with the mixture.
- Finish: Dust the filled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the shells in advance and fill them just before serving.
- Store filled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
