Clothespin Cookies Recipe

Clothespin Cookies are an enchanting treat with crisp, golden pastry shells wrapped lovingly around a luscious, cloud-like filling. This vintage recipe feels like a little trip back in time, turning simple pantry staples into something downright magical. The delicate swirl, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that generous dusting of powdered sugar truly make these cookies irresistible for holidays, special occasions, or any moment you want to make guests gasp with delight. If you’ve never made Clothespin Cookies before, prepare for an adventure that’s as fun to assemble as it is rewarding to share.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Clothespin Cookies is that each ingredient plays a starring role in creating their dreamily soft centers and buttery, flaky shells. Gather these tried-and-true staples, and you’ll see how the best cookies often come from the simplest beginnings.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their tender crumb and structure; don’t substitute for cake flour, as you want the right balance of softness and strength.
• Salt: Just half a teaspoon sharpens the flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
• Unsalted butter, chilled: Cold butter is key for flakiness; cube it straight from the fridge for best results.
• Cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and a slight tang, making the dough extra pliable and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and brings warmth to both the dough and the cream filling.
• Large egg white: Used for sealing the strips, ensuring each delicate coil stays crisp and together.
• Powdered sugar: Adds a snowy finishing touch and a sweet first bite.
• Heavy whipping cream: The base of your dreamy filling, whips up beautifully light and holds its shape.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without weighing it down.
• Optional marshmallow creme: For an effortless shortcut, use this instead of homemade whipped cream for a different (but equally nostalgic) twist.

How to Make Clothespin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together flour and salt in a roomy bowl, setting up the dry foundation for your Clothespin Cookies. Work in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork, stopping when the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Add in your softened cream cheese and vanilla extract, stirring or gently kneading until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This is where patience pays off: divide your dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. The colder the dough, the flakier your cookies will bake up.

Step 2: Shape and Cut the Dough

Once your dough is thoroughly chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prep baking sheets with parchment paper for a mess-free transfer. Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cutting strips about 1 inch wide and 4 to 5 inches long may seem tedious, but this step is what gives Clothespin Cookies their signature look and airy bite. Try to keep the strips even so your cookies bake up uniformly golden and crisp.

Step 3: Wrap and Bake

Lightly grease metal clothespins or dowel rods (the traditional way!) so the delicate dough won’t stick after baking. Carefully wrap each dough strip around the rods, gently overlapping the edges without stretching. Brush the ends with a little whisked egg white to seal, ensuring they don’t unravel during baking. Arrange the wrapped rods on your prepared pans and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden all over. The smell is heavenly, but patience here is important: let the shells cool completely before you attempt to slide them off the rods.

Step 4: Whip Up the Filling

For the dreamy creamy center, beat heavy whipping cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form—watching it fluff up is as satisfying as eating it, I promise. Alternatively, if time is tight (or you crave that old-fashioned marshmallow taste), a jar of marshmallow creme works beautifully for filling, too. Both make gorgeous, cloud-like centers that melt with every bite.

Step 5: Fill and Finish

Transfer your whipped filling to a pastry bag and gently pipe it into each cooled shell, filling from one end to the other. Sprinkle a shower of powdered sugar over the finished Clothespin Cookies for a snowy touch that just begs to be admired. If you’re feeling extra creative, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or colored sprinkles on top for a festive finish!

How to Serve Clothespin Cookies

Garnishes

A classic, generous dusting of powdered sugar is really all Clothespin Cookies need, but a touch of edible glitter, a drizzle of white or dark chocolate, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts makes them even more eye-catching. For the holidays, a pinch of crushed peppermint or a few pink heart sprinkles add a personal, seasonal twist.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside fresh berries or a bowl of ripe fruit, which offers a refreshing contrast to the luscious filling. They also pair beautifully with teas and espresso—perfect for a cozy dessert table. For a full-on vintage vibe, serve them with a pitcher of homemade hot chocolate or frothy coffee lattes.

Creative Ways to Present

Clothespin Cookies practically beg to be displayed in towers, on tiered cake stands, or nestled in pretty paper cups. For parties, arrange them in rows on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar, or nest a few in gift boxes lined with tissue paper for a heartfelt homemade treat. If you’re sharing with kids, dip each end in melted chocolate and add sparkly sprinkles for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once filled, Clothespin Cookies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the filling fluffy and the shells crisp. Eat them within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and texture—though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the unfilled cookie shells for up to a month. After they’ve cooled completely, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment or wax paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before filling and serving. Avoid freezing filled cookies, as the cream may lose its body upon defrosting.

Reheating

If you wish to refresh your unfilled shells, a quick warm-up in a low oven (about 250°F) for a few minutes will bring back their crispness. Let them cool before adding the filling. Filled cookies are best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, so reheating isn’t necessary.

FAQs

Do I really need to chill the dough?

Yes! Chilling the dough is crucial for Clothespin Cookies, as it firms up the butter and cream cheese, making the dough easier to work with and helping your cookies bake up extra flaky and tender.

What if I don’t have metal clothespins or dowel rods?

No clothespins? No problem! You can use small metal cannoli forms, foil-wrapped pencils, or even tightly rolled-up foil to mimic the shape. Just be sure to grease whatever you use so the cookies slide off easily.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dough for Clothespin Cookies can be prepared up to two days in advance and kept chilled in the fridge. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before rolling to make it a bit more pliable.

How do I keep the filling from getting runny?

For the whipped cream filling, start with cold cream and beat until stiff peaks hold their shape; don’t overmix, or the cream could turn grainy. Once filled, keep the cookies chilled to maintain the perfect, billowy texture.

Are there any flavor variations worth trying?

Yes! You can add a splash of almond extract to the dough for a nutty twist, or fold in lemon zest for brightness. For the filling, cocoa powder or instant espresso make delicious additions, and a jam or fruit preserve core adds a sweet surprise.

Final Thoughts

Clothespin Cookies are everything I love about baking: simple ingredients, a little nostalgia, and a whole lot of magic when you share them fresh with friends. There’s something about that first snowy bite that turns any occasion into a celebration, so I hope you’ll give them a try soon and create a batch of memories all your own!

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