Are you ready for a delightful, buttery treat that will melt in your mouth? Let me introduce you to clothespin cookies! These little pastries are crunchy on the outside with a sweet, creamy filling that will have you coming back for more. They’re the perfect balance of light and rich, making them ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a special family gathering or just a simple afternoon treat. Trust me, these are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Why You’ll Love Clothespin Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about delicious cookies—it’s about creating a moment of sweetness in your day. Here’s why they’re going to steal the show:

Unique & Delicious: These cookies aren’t your typical drop cookies. They’re shaped like little clothespins and filled with a creamy, dreamy filling that makes them stand out.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to bake sales or simply when you need a sweet bite, clothespin cookies are sure to impress.
Fun to Make: Rolling out the dough, shaping the cookies, and filling them is a fun process that’s perfect for getting the whole family involved.
Crispy & Creamy: The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the sweet, smooth filling, making every bite an irresistible combination.
Customizable: You can tweak the filling to your liking, adding flavors like chocolate or vanilla, or even experimenting with different extracts for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring these delicious cookies to life:

Butter: The key ingredient for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste. It gives the dough a soft, yet slightly crisp texture.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that beautiful golden crust when baked.
Eggs: They bind the dough together and add to the rich texture of the cookies.
Flour: The base for the dough, giving it structure and a delicate crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness to the dough that complements the filling perfectly.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Powdered Sugar: For the filling, powdered sugar gives it that smooth, creamy consistency.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret ingredient for the filling! It makes it sweet, rich, and smooth.
Vanilla Extract (for filling): Adds that lovely vanilla flavor to the creamy filling.

(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create these irresistible clothespin cookies:

Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together and is smooth.
Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into strips (about 1 inch wide) to form the “pins.”
Shape the Cookies: Take each strip and shape it into a small “clothespin” shape. You’ll want to gently pinch the ends so they stay together while baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy around the edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread the filling on the inside of one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich. Press gently to make sure the filling stays in place.
Enjoy: These cookies are best served after the filling has had a little time to set, so allow them to rest for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

How to Serve Clothespin Cookies

Clothespin cookies are perfect for any occasion, and here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

Tea Time: Pair these cookies with a nice cup of tea or coffee. The creamy filling and crispy texture make them the perfect accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage.
Special Occasions: Serve them at family gatherings, birthday parties, or holiday celebrations. Their unique shape will surely have guests asking for the recipe.
Gift-Worthy: Pack them up in a cute box or jar and gift them to friends or family. They’ll love the homemade touch!
As a Snack: Of course, you can enjoy them as an afternoon snack. The sweet filling and crispy cookies are always a treat.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make shaping the cookies easier.
Fillings Galore: Feel free to experiment with the filling! Try adding a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, or mix in some cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor.
Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well if you want to save some for later.
Make Them Mini: If you prefer bite-sized cookies, you can make these a little smaller, perfect for a little nibble.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: While butter gives these cookies their rich, flavorful taste, margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary. The texture might be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q3: Can I use a different filling?
A3: Absolutely! You can get creative with the filling. Try using chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even a cream cheese-based filling for a different flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out and shaping the cookies.

Q6: Can I make these cookies without sweetened condensed milk?
A6: If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use regular buttercream frosting or make your own filling with powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla.

Q7: Can I add nuts to the filling?
A7: Yes, adding finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch and flavor to the filling!

Q8: Can I use store-bought dough?
A8: You can, though I highly recommend making the dough from scratch. The texture and flavor are so much better when it’s homemade!

Q9: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A9: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the rest of the ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q10: Can I make these cookies without the filling?
A10: While the filling is part of what makes clothespin cookies so delicious, you could enjoy them plain for a simple, light treat. Just bake them and enjoy the crispy, buttery cookie!

Conclusion

Clothespin cookies are a sweet little labor of love that’s sure to win over anyone who takes a bite. With their crispy, buttery exterior and smooth, creamy filling, they’re simply irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a fun family baking project, or just because, they’re guaranteed to add a little sweetness to your day. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to enjoy these delightful treats!