Clothespin Cookies II are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, flaky dough with a sweet filling of nuts and brown sugar. These cookies are a holiday favorite and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. With a preparing time of just 45 minutes, you can quickly whip up a batch of these delicious cookies whenever you're craving a sweet treat. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, so there are plenty to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the flour, mixing well after each addition.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each part into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough, each about 2 inches in diameter.
- Place a teaspoon of the nut filling in the center of each circle of dough.
- Fold the dough in half over the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
- Gently pinch the ends of the folded dough together to create a teardrop shape.
- Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container.
Interesting Facts
Clothespin Cookies got their name from their resemblance to clothespins when pressed together.
These cookies are also known as Lady Locks or Cream Horns.
Clothespin Cookies have Eastern European origins and are popular in Polish, Slovak, and Czech cuisines.
The dough used for Clothespin Cookies is similar to puff pastry dough, resulting in a flaky and tender texture.