Imagine a plate stacked high with golden, delicate pastry shells filled with billows of sweet cream—that’s the poetic beauty of Clothespin Cookies. These nostalgic treats, with their crisp-yet-tender cookie and fluffy vanilla filling, are the kind of showstopper dessert that inspires oohs and aahs wherever they go. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just want to indulge your sweet tooth, Clothespin Cookies offer that irresistible combination of sophisticated flavor and homemade comfort. Once you taste the creamy center and buttery shell, you’ll understand why they’ve charmed generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight, producing cookies that are buttery, tender, and impossible to forget. By blending humble pantry staples with a few special touches, you create the taste and texture that make Clothespin Cookies a true classic.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The backbone of the dough, butter gives richness and makes the cookies melt-in-your-mouth.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup for dough, 1/2 cup for filling): Provides sweetness and helps create the perfect crumb for both cookie and filling.
- Egg Yolks (3 large): Add luxurious texture and golden color to the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): The essential structure, making sure your cookies hold their shape but stay tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch brings the sweetness to life and keeps the flavors balanced.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Moistens the dough just enough for rolling and gives a subtle, gentle flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Whipped up for the filling, this is the secret to that luscious creamy center.
- Shortening (1/2 cup): Stabilizes the filling and gives it that light, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A hint of vanilla brings aromatic warmth and ties the filling together beautifully.
How to Make Clothespin Cookies
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is noticeably light and fluffy—this is the secret to an airy cookie shell. Next, beat in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring everything is thoroughly mixed. Gradually add the flour and salt, alternating with splashes of milk, until you have a smooth, soft dough. Pat the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and let it chill for at least an hour. This resting time makes for cookies that are easier to work with and bake up perfectly tender.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Once the dough is nicely chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your clothespin molds or metal cannoli forms. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness—aim for evenness so your cookies bake consistently. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut dough into strips roughly 4–5 inches long and about 3/4 inch wide. Gently wrap each strip around a mold, overlapping the dough slightly to prevent gaps during baking. Arrange on a baking sheet and slide into the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until delicately golden. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then carefully slide them off the molds and cool fully on wire racks. The aroma is worth pausing for!
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling
While the cookie shells cool, whip up the dreamy cream filling. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream and sugar together until soft peaks form—this gives you a fluffy base. Add in the shortening and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is light, airy, and luscious. The finished filling should hold its shape beautifully, perfect for piping.
Step 4: Fill the Cookie Shells
Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip (a star tip looks lovely too). Pipe the cream filling into both ends of each cooled cookie shell, filling them completely for that classic Clothespin Cookie look. Once filled, chill the cookies until you’re ready to serve. This makes the cream set up nicely while the shells stay crisp.
How to Serve Clothespin Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is the classic Clothespin Cookie finishing touch—simple, elegant, and beautiful. You can also dip the edges in a bit of melted chocolate or sprinkle with finely chopped nuts for something extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of hot coffee, a creamy latte, or even a sparkling dessert wine for a truly decadent experience. They also shine on a holiday cookie tray alongside shortbreads, biscotti, or fruit tartlets.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Clothespin Cookies in a spiral on a decorative platter, nestle them in cupcake liners for individual servings, or bundle several in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for the prettiest edible gifts. For parties, try setting out bowls of fresh berries for guests to pair with their cookies—it looks gorgeous and adds a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store filled Clothespin Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep their texture for up to 3 days. The cookie shells stay crisp while the filling stays fluffy and fresh, ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the unfilled cookie shells for up to 2 months. Just layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each layer. Thaw at room temperature, then fill and serve—nobody will guess they were made ahead!
Reheating
No reheating is necessary for Clothespin Cookies, but if the shells feel a bit soft from the fridge, simply let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. This brings out their best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make Clothespin Cookies without molds?
Traditional molds create the iconic shape, but you can use metal cannoli forms or even create makeshift molds by wrapping aluminum foil around wooden dowels. The results are just as delightful!
What’s the best way to prevent the dough from sticking?
Roll the dough on a well-floured surface and occasionally dust your rolling pin. If it begins to stick, chill it a bit longer before working with it.
Can the filling be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip up the filling a day in advance—just keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to pipe it into the cookies.
How do I keep the cookie shells crisp?
Let the shells cool completely before filling, and avoid overfilling as excess moisture can make them soggy. Store filled Clothespin Cookies in the fridge and enjoy within a few days for best results.
Are there any filling variations?
Yes! For a festive twist, try adding a little almond or citrus extract to the filling, or fold in finely chopped chocolate or crushed berries for a splash of color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making a batch of Clothespin Cookies from scratch—whether you’re honoring family traditions or starting delicious new ones. They’re a labor of love and a guaranteed delight for anyone lucky enough to enjoy one (or a few!). I hope you’ll try this recipe and let these beautiful cookies become a cherished part of your own kitchen memories.
Print
Clothespin Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Clothespin cookies, also known as cream horn cookies, are delightful treats that feature a buttery cookie shell filled with a light and fluffy cream. These filled pastry cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and will impress your guests with their delicious taste and charming appearance.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Creaming the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks.
- Preparing the dough: Gradually add flour and salt, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Baking the cookies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into strips and wrap around molds. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Preparing the filling: Beat heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Add shortening and vanilla, then whip until light and fluffy.
- Filling the cookies: Pipe the cream filling into each cookie shell. Chill before serving.
Notes
- Store filled cookies in the refrigerator for best texture.
- Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Unfilled cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
