Description
Crisp and buttery clothespin cookies spiral with classic Italian charm, delivering sweet nostalgia in each delicate bite. Pastry lovers will adore these delightful treats that melt perfectly with coffee or tea, inviting memories of cherished family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies Base:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1 cup marshmallow cream
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Coating/Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Chill the butter and cube it into small, uniform pieces for easier mixing with the dry ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour and powdered sugar to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth base.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, gently mixing until the dough just comes together without overworking.
- Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavor development.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into rectangular strips, wrapping each around a clothespin or narrow metal form.
- Arrange the shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks before carefully removing from clothespins.
- Blend marshmallow cream, raspberry jam, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy for the filling.
- Carefully pipe or spoon the filling into the cooled cookie shells.
- Combine powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Gently roll filled cookies in the sugar mixture, ensuring an even, delicate coating.
- Arrange on a serving platter and dust with additional cinnamon-sugar blend if desired.
- Store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture.
Notes
- Chill butter thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
- Sifting flour and powdered sugar prevents clumping and creates a smoother, more delicate dough consistency.
- Use cold ingredients to maintain structural integrity and prevent spreading during baking.
- Avoid overworking the dough to keep cookies light and crumbly, mixing just until ingredients combine.
- Experiment with alternative fillings like chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or almond cream for unique flavor variations.
- Gluten-free bakers can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for similar results.
- Room temperature cookies are best for filling to prevent cracking and ensure smooth assembly.
- Freeze unfilled cookies for up to a month, allowing quick dessert preparation when unexpected guests arrive.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 54 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg