Clothes Pin Cookies
Clothes Pin Cookies are crisp, flaky treats with a buttery flavor, shaped around clothespins for a charming presentation—perfect for gatherings or sweet snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add sugar to the flour.
- Cut in 1/4 of the Fluffo (shortening).
- Add eggs and water; mix as for dough.
- Place the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and spread with 1/4 of the Fluffo, folding like an envelope.
- Repeat this process 3 times, totaling about 3 hours.
- Take 1/4 of the dough at a time and roll it out.
- Cut the dough into 8-inch strips.
- Wind each strip loosely around a clothespin.
- Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove the pins and bake the cookies at 375°F for another 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the Fluffo is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you don't have Fluffo, you can substitute with regular shortening or butter, though the texture may differ slightly. Rolling out the dough can be easier if you dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking. Consider adding a hint of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun presentation, consider serving them on a platter with a selection of other baked treats like Cherry Dessert Squares or Chris' Favorite Mini Pumpkin Muffins. They can also be enjoyed as a light dessert after a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Clothes Pin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clothes Pin Cookies contains roughly 1158 calories, with 24g protein, 237g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 509mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling it out and shaping the cookies. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Why do I need to fold the dough multiple times?
The multiple folds help create layers in the dough, resulting in a flakier texture once baked. This technique is similar to making puff pastry, which contributes to the unique structure of the cookies.
Can I add flavors or fillings to the cookies?
Yes, you can customize your Clothes Pin Cookies by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).