Clothespin Cookies

As promised, here is my recipe for Clothespin Cookies.

I've been making these cookies, literally, for DECADES!

I have tinted the creme fillings to coordinate with high school &

then college graduations, bridal showers, teas, weddings &

have even made them in plain white for a funeral or two, as well.

Here is the recipe, but I warn you...it takes all day!
CLOTHESPIN COOKIES

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 pkg of Crisco in sticks, (NOT Butter Flavor)
• 3 Cups all purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
• 2 egg yolks (save the whites for filling)
• 1 1/4 Cups water

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. Crisco shortening
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 Cup granulated sugar
• 2 egg whites, saved from making cookies
• 1/2 Cup hot milk

Cookie Directions: START EARLY!

To make the pastry, sift sugar & flour together,
then cut in 2 Tbsp. of Crisco shortening,
add 2 egg yolks & 1 1/4 Cup water.

Mix well & refrigerate 2 hours in same bowl.
Roll out into a rectangle on a well floured board.
Spread 2 Tbsp. Crisco over the top, fold over three times.
Wrap in plastic wrap & refrigerate 1 hour.

Repeat the rolling out & spreading of 2 Tbsp. of Crisco & the folding two more times,
refrigerating for 1 hour in between each application of Crisco, then when complete, keep in refrigerator for at least 2 MORE hours before shaping cookies.

I have both wooden clothespins & metal dowels

for shaping the cookies around.

Do not use wooden dowels from a lumber store...they are chemically treated & not food safe!

Using 1/4 of the dough, roll into 6" x 18" rectangles.
Cut into strips 1/2" x 6" each.
Roll each strip loosely on clean, old-fashioned wooden clothespins or metal dowels.

Overlap the edges to prevent spaces when baking.
I start at the open end of the clothespin & roll down to the knob.
(don't use the French clip kind with the metal hinge)

Place on cookie sheets & Bake 12 min. at 350º.
I use parchment paper but you don't have to.

Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before taking off rods but do remove while they are still slightly warm, as they will release easier.
Put your hand around the entire cookie & gently twist, then pull.
Do not pull on just the cookie itself or it will break.
They are very flaky & fragile! Allow to cool completely before filling. Use a pastry bag or cookie press to insert cream filling, below.

Filling Directions:

Cream the 2 Tbsp. shortening & 1 stick of butter together.
Add 1 Cup granulated sugar & beat until dissolved.
Add 2 egg whites (that you saved after making the cookie dough)
and 1 tsp. vanilla & mix well.

Add hot milk only 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until creamy.
Divide dough & lightly tint in desired colors...pale shades look the most appetizing.
Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
These freeze well IF you have any leftover!

Lavender & Yellow for Easter Pink & Green for Delta Zeta sorority or any occasion Blue and/or Pink for baby showers
Bridesmaids' dress colors for weddings
Plain White for Funerals

I'm joining noted author, Michael Lee at

Designs by Gollum

for her weekly meme

Foodie Friday.

I hope you go visit her & find tons more recipes to try.

Thanks for visiting me here at The Gazebo House, too.

I'm always thrilled & you're welcome anytime.

fondly,