Washboard Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Washboard Cookies are a delightful treat with a crisp texture and a charming patterned top. These buttery, simple cookies are perfect for tea time or whenever you crave a classic homemade biscuit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Step 7: Using a fork, gently press down on each ball to create a washboard pattern.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a bit of extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or lemon zest to the dry ingredients.
• To keep cookies soft, reduce the baking time slightly and store in an airtight container.
• Substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh slightly stale cookies, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

How do I make the washboard pattern without a fork?

If you don’t have a fork, use the tines of another utensil or gently press with the back of a small spoon to create a similar textured pattern.

Washboard Cookies Recipe

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Washboard Cookies are classic buttery cookies characterized by their charming crisscross fork pattern on top. Featuring a tender, slightly sweet crumb, these delightful cookies are perfect for tea time or as a charming homemade treat to share. They combine simple pantry staples with straightforward techniques, resulting in a crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which ensures a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a rich, aromatic flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
5. Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. This alternating process helps keep the dough soft and manageable. Mix until a soft dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space to spread slightly during baking.
7. Create Washboard Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball twice in perpendicular directions to create the characteristic washboard crisscross pattern.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and ensuring crisp texture.

Notes

• For softer cookies, bake for the minimum time; for crisper edges, bake closer to 15 minutes.
• Make sure the butter is well softened but not melted for easier creaming with sugar.
• You can lightly chill the dough if it becomes too soft to handle when rolling.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
• Optional: sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top before baking for extra sparkle and sweetness.

Keywords: Washboard Cookies, butter cookies, fork pattern cookies, classic cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe