Washboard Cookies Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create Washboard Pattern: Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball twice in perpendicular directions to create the characteristic washboard crisscross pattern.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/washboard-cookies-recipe/
