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Classic Washboard Cookies Recipe

Classic Washboard Cookies Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 38-40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Washboard cookies bring back memories of grandma’s kitchen, where simple ingredients create the most delightful treats your family will adore. Crisp, buttery, and delicately textured, these classic cookies are perfect for dunking in milk or enjoying with afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup quick oats
  • ½ cup shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Pull softened 1 cup butter and 1 cup sugar into a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency.
  2. Crack 1 large egg into the butter mixture. Pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly until the ingredients seamlessly combine.
  3. Grab a separate bowl and measure out 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they’re evenly distributed.
  4. Heat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour dry ingredients into wet mixture and stir gently until just combined.
  5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a small log approximately 2-2.5 inches long on the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Take a fork and press gentle horizontal ridges across the top of each dough log, creating the signature washboard texture.
  7. Slide baking sheets into the preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a soft golden brown.
  8. Remove sheets from oven. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
  9. Transfer cookies carefully to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Soft butter creates smoother dough, so let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
  • Use a fork with sturdy tines to create consistent washboard ridges across each cookie.
  • Coconut adds fantastic texture, but toast it lightly first to enhance the nutty flavor profile.
  • Chill your dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping if the mixture feels too soft or sticky, which helps maintain crisp edges during baking.
  • Prep Time: 28 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 246 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 107 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg