Looking for a nostalgic cookie with simple ingredients and satisfying crunch? These Old-Fashioned Washboard Cookies are buttery, crisp, and beautifully patterned using just a fork. They’re the kind of homemade treat that brings comfort and joy in every bite—perfect for afternoon tea, holiday cookie trays, or easy baking projects with kids.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Made with 7 simple pantry ingredients
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Beautiful texture with fork-pressed washboard ridges
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Perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate crunch
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Ideal for tea time, cookie exchanges, or edible gifts
Ingredients Breakdown
Butter Base:
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Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened) – The key to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Granulated sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
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Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
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All-purpose flour (2 cups) – Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and buttery.
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Baking powder (½ teaspoon) – A touch of lift to prevent the cookies from being too dense.
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Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavor.
Liquid:
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Milk (2 tablespoons) – Moistens the dough just enough to create the perfect consistency for shaping.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use room temperature butter for the fluffiest texture.
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Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too soft to roll.
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Sprinkle a touch of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra sparkle and crunch.
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Use a crinkle cutter or cookie stamp for a decorative variation.
Variations and Customizations:
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Lemon or almond extract: Swap out the vanilla for a fresh flavor twist.
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Coconut version: Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut for extra texture.
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Chocolate dipped: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate and allow to set.
Pairing Suggestions:
These cookies pair wonderfully with:
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A hot cup of Earl Grey tea or black coffee
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A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
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A cozy mug of hot cocoa or spiced chai
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Served alongside a holiday cookie charcuterie board
Storage Instructions:
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake or enjoy as needed.
Popular Questions:
Why are they called washboard cookies?
The name comes from the fork-pressed pattern on top, which resembles the grooves of an old-fashioned washboard.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based butter and use any unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Are these good for cookie swaps?
Absolutely. They hold their shape well, pack beautifully, and stay fresh for days.
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Washboard Cookies
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Description
A classic, buttery treat with tender centers, crisp edges, and those iconic fork-pressed ridges. Simple, nostalgic, and perfect with coffee or tea—pure homemade comfort in every bite
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla
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Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Form the Dough
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
6. Shape and Pattern
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Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
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Use a fork to gently flatten each ball, creating a ridged “washboard” pattern on top.
7. Bake to Perfection
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set.
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These vintage-style washboard cookies are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that will never go out of style.
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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