Ah, washboard cookies — a fun, textured treat that looks like it was pressed with a ridged “washboard” or fork pattern. They’re usually simple butter cookies that are crisp on the outside and soft inside. Here’s a clear guide to make them:
Washboard Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional for topping: sugar, cinnamon, or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar
- Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually mix into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the sheet 2 inches apart.
- Press each ball lightly with a fork or a ridged tool to make the “washboard” pattern.
- Optional: Sprinkle a little sugar on top for crunch.
- Bake
- 10–12 minutes or until edges are light golden.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for perfect texture
- Use soft butter for fluffier cookies.
- Don’t overbake — they crisp as they cool.
- You can flavor them with lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon for variety.
If you want, I can give you a quick 3-ingredient washboard cookie hack that’s crispy, buttery, and takes only 20 minutes.
Do you want me to do that?
