Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and beautifully ridged like an old-fashioned washboard — these classic cookies are buttery, comforting, and impossible to stop eating!
⏱ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Chill: 20 minutes
- Bake: 10–12 minutes
- Total: ~40 minutes
🍽 Servings: 24–30 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional but traditional)
- ¼ cup milk
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Add milk and shredded coconut, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm it up.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tbsp).
- Roll into short logs and place on a baking sheet.
- Press each piece with a fork or the tines of a whisk to create washboard ridges.
4. Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a rack.
⭐ Tips
- For extra flavor, add ½ tsp cinnamon or ½ cup chopped nuts.
- Don’t overbake—washboard cookies are best lightly golden.
- Keep them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.