The Hartstone Pottery Company makes high quality, hand-decorated stoneware. The pottery is designed to be used in kitchens for both baking and displaying. The company describes its goal as sharing the artistic expression of its craftspeople with people from across the country. Hartstone cookie molds remain the most popular pieces of Hartstone pottery, though many are no longer produced by the company.
Care and Use
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Season the stone before using the cookie mold for the first time. To season, rub cooking oil directly onto each crevasse, or spray cooking oil onto the stone. The mold will not need to be seasoned again.
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Hartstone cookie molds are durable, non-absorbent, and stick resistant. They can be cleaned with soap, unlike other cooking stone brands. Hartstone pottery can be used in the freezer and dishwasher, as well as in the oven and microwave.
Preparation
Before baking a cookie, prepare the mold by spraying it evenly with a nonstick cooking spray. Wipe the excess spray off of the mold with a paper towel. Lightly dust the prepared mold with flour. The mold must be re-floured, but not re-oiled before each use.
Dough
Roll the cookie dough into a small ball, then press the dough into the mold. Do not use a rolling pin to distribute the dough. Press firmly in an outward motion to fill the mold. More dough can be added to fill if needed.
Once the dough is pressed evenly into the mold, prick the surface with a fork. This will allow steam to escape during the baking process, and keep the cookie from breaking or warping.
Buttered shortbread cookie dough is preferred for baking directly in stoneware. Poppy seeds, and lemon are flavorful additions to shortbread recipes. Dipping the shortbread cookies in chocolate is also a variation for stone-baked shortbread.
Baking and Cooling
Place the mold on a cookie sheet when baking so it will be easier to put it in and take it out of the oven.
Remove baked cookies from the oven, and let them stand for about two minutes before gently removing them from the mold. Place the cookies, design side up, on a wire rack to cool.
Purchasing Hartstone Molds
Unfortunately, the Hartstone Pottery Company has discontinued the production of most of its cookie molds. However, cookie molds can still be purchased from some wholesalers, warehouse stores, antique stores and through online auctions. Hartstone Pottery cookie molds may also turn up at rummage sales, so be vigilant.