These Ice Box Fig and Raisin Cookies are a delicious nod to old-fashioned baking traditions. Made with stewed figs, sweet raisins, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, the dough is shaped into logs and chilled overnight for easy slicing and baking. These cookies were likely a popular treat for holidays and family gatherings, with their chewy centers and spiced aroma. The addition of coconut and a brown sugar base give them a rich, hearty flavor and satisfying texture. Ideal for make-ahead baking or cookie exchanges, they offer a nostalgic, pantry-friendly treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp cream
- ¾ cup figs (chopped & stewed )
- 1 cup raisins
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup coconut (shredded )
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add cream and mix well.
Step 2: Add Fruits and Coconut
- Stir in chopped stewed figs, raisins, and coconut.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and baking soda.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
- Divide dough in half.
- Shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap logs in wax paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
Tips
- Use butter instead of shortening for richer flavor.
- Add chopped nuts for more texture.
- Replace raisins with dried cranberries or dates.
- Increase cinnamon or cloves for a stronger spice profile.
- Add orange zest for brightness.
- Swap some flour for whole-wheat flour for more structure.
- Soak figs and raisins in warm water or rum for plumper fruit.
- Roll logs in parchment to maintain shape while chilling.
- Freeze the dough up to 2 months for future baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 61mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg
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