Ice Box Cookies are a charming slice-and-bake treat popularized in the early to mid-20th century. These cookies are made by preparing a dough that’s rolled into a log and chilled, making it easy to slice and bake on demand. The version here, attributed to "Mrs. A," combines brown sugar, butter, egg, and chopped nuts, flavored with vanilla. Perfect for make-ahead baking, Ice Box Cookies are crisp on the edges, chewy in the middle, and carry a rich, buttery flavor with a nutty crunch.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup butter (softened, noted as “nearly ¼ lb”)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup nuts (chopped, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Step 3: Add Flour
- Gradually stir in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
Step 4: Mix in Nuts
- Fold in the chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
- Shape the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and arrange on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Let cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Tips
- Chill the dough thoroughly so slices hold their shape when baking
- Roll the dough into logs before chilling for evenly sized cookies
- Toast the chopped nuts lightly for deeper flavor
- Use walnuts or pecans as traditionally done
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note
- Slice thinner for crisp cookies or thicker for softer centers
- Store logs in the freezer for slice-and-bake convenience
- Sprinkle sliced cookies with sugar before baking for sparkle
- Substitute vanilla with almond extract for variation
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.6mg
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