Ice Box Cookies

4-5 dozen cookies servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 15 m Total: 35 m Beginner
Be the first to rate!
Ice Box Cookies
Classic make-ahead slice-and-bake cookies with pecans and brown sugar. Roll the dough into logs, refrigerate overnight, then slice and bake fresh cookies whenever you want them - just like the store-bought version but homemade and delicious.

Ingredients

4-5 dozen cookies servings
  • 4 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups shortening
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cream sugar and shortening together until light and fluffy. Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt, then add to the creamed mixture. Add the eggs, vanilla, and chopped pecans, mixing until well combined.
  2. Roll the dough in wax paper in a cylindrical tube – it will look like the slice and bake cookies you can buy at the grocery store. The logs should be about 2 inches in diameter.
  3. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours until firm).
  4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 13-15 minutes or until they are just getting a little brown around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my dough too soft to slice?

A: The dough needs to be thoroughly chilled - at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. If it's still too soft, pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough logs?

A: Absolutely! Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil. They'll keep frozen for up to 3 months. Slice while still frozen and add a minute or two to the baking time.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?

A: Make sure your dough is cold when it goes into the oven. If the dough has warmed up while slicing, refrigerate the sliced cookies for 15 minutes before baking.

Tips and Techniques

For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. You can also roll the logs in colored sugar or chopped nuts before refrigerating for a decorative edge on each cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • shortening: butter
  • pecans: walnuts, chocolate chips, or leave them out entirely
  • brown sugar: all white sugar

Equipment Needed

  • wax paper or plastic wrap
  • rolling surface
  • sharp knife
  • cookie sheets
  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer (optional but helpful)

Historical Context

The term “ice box cookies” comes from the era when homes had ice boxes instead of electric refrigerators. These cookies became popular in the 1930s-1940s as a convenient way to have fresh cookies without mixing up a whole batch every time.