Icebox cookies (also known as refrigerator cookies) are a type of cookie dough chilled in the refrigerator before being baked. This allows the dough to be easily sliced and baked as needed, resulting in a crisp and delicious cookie. These cookies were popular during my childhood, and this Icebox Cookie Recipe is from my mom’s cookie collection. I have fond memories of my mom making the dough logs and slicing the chilled dough into single cookies. It tastes like sugar cookies crossed with hints of a shortbread cookie. Add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts, but anyway, you make them. They’re convenient, simple cookies that will satisfy any cookie craving.
You’re going to love these buttery icebox cookies. Customize them into your favorite holiday or special occasion cookie! These sugar cookies are the base recipe in which you can add on ingredients.
Ok, since we are speaking about cookies, here are a few of my favorite cookies from my website!
I love this quote, ” A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.” I guess I love this quote since I have a soft spot for cookies. What I love about them is they are a dessert that you can enjoy in small doses.
Plus, baking cookies is also a fun activity to do with friends and family. It’s a great way to spend time together and create memories in the kitchen. Plus, the smell of freshly baked cookies is the best!
The History of the Icebox Cookie Recipe
Icebox cookies have been a popular treat for generations, with roots traced back to the early 1900s. The name “icebox” refers to chilling the cookie dough in an icebox, a precursor to the modern refrigerator, before slicing and baking. This allowed for a quick and easy treat that could be made ahead of time and stored later.
So the idea of slicing and baking chilled cookie dough was a practical solution for homemakers who needed to provide fresh-baked treats for their families but didn’t have the time to make dough from scratch each day. They could easily slice and bake as many cookies as needed by making the dough in advance and storing it in the icebox.
Over the years, the popularity of icebox cookies has declined. However, there is a growing trend of people rediscovering the joys of baking and homestyle cooking, potentially leading to a renewal in the popularity of icebox cookies. Baking has become a way for people to connect with their roots. I know I’m enjoying my parent’s generation of recipes! It is my way of reconnecting with them and the past!
Here’s to the classic Freezer Cookie Recipe!
Some Important Tips About These Sweet Treats
Time Commitment
Since these cookies need to chill in the refrigerator, you’ll need to make the dough ahead of time. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. If you skip this step, then when you try and slice them, they are too soft and lose their shape.
Slice Immediately
Once you remove the cookie log from the freezer, slice it immediately. So don’t allow the dough to return to room temperature. When slicing the dough, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts. I didn’t have issues slicing, but others suggested using a thin, sharp, serrated knife to get a clean cut. This buttery dough is perfect, and I haven’t had any issues crumbling while I slice it.
Soft Dough
If your cookie dough before freezing is a little bit on the soft side add a little flour until it’s firmer.
Use high-quality ingredients, especially butter and vanilla extract.
The high-quality ingredients will show up in the taste!
Icebox Sugar Cookie Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for classic icebox sugar cookies:
Ingredients You Need to Make For These Baked Cookies
- Flour
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
- Granulated Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
Steps to Make These Refrigerator Cookies
Step 1 – Mix the Flour Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar
In a Kitchen Aid (an electric mixer will work), use the paddle attachment and cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 3 – Mix Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Step 4 – Freeze Cookie Dough Logs
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. If you like, add sugar coating to the dough log. Wrap the logs in one or two layers of plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 5 – Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the chilled dough into rounds about 1/4 inch thick and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Note that I sliced my cookies a bit too thick. 🙂
Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on the cookie tray for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Icebox Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium size, bowl whisks together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a Kitchen Aid (an electric mixer will work), use the paddle attachment and cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. If you like, add a sugar coating to the dough log. Wrap the logs in one or two layers of plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).Slice the chilled dough into rounds about 1/4 inch thick and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on the cookie tray for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Convenient:
By making the cookie dough in advance and storing it in the freezer, you can have fresh-baked cookies whenever you want. Pull them out and bake them at a moment’s notice. It’s like store-bought cookies, but they taste much better and are homemade.
Versatile:
Icebox cookies are a blank canvas, and these are perfect cookies that you can add any flavor or mix-in that you like. Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit for a unique twist.
Customizable:
You can easily make the cookies larger or smaller by adjusting the thickness of the slices. You can make them more or less sweet by adjusting the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Perfect for special occasions:
Icebox cookies are always a hit and great for holidays or celebrations. They’re perfect for gift-giving, too!
Easy to make:
This simple and straightforward recipe makes it an excellent choice for bakers of all levels. Even if you’ve never baked before, you’ll be able to make delicious icebox cookies in no time!
The prepared dough lasts for months in the freezer:
Place the frozen dough in plastic freezer bags or an airtight container and they will last for about two months.
Here are some popular add-ons to icebox cookies:
- Chocolate chips or chunks are put on the outside and inside of the cookie
- Melted chocolate drizzled on top of the cookie
- Nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- Dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries)
- Candy (such as M&Ms or Skittles)
- Coconut flakes
- Peanut butter
- Oatmeal
- Pretzels
- Sprinkles
- Caramel bits
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Crushed candy canes for the holidays
Add these to the cookie dough before molding it into a dough log.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezer Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, icebox cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar, powdered sugar, or a sugar substitute if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture, flavor, and color of the cookies may change slightly.
Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the cookies to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container.
How do I know when the cookies are done? The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden and the center should be set. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices, so keep an eye on the cookies and check them every minute or two after the 10-minute mark.
What can you add to the sugar cookie mix to make it better? You can add more vanilla extract and add some almond extract if you like the almond flavor. But you can add any mix-ins that you like, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Simply mix them into the dough before dividing it into logs and chilling.
Is it better to freeze cookies baked or unbaked? They are fine either way, but I prefer to freeze cookie dough rather than the cookies. That way you bake a fresh batch of cookies and serve and eat them warm.
Do cookies still taste fresh after freezing? Freezing doesn’t ruin cookie dough. It’s the water content in food that has a problem with freezing. It contracts and expands which changes the texture of the food. Cookies don’t have water, so this isn’t a problem.
My mom made these delicious cookies during the holiday season and I have fond memories. Not only were these her Christmas icebox cookies but I remember my mom made a few versions and her pecan icebox cookies were also fantastic. I wish I could find her other icebox cookie recipes, but I’ll have to create my own recipes.
Well, I hope you enjoy my mom’s icebox cookie recipe. These easy-to-make cookies are a timeless classic that will delight your family.
Happy Baking!
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