Looking for the perfect Refrigerator Cookies Recipe to add to your baking repertoire? These easy-to-make cookies are not only convenient but also packed with flavor, thanks to the warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re prepping ahead for holiday baking or want a sweet treat on hand, refrigerator cookies are a great way to keep fresh dough ready in the fridge or freezer. This recipe will become a household favorite with simple ingredients and delicious results!
These cookies are an old-fashioned treat that is easy to make, with a delightful spiced flavor of cinnamon and buttery richness, finished off with a satisfying crunch from the chopped nuts and their crisp texture.
Amy’s Refrigerator Cookie Recipe
I recently came across some of my mom’s old cookbooks and tucked among them was this cookie recipe. I remember these cookies fondly from childhood when refrigerator cookies were all the rage. Finding this recipe brought back so many sweet memories, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you.
If you’re a cinnamon sugar graham crackers fan, you’ll love this cookie! I have published a few of her recipes; another favorite of mine is her Almond Cookies!
The History of the Refrigerator Cookie Recipe
Refrigerator or 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 refrigerator 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 refrigerator 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!
Some Important Tips About These Freezer Cookies
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.
Freeze Unbaked Cookie Logs: You can store the rolled cookie dough in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just wrap the log tightly in plastic or wax paper wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag.
Slicing Tip for Even Cookies: Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to slice the log into cookies. If the dough gets too soft while slicing, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
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.
Cinnamon Cookie Ingredients
Flour: Flour provides structure and stability to the cookies, creating a tender and slightly crumbly texture.
Baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring they are light and not too dense.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, giving the cookies a rich and aromatic flavor.
Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies by balancing the sweetness.
Shortening: Shortening makes the cookies soft and tender by providing fat without adding moisture.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor with its subtle molasses taste, making the cookies soft and chewy.
Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and helps create a slightly crispy exterior.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness to the dough.
Chopped nuts: Nuts add crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft, spiced cookies.
Raw sugar (optional, for covering dough): Rolling the dough in raw sugar before baking adds a sweet, crunchy coating to the outside of the cookies.
Cinnamon Cookie Directions
Step 1 – Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2 – Cream Shortening and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3 – Add Egg: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 4 – Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5 – Stir in Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6 – Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. If you like, cover and press the dough log with raw sugar. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap, parchment, or wax paper.
Step 7 – Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough logs for at least 2 hours or until firm. You can also freeze the logs at this stage for future use.
Step 8 – Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 9 – Slice the Cookies: Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
Step 10—Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cinnamon Refrigerator Cookies
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ cup shortening
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
- raw sugar Sugar for covering the dough is optional
Instructions
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl.
- Cream Shortening and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. If you like, cover and press the dough log with raw sugar. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap, parchment, or wax paper.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough logs for at least 2 hours or until firm. You can also freeze the logs for future use.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Cookies: Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
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
Thanks so much for stopping by to check out this tasty refrigerator cookies recipe! I hope you have fun making (and eating) these crunchy, spiced cookies with your loved ones. Don’t forget to swing by again for more yummy recipes—happy baking!
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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