Caramel Refrigerator Cookies
Creamy caramel refrigerator cookies feature rich brown sugar and vanilla, offering a chewy texture with a hint of caramel flavor. Perfect for cookie lovers and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix shortening, sugar, egg, and vanilla well.
- Sift together flour, soda, and salt.
- Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Form the dough into a roll about 2 1/2 inches across.
- Wrap the roll in wax paper.
- Chill until the dough is firm.
- Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/8-inch thick slices.
- Bake on an ungreased baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half margarine instead of shortening. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for extra texture and taste. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to achieve perfectly sliced cookies. If you find the dough too sticky, dust your hands and the surface with a little flour while shaping. These cookies can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
These Caramel Refrigerator Cookies are delightful on their own but also pair well with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. You can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a slice of Fresh Berry Trifle, which complements the caramel flavor beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, separating layers with parchment paper, and they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 992 calories, with 8g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 707mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the shortening with something else?
Yes, you can substitute shortening with an equal amount of butter or margarine for a richer flavor. However, using butter may result in a slightly different texture, so keep that in mind when making your cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake them.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled dough wrapped in wax paper. When ready to bake, simply slice the dough while still frozen and bake as directed. This is a great way to have freshly baked cookies on hand whenever you want.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).