Christmas Icebox Cookies
Festive and flavorful, these Christmas Icebox Cookies combine rich spices, nuts, and candied fruits, perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges with a delightful chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon mace
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup white raisins
- 1/4 cup diced candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced candied red cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced candied green cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the butter until light.
- Add sugar and honey; beat for 10 additional minutes.
- Sift dry ingredients together and add to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream.
- Fold in chopped nuts, currants, white raisins, candied pineapple, and candied cherries.
- Form the dough into rolls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap in aluminum foil or heavy cellophane and store in the freezer overnight.
- When ready to bake, slice the rolls into 1/4-inch slices.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more festive touch, consider adding a mix of dried fruits like cranberries or apricots instead of the currants or raisins. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you find the dough too sticky, gradually add more flour until the desired consistency is achieved.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Icebox Cookies are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. They make a wonderful treat for holiday gatherings or as a gift when packaged in decorative tins. For a more complete dessert experience, serve with a scoop of Heavenly Butterfinger Ice Cream for a festive twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they will keep for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Icebox Cookies contains roughly 140 calories, with 1g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and stored in the freezer for up to a month. When you're ready to bake, simply slice and bake straight from the freezer. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for the holidays.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt, which will add a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary. If they start to darken too much, they may be overbaked, so check them a minute or two before the recommended time.
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).