Cold Dough Cookies

Prep: 240 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Cold Dough Cookies are delicate, crescent-shaped treats with a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by vanilla and a touch of sugar. Their flaky texture and sweet filling make them perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent snack, appealing to those who enjoy homemade baked goods with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

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Ingredients

  • 4 c. flour
  • 1/2 lb. butter
  • 1/2 c. Crisco
  • 1 cake yeast (large cake or 2 oz.)
  • 1 c. sour cream
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, butter, and Crisco and crumb the mixture as you would for pie crust.
  2. Add egg yolks to the top of the flour mixture (do not mix yet; wait until ingredients are in the mixture).
  3. Add 1/2 cup sour cream to the flour mixture.
  4. Dissolve the yeast in the remaining sour cream with 1 tablespoon sugar and vanilla.
  5. Mix until the yeast is dissolved.
  6. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir by hand until the dough is soft.
  7. Place the dough in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
  8. Divide the dough into 5 parts and add flour and plenty of sugar to each part.
  9. Roll each part with a rolling pin to 1/8-inch thick (very thin).
  10. Cut into triangles, add filling to the wide section of each triangle, and roll up as you would crescent rolls.
  11. Roll in sugar and bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To avoid sticky dough, ensure your hands and work surface are well-floured while rolling. You can substitute half of the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you want a different flavor, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract. For added texture, mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before refrigerating the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These Cold Dough Cookies are delightful served with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. They also pair beautifully with Key Lime Cake for a dessert spread. Consider offering a selection of dips, like chocolate or caramel, for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cold Dough Cookies contains roughly 1887 calories, with 83g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 146g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (167% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (133% of the Daily Value), and iron (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

1887 kcal 94% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 83.3g 100% DV
Total Fat 145.8g 100% DV
Carbs 26.1g 9% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 8.4g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 445.7mg 19% DV
Potassium 871mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1200.6mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 25mcg 100% DV
Calcium 778.5mg 60% DV
Iron 23.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 use active dry yeast instead of cake yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for cake yeast. Use about 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Dissolve it in warm sour cream along with the sugar before adding to the flour mixture. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before mixing.

How can I make these cookies more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to complement the vanilla. Adding a pinch of salt can also help to elevate the overall taste of the cookies.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough overnight?

Refrigerating the dough overnight allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to work with. If you're short on time, you can refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is recommended for the best texture and flavor.

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).

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