Favorite Icebox Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Creamy, nutty icebox cookies with a crisp texture, perfect for make-ahead treats and enjoyed by those who love rich, buttery flavors with pecan accents.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. self-rising flour
  • 1/2 c. margarine
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. ground pecans

Instructions

  1. Cream margarine.
  2. Add sugar gradually and beat well.
  3. Add egg and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
  4. Gradually add sifted self-rising flour, mixing until combined.
  5. Add ground pecans and stir in.
  6. Divide dough into two or three parts and shape into logs.
  7. Wrap logs in wax paper and chill overnight.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Cut chilled dough into 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch slices.
  10. Bake slices in the preheated oven until browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting butter for margarine, although this will alter the texture slightly. If you're allergic to nuts, you can omit the pecans or replace them with chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this helps in slicing the cookies evenly and maintaining their shape during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These icebox cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They also make a great addition to dessert trays alongside treats like Milky Way Candy Cake and Jam Filled Crumb Bars for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookie logs before slicing. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Favorite Icebox Cookies contains roughly 1162 calories, with 16g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1162 kcal 58% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.7g 31% DV
Total Fat 52.1g 67% DV
Carbs 131.9g 48% DV
Fiber 7.4g 27% DV
Sugar 10g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 353.7mg 15% DV
Potassium 1070.5mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 309.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 77.4mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 12mg 13% DV
Calcium 331.3mg 25% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour used. This will help replicate the leavening effect of self-rising flour in your cookies.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

Consider adding colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips to the dough before chilling it. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies or dip them in chocolate for an extra special touch, making them perfect for holidays or celebrations.

What’s the best way to slice the chilled dough?

Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled logs, applying gentle pressure to avoid squashing the dough. For cleaner cuts, you can also use a serrated knife. If the dough becomes too soft, chill it for a bit longer until it's easier to handle.

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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