Filled Ice Box Cookies
Filled Ice Box Cookies are chewy, sweet treats with a delightful date filling and crunchy walnut accents, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the well-beaten eggs and mix well.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon, then gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Divide the dough in half and roll each half out until 1/2 inch thick on a floured surface.
- Spread each rolled-out dough with the date filling mixture.
- Roll each filled dough like a jelly roll to form a log.
- Wrap in wax paper and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using figs or prunes instead of dates for the filling. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seeds or omit the nuts altogether. Make sure the shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming. If dough is too sticky, dust with a little extra flour while rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These filled ice box cookies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Creamy Surprise Gelatin Salad for a colorful dessert spread. They also work well as a sweet addition to a dessert platter with other treats like Fudgy Brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chilled logs wrapped in wax paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the logs. To serve, slice and enjoy straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Filled Ice Box Cookies contains roughly 1244 calories, with 7g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1547mg per serving (67% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and roll it into logs, then wrap them in wax paper and refrigerate for up to a week before slicing and baking. Just ensure the dough is well-chilled before cutting to maintain shape.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar by a quarter cup. Alternatively, you could use a sugar substitute suitable for baking, keeping in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
What can I use instead of shortening?
You can substitute unsalted butter or coconut oil for the shortening in this recipe. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor, while coconut oil can impart a subtle coconut taste.
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).