Grandma, Florence Best'S Refrigerator Cookies
Delicious refrigerator cookies with chopped nuts and dates, offering a rich, nutty sweetness. Perfect for satisfying cookie cravings and suitable for make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and brown sugar thoroughly.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Sift dry ingredients together: flour, soda, and salt.
- Add chopped nuts and chopped dates to the dry mixture.
- Combine the dry mixture with the creamed mixture.
- Divide the dough into two parts and shape each into a roll.
- Wrap the rolls in waxed paper.
- Chill in refrigerator until firm.
- Slice the chilled dough and bake at 350°F until brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on Grandma Florence's Refrigerator Cookies, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat. If you don't have chopped dates, dried cranberries or raisins work well. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the brown sugar. For a fun variation, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet surprise.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful served with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. For an extra special touch, pair them with Chris' Cold Fudge for a rich dessert platter. You can also enjoy them as a snack during a cozy afternoon or serve them at gatherings for a nostalgic treat that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked rolls wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, simply slice the frozen dough and bake without thawing, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma, Florence Best'S Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 1790 calories, with 17g protein, 280g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2684mg per serving (117% 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 use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can experiment with walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. Each type of nut will add its unique flavor and texture, so choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
How long do I need to chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or until firm. If you're short on time, chilling for just 30 minutes can help, but the cookies may spread more during baking. The longer chilling time helps the flavors meld and improves the cookie’s texture.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Just slice and bake when you're ready for fresh cookies. This is a great way to have homemade treats on hand without the last-minute rush.
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).