Irene'S Icebox Cookies
Crisp, nutty icebox cookies with warm spices and a sweet, buttery flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted Crisco.
- Add beaten eggs and almond flavoring to the creamed mixture.
- Mix together dry ingredients: flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Roll the cookie dough into logs; wrap in wax paper and plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate or freeze the logs to bake later.
- Slice the logs into cookies and bake at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract in addition to the almond flavoring. You can substitute half of the Crisco with unsalted butter for a richer taste. If you prefer, try using different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Make sure to chill the dough well before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
Serving Suggestions
These icebox cookies are delightful served with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other treats like Carmelita Bars or Chocolate 7-Up Cake. For a fun twist, try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of ice cream for a quick dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep the logs in the freezer, wrapped tightly. When ready to enjoy, you can slice and bake straight from the freezer, adjusting the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irene'S Icebox Cookies contains roughly 169 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 474mg per serving (21% 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 a different type of fat besides Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter for Crisco if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly. If using butter, ensure it is softened and creamed well with the sugars.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or swapping out spices for holiday flavors like ginger or allspice. You can also dip half of the cookies in chocolate for a special touch.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help firm it up. If the dough remains sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until it reaches a manageable consistency.
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).