Mother'S Icebox Cookies
Creamy, nutty icebox cookies with a rich flavor profile, perfect for mailing or sharing. Easy to prepare and slice into generous servings, ideal for holidays or gifting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, soda, salt) together.
- Cream margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and chopped pecans, mixing until combined.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Shape each part into long rolls about 1-inch in diameter and the length of the width of wax paper.
- Wrap the rolls in wax paper and chill until firm, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick cookies.
- Arrange slices on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine for a richer taste. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. For a touch of spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Chill the dough longer if it's too soft to shape, ensuring your cookies maintain their form while baking.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert reminiscent of ice cream sandwiches. They also pair well with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or briefly warm them in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Icebox Cookies contains roughly 246 calories, with 1g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% 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 all-purpose flour instead of a specific type of flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour is perfect for this recipe. It provides the right texture and structure for the cookies. Just make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off for accuracy.
What if I want to make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and shape it into rolls, then wrap and freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, just slice the frozen dough into cookies and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the baking powder and soda are also gluten-free to ensure the cookies remain safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).