Old Fashioned Icebox Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Old Fashioned Icebox Cookies are buttery, spiced treats that are easily customizable with nuts or raisins, perfect for a nostalgic snack or holiday platter.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • spices

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Form the dough into rolls and refrigerate or freeze until firm.
  3. Slice into cookies and bake as desired.
  4. Optional: Add nuts or raisins before shaping.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening or a mix of both. You can substitute one of the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option. If you enjoy spices, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth. For an added texture, try folding in some chopped nuts or raisins before forming the rolls. This versatile dough can be adapted easily for different tastes.

Serving Suggestions

These Old Fashioned Icebox Cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a snack with your favorite beverage. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert platter, serve them alongside Cheesecake Miniatures and Easy Lemon Squares. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent treat, or enjoy them with a refreshing Yogurt Milkshake.

Storage & Reheating

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unbaked rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, simply slice and bake straight from the freezer. This ensures fresh cookies with minimal effort anytime you crave them.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Icebox Cookies contains roughly 965 calories, with 2g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 593mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

965 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.1g 4% DV
Total Fat 46.7g 60% DV
Carbs 140.3g 51% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 116.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 593.5mg 26% DV
Potassium 350.9mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 64.7mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.4mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 158.1mg 12% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Contains Milk Egg

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 these cookies without shortening?

Yes, you can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. However, using butter may result in slightly softer cookies, so adjust baking time as needed.

How long do the cookie rolls last in the freezer?

The cookie rolls can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and label them with the date for easy tracking.

What spices can I add to these cookies?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger. A teaspoon of vanilla extract also complements the dough well, giving it a warm, inviting aroma.

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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