Party Lady Locks
A buttery, crisp treat with a sweet, subtle flour finish—perfect for a festive gathering or a quick afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together margarine, butter, lard, and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg yolks and continue to cream until well combined.
- Fold in all-purpose flour and cold water, mixing until dough forms.
- Knead briefly until dough is smooth, then chill for 2 hours.
- Prepare a board with a mixture of confectioners sugar and flour, then roll out dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into strips measuring 1/2 inch by 5 inches.
- Wrap each strip loosely onto an ungreased lady lock mold.
- Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool; use remaining dough for additional cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using all butter instead of margarine, though it may slightly alter the texture. If lard is unavailable, you can substitute with additional butter. Ensure the dough is chilled properly to make it easier to handle. Rolling the dough to an even thickness is crucial for uniform baking. If you're short on time, see if you can prep a batch of Quick Oatmeal Bread for a quick side.
Serving Suggestions
These lady locks make a delightful dessert for gatherings and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, dust them with additional confectioners' sugar before serving. They also complement a plate of Mud (No Bake) Cookies or a slice of River Rat Pecan Pie for an enjoyable dessert spread. Consider serving them alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled lady locks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Lady Locks contains roughly 2603 calories, with 26g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 261g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1866mg per serving (81% 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 make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just ensure it's well wrapped to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
What if I don't have lady lock molds?
If you don’t have lady lock molds, you can use a thick rolling pin or even crumpled aluminum foil shaped into cylinders. Just be sure to grease them lightly or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I add flavors or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. These additions can elevate the cookies and pair nicely with the sweetness.
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).