Sunday, December 21, 2014

Icebox Cookies

Yum
A couple years ago a friend and I started getting together to do some holiday baking together. We usually crank out several recipes after work, and divide them up. We have used my recipes, and hers, so it is also a great way to try some new recipes. The first year we did this get together, I fell in love with her Ice Box Cookies. It is an old fashioned, simple recipe, and I love it. 

Just plan ahead a bit as you have to let the dough chill over night.



Icebox Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
8 oz dates, finely chopped**

In large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.  In small bowl, combine baking soda, salt and flour. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing well.  Add walnuts and dates, mix until evenly distributed through dough.

Line 9x5 pan with plastic wrap. Press cookie dough into lined pan. Smooth top of dough until level. Cover with additional plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Refrigerate at least 8 hours, but no more than 24.

When ready to bake cookies preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove dough from pan. With serrated knife, cut dough crosswise into 1/8 - 1/4 inch thick slices**. Then, cut each slice crosswise into 3 cookies. Place cookies, on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Transfer cookies to cooling rack.

Store in airtight container. 

Enjoy!


**To help chop the dates, sprinkle with a teaspoon of flour. That will keep them from sticking to your knife.

**If the dough gets to warm, it won't slice properly. Put it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to get it chilled.

Sharing this at:
Weekend Potluck

9 comments:

  1. What a fun and smart tradition! I think it's a great way to get a lot of baking out-of-the-way. This recipe is fantastic, simple and classic, thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas my friend!

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  2. walnuts and dates go really nicely together! i think your cookies look so festive and delicious--bravo! and happy holidays!

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  3. Hello,
    I love ice box cookies. This is a new recipe for me. Thank you for sharing.

    Merry Christmas
    Carla

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  4. They look really good. I didn't get much holiday baking done this year. There's always next year. :)
    Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

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  5. I love the add-ins of walnuts and dates! These cookies look very delicious.
    Have a wonderful holiday season!
    Angie

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  6. What I wouldn't give for a bite of these delicious cookies, love their colour :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  7. These look like the sweetest little cookies. I love the combination of dates and walnuts. But most of all, I really love the shape of these cookies! So perfect with a cup of tea! : )

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  8. OOO - these look and sound so scrumptious. I'll bring my coffee and maybe you can share a few with me??? lol Actually, I will try to make them one of these days. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Weekend Potluck!

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  9. My mom always rolled into a log, wrapped in cellophane and froze them. They were ready to be sliced whenever we wanted to bake some.

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