Basic Ice Box Cookie With Variations Recipes

BASIC ICE BOX COOKIE WITH VARIATIONS

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Stir in eggs and vanilla; mix well.
• Stir together flour, baking soda and salt, then add to butter mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined.
• Divide dough in half and place each half on a piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a log about 2½ inches in diameter and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
• To prepare cookies, preheat oven to 400°F Slice dough thinly and place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Transfer cookies to a baking rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.
• Alternatives: Lemon: Sub lemon extract for vanilla and add 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest.
• Cherry: Sub cherry extract for vanilla and add 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cherries or dried craisins.
• Nut: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Chocolate: Stir in 2 squares melted semisweet chocolate.

BASIC ICEBOX COOKIE DOUGH

Steps:

• In large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients and beat well.
• Stir in the next 3 ingredients, blend well.
• If using nuts, add them now.
• Divide dough into 3 equal parts and shape each part into a 1 1/2" diameter roll.
• Wrap the rolls in saran wrap and put in fridge until firm, at least 2 hours.
• At this point, you can do one of three things: Bake, freeze, or refrigerate.
• To bake: Cut dough into 1/4" slices and bake 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet at 425°F for 5-7 minutes, or until golden.
• Remove immediately from sheets and cool completely.
• To refrigerate:Leave in saran wrap and use within 2 weeks.
• To freeze: Leave in saran wrap and use within 6 weeks.

ICEBOX COOKIES

Steps:

• In a bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts if desire. , On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into three 10-in. x 1-in. rolls. Tightly wrap each roll in waxed paper. Freeze for at least 12 hours. , Cut into 3/8-in. slices and place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool.