Ice Box Cookies Recipe

Posted by Grandma Jeanne on January 8, 2007

My next-door-neighbor gave me this recipe, and it certainly has an interesting history. I have not tried it yet and won’t until I am no longer dieting.

Here is what Carolyn says about this ice box cookie recipe:

This recipe has been passed down for at least 3 generations that I know of. I grew up eating these cookies as did my father and the previous generations on his side of the family. My Great Grandmother (Velma Louise H.) was 1/2 Cherokee Indian, 1/2 German. She was the first that I know of in our family that made this recipe. As for where it originated I don’t know. It could be European, or an American variation of a traditional European cookie.

When I was growing up these cookies were always made during holidays…or any other excuse we could find to make cookies! I have continued that tradition with my own family. These are still my Son’s favorite cookies (and also my Husband’s favorite) My Son’s girlfriend has even learned to make this recipe to keep him happy. One day after my Son requested that I email him the cookie recipe his girlfriend called me to ask what an “Icebox” was! I guess they don’t teach that in school anymore.

These cookies are not terribly sweet like a lot of modern cookies seem to be…and are very addictive! You definitely cannot eat just one.

1/4 pound butter
1 large egg (slightly beaten)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour (sifted before measuring)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cream butter and sugar.

Add beaten egg and vanilla.

Add dry ingredients; mix.

Add 1/2 cup nuts if desired.

Form dough into two rolls and wrap with waxed paper.

Chill in ice box (refrigerator) until very firm.

Cut into 1/8 inch slices.

Bake 6-8 minutes in 350 degree oven until just golden brown around the edges.

Update: Rolls of dough may be wrapped in aluminum foil and frozen for later use. Thaw slightly before slicing if frozen.