Decadent Four-Way Icebox Cookies
These Decadent Four-Way Icebox Cookies combine a rich, buttery dough with a variety of flavors to create an indulgent treat that is perfect for any gathering. Imagine the delight on your guests' faces when they discover that all these unique cookies stem from the same delicious base! With options including hearty oatmeal, luscious chocolate and cocoa, zesty lemon with cherries, and a delightful ginger-coconut fusion, these cookies are sure to impress at potlucks, holiday cookie exchanges, and more. The dough is easily prepared ahead of time, allowing you to slice and bake portions as needed. Enjoy fresh, warm cookies anytime!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 cups (softened)
dark brown sugar
1 cup
granulated sugar
1 cup
eggs
2 (large)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
soft unbleached flour
4 cups
salt
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
2 teaspoons
rolled oats
1 cup
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
semisweet chocolate
3 ounces (melted)
cocoa powder
1/4 cup
flavoring extract (mint, almond, or orange)
1 teaspoon
lemon zest
1 lemon (grated)
lemon juice
1/4 cup
dried cherries or cranberries
1 cup
soft unbleached flour
1/4 cup
unsweetened desiccated coconut
1 cup (toasted)
preserved gingerroot
1/3 cup (minced)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Four-Way Icebox Cookies?
They are a rich, buttery dessert made from a single base dough that is divided and flavored in four unique ways: oatmeal, chocolate, lemon-cherry, and ginger-coconut.
How many flavor variations can be made from this dough?
This recipe creates four distinct flavor variations from one master batch of dough.
What are the four specific flavors included in the recipe?
The flavors are oatmeal cinnamon, decadent chocolate and cocoa, zesty lemon with dried cherries, and toasted coconut with gingerroot.
Is the dough suitable for advance preparation?
Yes, the dough is specifically designed to be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to slice and bake portions whenever you need fresh cookies.
What is the main benefit of an icebox cookie recipe?
The main benefit is the convenience of having pre-made dough ready in the refrigerator or freezer to provide fresh, warm cookies on demand.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of butter.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The butter should be softened to ensure it creams properly with the sugars for a rich texture.
What types of sugar are used in the base dough?
The recipe uses 1 cup of dark brown sugar and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
How many eggs does the recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 2 eggs.
What size eggs are recommended for these cookies?
Large eggs are recommended for this recipe.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The dough requires 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What kind of flour is best for these cookies?
The recipe specifies using soft unbleached flour for the best results.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the flavors.
What is the role of baking soda in the recipe?
The 2 teaspoons of baking soda act as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise.
How are the oats incorporated into the recipe?
One cup of rolled oats is added to a portion of the dough to create the oatmeal variation.
What spice is used in the oatmeal variation?
One teaspoon of cinnamon is used to flavor the oatmeal cookie portion.
What chocolate components are in the chocolate variation?
This variation uses 3 ounces of melted semisweet chocolate and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder.
What extra flavorings can be added to the chocolate cookies?
You can add 1 teaspoon of mint, almond, or orange extract to enhance the chocolate flavor.
How is the lemon flavor added?
The lemon variation uses the grated zest of one lemon and 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
What fruit goes into the lemon cookies?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dried cherries or dried cranberries.
Can I use cranberries instead of cherries?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of dried cranberries if dried cherries are unavailable.
What kind of coconut is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of unsweetened desiccated coconut.
Does the coconut need preparation?
Yes, the coconut should be toasted before being added to the dough.
What type of ginger is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of preserved gingerroot.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The preserved gingerroot should be finely minced before being added to the dough.
Are these cookies good for holiday exchanges?
Yes, their variety and indulgent flavors make them a perfect choice for holiday cookie exchanges.
Can these cookies be served at potlucks?
Absolutely, they are an ideal treat for potlucks because you can offer guests multiple flavor options from one batch.
How many total ingredients are listed for the base and variations?
There are 19 specific ingredients listed to make the base dough and all four variations.
What is the best way to slice the cookies?
As an icebox cookie, the dough should be chilled until firm, then sliced into rounds before baking.
Can I bake the cookies fresh when needed?
Yes, the benefit of this recipe is that you can bake only the amount you need, ensuring fresh, warm cookies every time.