Prepare to be transported back in time with Rilla Mae Chase Carrick's legendary Ice Box Sugar Cookies - a recipe that has been delighting families for generations! These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they're a nostalgic journey that captures the essence of home-baked comfort. With a perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate sweetness, these cookies are so easy to make that even novice bakers will feel like culinary pros!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure that the unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you no longer see any flour.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Chilling the dough will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 10 minutes before you are ready to bake the cookies.
- Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- If desired, you can roll the cookie dough balls in additional granulated sugar for a sweeter finish before placing them on the baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Enjoy your Rilla Mae Chase Carrick's Ice Box Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates the perfect creamy base for your cookies.
- Chill, Don't Rush: The refrigeration step is crucial! Chilling the dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading and creates a more concentrated flavor.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats.
- Sugar Coating Trick: Rolling the cookie dough balls in extra granulated sugar before baking creates a delightful crisp exterior and adds a beautiful sparkle.
- Watch the Bake Time: These cookies can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just lightly golden, as they'll continue to set while cooling.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy these delicious cookies anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg