๐ช Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies ๐ช
Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies are a classic, old-fashioned cookie recipe that has been passed down through generations. These cookies are known for their delicious, buttery flavor and their distinctive slice-and-bake method. Here’s a detailed response to your questions with a touch of emojis:
๐ History: The history of Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies is rooted in traditional American baking. These cookies gained popularity during the mid-20th century, known for their convenience and fantastic taste. The name “ice box cookies” comes from the practice of storing the cookie dough in the icebox (refrigerator) to firm it up before slicing and baking.
๐ง Components: These cookies are simple and typically made with basic ingredients:
- Butter ๐ง
- Sugar ๐
- Flour ๐พ
- Eggs ๐ฅ
- Vanilla extract ๐ผ
- Baking powder ๐ฐ
- A pinch of salt ๐ง
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation:
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Creaming: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. ๐ฅ
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Mixing: Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend until well combined. ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ผ
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Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ยพ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms. ๐๐พ๐ฐ๐ง
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Shaping: Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a log shape. You can get creative by rolling the logs in colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts for added flair. ๐๐ฅ
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Chilling: Wrap the dough logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until they’re firm. This step is essential for the “ice box” aspect. โ๏ธ
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Baking: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Slice the chilled dough into ยผ-inch-thick rounds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. ๐ช
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Baking Time: Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. ๐
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Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. โ๏ธ
๐ Time Needed: The total time to prepare Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies can vary, but it usually takes about 15 minutes for mixing and shaping the dough, followed by at least 2 hours of chilling time, and 10-12 minutes of baking. So, you can expect to spend around 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish, with some downtime during chilling.
Enjoy these delightful, homemade cookies that have stood the test of time! ๐ช๐
๐ช Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies ๐ช
It’s important to note that Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies are a delicious treat, but they are not particularly known for being a healthy or nutritious option. Here’s some nutrition and health information:
๐ Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving, based on a typical recipe):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories per cookie.
- Total Fat: About 6-8 grams, mainly from butter.
- Saturated Fat: Around 4-5 grams, due to the butter content.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 10-12 grams per cookie.
- Sugars: Typically 4-6 grams from the added sugar.
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams.
๐ซ Health Information:
- High in Saturated Fat: These cookies contain a significant amount of saturated fat due to the butter. Excessive saturated fat intake is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
- High in Sugar: The added sugar in these cookies can contribute to a higher calorie count and may not be suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
- Low in Fiber: These cookies lack dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
- Not a Good Source of Nutrients: They don’t provide many essential nutrients, as they are primarily made up of sugar, fat, and refined flour.
๐ Considerations:
- Moderation is key: Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat due to their high sugar and fat content.
- Pair with nutritious foods: If you indulge in these cookies, balance your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods.
- Watch portion size: Be mindful of portion sizes, as it’s easy to consume multiple cookies in one sitting.
๐ก Healthier Alternatives:
If you’re looking for a healthier cookie option, you might want to explore recipes that use ingredients like whole wheat flour, oats, and reduce the amount of sugar and saturated fat. This can result in cookies that are lower in calories and more nutritious.
While Aunt Stella’s Ice Box Cookies are a delightful treat, they should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. ๐๐ช
