Pecan Ice-Box Cookies (Easy Make-Ahead Slice-and-Bake Cookies)

These Pecan Ice-Box Cookies are a classic, buttery, slice-and-bake cookie that deliver warm, nutty flavor with almost zero effort. Simply mix the dough, roll it into a log, chill or freeze it, and slice off perfect rounds whenever you want freshly baked cookies. They’re ideal for holiday baking, cookie swaps, gifting, or keeping in your freezer for last-minute guests.

In this updated guide, you’ll find tips, variations, freezer instructions, and a helpful overview of what makes ice-box cookies so convenient and delicious.

What Are Ice-Box Cookies?

Ice-box cookies, also known as refrigerator cookies, are cookies made from a simple dough that’s shaped into a log and chilled until firm. Once chilled, the dough is sliced into round cookies and baked directly from the fridge or freezer.

They became popular in the early 1900s when home refrigerators—“ice boxes”—were first introduced, allowing home bakers to prepare dough in advance and bake as needed. Today, the ice-box method remains popular because it:

• Saves time
• Allows for make-ahead prep
• Produces perfectly uniform cookies
• Makes gifting easy (you can gift the dough log itself!)

This pecan version adds a buttery, nutty richness that makes them perfect for holidays and fall/winter gatherings.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Ice-Box Cookies

• Make-ahead friendly: Chill or freeze the dough for weeks.
• Easy slice-and-bake: Perfectly shaped cookies every time.
• Simple pantry ingredients: Butter, flour, pecans, sugar, vanilla.
• Holiday-perfect: Great for cookie trays or gifting.
• Kid-friendly: Fun to slice and bake together.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Pecan Ice-Box Cookies

1. In large bowl mix all ingredients until a firm dough is formed. (stand or hand-mixer preferred)
2. Cover and placed dough in the refrigerator until hard. (about 1 hour)
3. Remove from the refrigerator and form into a compact roll.
4. Cover with wax paper and let stand in freezer for several hours.
5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
6. Remove dough from freezer and cut into thin slices.
7. Place cookies on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until light brown.

Print

Pecan Ice Box Cookies

Course Dessert

Prep Time 2 hours

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In large bowl mix all ingredients until a firm dough is formed. (stand or hand-mixer preferred)
2. Cover and placed dough in the refrigerator until hard. (about 1 hour)
3. Remove from the refrigerator and form into a compact roll.
4. Cover with wax paper and let stand in freezer for several hours.
5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
6. Remove dough from freezer and cut into thin slices.
7. Place cookies on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until light brown.

Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly Instructions

Ice-box cookies were made for advance prep! Here’s how to get the most from them:

To Refrigerate the Dough

• Wrap logs tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days before slicing and baking.

To Freeze the Dough

• Wrap each log in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Slice while dough is still firm — no need to thaw.
• Add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

To Freeze Baked Cookies

• Let cookies cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven.

Tips & Variations

Toast the Pecans

To deepen the nutty flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet or 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.

Perfect Slice Thickness

Aim for ¼-inch slices. Thinner slices may burn; thicker slices may stay too soft.

Add-Ins & Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pecan: Fold in mini chocolate chips.
• Maple Pecan: Add ½ tsp maple extract.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the log in cinnamon sugar before chilling.
• Pecan Sandie Style: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove.

Gift Idea

Wrap a frozen dough log in wax paper with a ribbon and a tag that says:
“Slice & Bake Pecan Cookies — Fresh Anytime!”
Perfect for holidays and hostess gifts.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery pecan cookies pair beautifully with:

• Hot tea
• Coffee
• Warm cider
• Ice cream (try sandwiching two cookies!)

They also make a lovely addition to holiday cookie trays or charcuterie-style dessert boards.

Pecan Ice-Box Cookies are the perfect combination of nostalgic, practical, and delicious. With their buttery texture, nutty pecans, and make-ahead convenience, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Whether you freeze the dough for later or bake a batch for a holiday gathering, these cookies are always a hit.