Cinnamon-Pecan Icebox Cookies
I made icebox cookies for the first time a couple of days ago, and wow, what a fun concept. This particular homemade slice and bake cookie tastes like a cross between shortbread and biscotti. The way the cookie looks sliced, and then rolled in cinnamon sugar makes it look really Martha Stewartish. When cutting the cookies, turn the log a quarter turn every five slices to keep it round. And when shaping, make the ends flat, otherwise you end up with this odd rounded, thick cookie on the very ends. If you make these, you will see what I mean. Also, really do finely chop the pecans well for this recipe.
I would like to recommend getting a Silpat — a silicone non-stick baking mat. I never had perfect cookies until I bought one of these. Ok, I’m a junkie and I will admit that I have four. In regards to baking pans, I have read that using dark-colored pans make the cookies cook on the outside quicker than on the inside. I use a large, shiny baking sheet with a Silpat and perfection, every time.
Cinnamon-Pecan Icebox Cookies
Southern Living Incredible Cookies, 2000
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp Vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy, gradually add 3/4 cup sugar and brown sugar, beating well. Add egg and vanilla, beating well.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture, beating well at medium speed. Stir in pecans. Cover and chill dough 2 hours.
Shape dough into 2 (6-inch) logs. Wrap logs in wax paper and freeze until firm.
Combine 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon on a shallow plate, stir well. Unwrap frozen dough, and roll in sugar mixture.
Slice frozen dough into a 1/4-inch thick slices; place slices on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 350 for 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned. Removed cookies to write racks to cool completely. Yield, 4 dozen.
