We have lots of refrigerator cookies, or, as they have been named before, icebox cookies. You make the dough, roll it into a log, and throw it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to slice and bake them. They’re great cookies, and now you can know their history.
These cookies gained popularity in the early 20th century when refrigerators were becoming commonplace in households. The term “icebox” refers to the antiquated ice-cooled refrigerators of that era, where the dough for these cookies found a convenient home while waiting to be baked.
From Iceboxes to Icebox Cakes and Cookies
As these new iceboxes became more widely used, recipes were developed that required refrigeration. In the 1920’s, recipes for icebox cakes began appearing in cookbooks and national publications. These icebox cakes evolved into icebox cookies and into today’s refrigerator cookie recipes.
Historical notes compiled with the assistance of Greg Patent’s, Baking in America.
The Development of the Icebox
In early America, keeping food cold was a challenge. Ice was a big business. In many areas, ice was harvested from ponds and then stored in sawdust insulation to last into the summer months. With the advent of the railroad, insulated box cars hauled ice to southern states to keep foods cold in markets and restaurants.
In the early 1800s iceboxes were developed for home use. These early iceboxes were simply chests with a compartment for food and another for ice. To keep the food cold, the ice had to be replaced as it melted.
If you lived in the right neighborhood, the ice wagon would come through selling ice. You purchased what you needed to keep your icebox cold. If you weren’t home and your icebox was on the porch, the iceman would fill it for you.
In the 1840s, compression methods for making ice were developed making household appliances with their own ice-making capacities practical. Eventually, new refrigerated iceboxes found their way into homes.
Chocolate Chip Refrigerator Cookies Recipe Demonstration – Joyofbaking.com
FAQ
What is the history of refrigerator cookies?
What is another name for a refrigerated cookie?
Why do you refrigerate cookies?
Why did we put the cookie dough in the fridge?
What are refrigerator cookies?
Refrigerator cookies, which are sometimes also referred to as icebox cookies, are a number of different cookie styles that require chilling. Very often, the cookie dough is shaped into a log or a round, so that when chilling is complete in the fridge, the dough is easily sliced and baked.
What are old fashion refrigerator cookies?
Old Fashion Refrigerator Cookie are sometimes called sliced cookies or icebox cookies because the dough is chilled until firm. Then the dough cut into thin slices and baked. This is a great cookie to prepare to have on hand in case of last minute company, or housewarming gift. The dough can be made in advance and frozen until you are ready to use.
What is a refrigerator cookie dough?
Very often, the cookie dough is shaped into a log or a round, so that when chilling is complete in the fridge, the dough is easily sliced and baked. There are many different types of commercially made refrigerator cookies that people enjoy because of this slice and bake ease.
How are refrigerator cookies different from chilled cookies?
Often people view classic refrigerator cookies as different than chilled cookies because they won’t be used for cookie cutouts. Instead the prepared dough is formed into a rough log shape, wrapped tightly and either refrigerated or frozen. If the dough is frozen, it will likely need to defrost before it can be sliced and baked.