Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies are a festive delight that brings joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. These delightful cookies are not just a treat; they are a cherished tradition in many homes, passed down through generations. The beauty of Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying with family. The act of slicing the dough, watching the cookies puff up and turn golden in the oven, and finally indulging in their sweet aroma is a magical experience that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies will quickly become a favorite during the holiday season.
What Is Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies
Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies are precisely what they sound like: delicious cookie dough that’s rolled into a log, chilled, and then sliced into perfectly shaped rounds before baking. This simple yet effective method allows for even baking and a delightful texture that’s both tender and slightly crisp at the edges. What makes these cookies special is the endless customization options—add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to make them uniquely yours. Unlike traditional cookies that require spooning out the dough onto baking sheets, these can be prepared in advance, making them a favorite for busy holiday bakers.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Easy to prepare—perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Make-ahead convenience—store in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, from nuts to festive sprinkles.
- Family-friendly fun—let kids help with rolling and slicing!
How Does It Taste?
When you take a bite of Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies, you’re greeted with a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of buttery richness. The texture is a perfect contrast between a soft, chewy center and a slightly crisp edge. Each cookie melts in your mouth, with flavors that can range from classic vanilla to hints of nutmeg or cinnamon, depending on how you choose to season them. The addition of colorful sprinkles or chocolate chips not only enhances the taste but also adds a festive flair that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
Key ingredients in Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies include flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. Flour is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy for those busy holiday days. Butter, while decadent, offers a comforting richness and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Sugar in moderation can lift your spirits and enhance the overall flavor of your cookies, while eggs contribute protein and essential nutrients. Together, these ingredients create not just a treat, but a moment of joy during the festive season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the cookies, giving them structure and stability.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their light, crisp edges.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, sweet aroma.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and become light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup festive sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional) – Adds a fun, colorful touch and texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- Cooling rack
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Dairy-free butter – For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute.
- Brown sugar – Substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Spices – Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday spice.
- Chocolate chips – Swap out some sprinkles for chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
How to Make Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The color should be pale yellow, indicating that air has been incorporated.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds together.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each portion onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, shaping it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Once the dough is firm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Slice the Cookies
Remove one log of dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the slices about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle festive sprinkles or chopped nuts on top of each cookie.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing.
What to Serve With
These delightful Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a glass of milk. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
- Chill the dough well; this helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookie shapes intact.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.
- Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts when slicing the dough logs for even cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling the dough long enough, which can lead to cookies spreading too much.
- Overmixing the dough, resulting in tough cookies.
- Skipping the parchment paper, which can cause cookies to stick to the baking sheet.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough logs and slice and bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This will refresh the texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze the dough? Yes! You can freeze the logs of dough for up to three months. Just slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- What if I don’t have baking powder? You can substitute with baking soda, but use less as it is more potent. Add a little vinegar or lemon juice to activate it.
- Can I add other mix-ins? Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate dried fruits, chocolate chips, or different nuts to customize your cookies.
Nutritional Info
Each Slice And Bake Christmas Cookie contains approximately 120 calories, with 6g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. These cookies are a sweet treat perfect for holiday celebrations, so enjoy them in moderation!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the ‘Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies’ recipe is a delightful way to bring the joy of the holiday season into your kitchen. With its simple preparation and the ability to make ahead of time, these cookies are perfect for busy families and festive gatherings alike. The vibrant colors and cheerful shapes will not only please your taste buds but also brighten up your holiday celebrations. I can’t recommend these enough—whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, the ‘Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies’ will surely become a cherished tradition in your home. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the sweet aroma of these cookies fill your space with holiday cheer!
Slice And Bake Christmas Cookies
These homemade slice and bake Christmas cookies are surprisingly easy to make, taste better than the original, and are customizable to include your favorite holiday shapes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- A few drops of food coloring (gel or natural)
Instructions
-
Step 1
Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. -
Step 2
Add eggs one at a time, mixing until combined. -
Step 3
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. -
Step 4
Add dry ingredients to wet in 3-4 batches until dough comes together. Add extra flour if too wet. -
Step 5
Remove about 10 ounces of dough, add food coloring, and mix. -
Step 6
Roll colored dough into a rectangle, freeze for 30 minutes. -
Step 7
Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes, moisten edges for adherence. -
Step 8
Wrap in plain dough to form a log, freeze for 2 hours. -
Step 9
Chill log in fridge for at least 30 minutes. -
Step 10
Preheat oven to 350°F, line baking sheets with parchment. -
Step 11
Slice log into 1/4” rounds, space 2 inches apart on sheets. -
Step 12
Bake for ~12 minutes until bottoms are light golden brown.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: ~350 calories. Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Allergy Information
Always check labels for specific allergen information.
Leave a Comment