Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies
Delightful Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies Await!
If you’re looking for a delightful treat to make this holiday season, look no further than Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies. These cookies are not only incredibly easy to prepare, but they also fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of butter and vanilla. The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility, making them a perfect addition to any festive gathering or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. With their delightful taste and charming presentation, they are bound to become a holiday favorite!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why Make This Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies
These Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies bring a joyful spirit to your holiday baking. Their buttery flavor, combined with a crisp exterior and soft, chewy center, delivers a delightful bite every time. They’re incredibly versatile—you can customize them with nuts, chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles depending on your family’s preferences. The ease of preparation means you can whip up a batch, chill the dough, and bake them whenever you’re ready—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
How to Make Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies
Baking these festive treats is just a few steps away. Follow this simple, step-by-step guide to create your delicious cookies.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or colored sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
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Step 3: Incorporating Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
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Step 4: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until combined. If you’re using them, fold in the nuts and chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles to add a festive touch.
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Step 5: Chilling the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each into logs (about 2 inches in diameter). Wrap each log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
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Step 6: Slicing and Baking
Once chilled, remove the dough logs from the fridge. Slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the rounds on ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
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Step 7: Baking
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. They will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
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Step 8: Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
How to Serve Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, as gifts, or simply enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa. To elevate the presentation, plate them on a festive platter and add a decorative ribbon or some holiday-themed sprinkles.
How to Store Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked logs for up to three months. Just slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies
- Ensure your butter is soft but not melted for the best texture.
- If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Experiment with different mix-ins to customize your cookies. Consider dried fruit, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Delicious Variations
- Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
- For a minty twist, incorporate crushed peppermint candies.
- Use almond or coconut extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape it into logs, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. -
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just note that the flavor might vary slightly. -
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. -
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If the dough was too warm when baking or if there wasn’t enough flour, this can cause spreading. Ensure to chill the dough and use leveled measurements. -
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes! They freeze well. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Easy to make and delicious, these cookies are a fantastic option for any festive gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a batch of scrumptious treats that will bring smiles to everyone. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake these delightful cookies that will surely warm your heart and home!
Print
Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully easy slice and bake cookies perfect for the holiday season, customisable with nuts, chocolate, or sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, folding in any nuts or chocolate chips.
- Divide the dough into two logs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Slice logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze unbaked logs for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
