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Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies bring a delightful twist to holiday baking. These whimsical cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for festive gatherings. With their beautiful shape and delicious taste, they’re sure to impress family and friends. The best part? You can prepare the dough ahead of time and slice them when you’re ready to bake, making them a convenient option for busy holiday schedules.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 120
Protein: 1.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 17 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Fiber: 0.5 grams
Sugar: 8 grams
Sodium: 75 mg

Why Make This Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies are perfect for anyone looking to spread holiday cheer with minimal stress. The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever the festive spirit strikes. With a soft, slightly chewy texture and the option to add chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Plus, their versatile nature allows for personalization, making them a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.

How to Make Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

Creating these delicious cookies can be a breeze with the right approach. Follow these simple steps to whip up a batch that will surely delight everyone.

Ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips or holiday sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This creates the dry mixture, which is essential for the texture of the cookies.
Step 2: Mixing

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air into the dough.
Step 3: Incorporating Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. This adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
Step 4: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips or holiday sprinkles, fold them in now for an extra festive touch.
Step 5: Chilling the Dough

Shape the dough into logs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps it maintain its shape while baking.
Step 6: Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled logs into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Final Baking

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can bake quickly.
Step 8: Cooling

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps firm them up while preserving their soft interior.

How to Serve Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

These cookies shine at any holiday gathering. Serve them on a festive plate alongside a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa. For an extra touch, dust them with powdered sugar or serve with a side of frosting for dipping.

How to Store Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for the right cookie texture.
Try adding nuts or dried fruit for additional flavor and texture.
For uniform cookies, use a bench scraper to cut the dough into slices.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add crushed candy canes and some cocoa powder to the dough for a festive twist.
Nutty Cookies: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans to enhance the flavor and texture.
Spice it Up: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for dairy-free cookies.
Can I use different types of flour?
All-purpose flour is best, but pastry or gluten-free flour can work with some adjustments to the moisture content.
What’s the best way to slice the logs?
Use a sharp knife and cut gently; if the dough feels too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges; they will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies are a festive and fun addition to your holiday celebrations. With their simplicity and customizable options, they’re perfect for bakers of all ages. Gather your loved ones in the kitchen, pour some holiday cheer into your baking, and savor these delightful cookies together. Enjoy making them, and happy baking!

Slice and Bake Christmas Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 67 reviews

Author: stella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful holiday cookies that are easy to make and perfect for festive gatherings. Prepare the dough ahead of time and slice to bake fresh cookies when ready.

Ingredients

Scale

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips or holiday sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips or holiday sprinkles if using.
Shape the dough into logs and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled logs into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.