Name: Irresistible Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies for Festive Cheer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 162 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Softened Butter (Make sure it is softened to room temperature.); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Essential for sweetness.); 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Adds moisture and rich flavor.); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure vanilla for best flavor.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Balances the sweetness.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Add gradually to form the dough.); 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts (Can substitute with pecans or almonds.); 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (For a touch of tartness.); 1/2 cup Gingerbread-Spiced Chocolate (Festive flair; experiment with flavors.); 1/2 cup Candy-Cane Dark Chocolate Chunks (Alternatively use regular dark chocolate.); 1/4 cup Festive Sprinkles (Optional for decorating.); 1/4 cup Crushed Peppermint (Adds classic holiday flavor.)

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As I unwrapped the gift of a perfectly chilled dough log, the joyful scent of holidays filled my kitchen, making me feel like a kid again. These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are a wonderful answer to my festive baking endeavors, blending rich buttery vanilla and chocolate bases with an array of tempting mix-ins. With incredibly easy preparation, they are ideal for busy schedules and make for thoughtful gifts that will delight friends and family alike. Picture sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and vibrant candy-cane chunks, all coming together to create cookies that not only look adorable but are also irresistibly delicious. Are you ready to fill your home with the warm, festive spirit of these delightful treats? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are these cookies a holiday must?

Effortless Preparation: The simplicity of slice-and-bake means you can whip up a batch without the hassle of rolling out dough. Just slice, bake, and enjoy!

Endless Flavor Combinations: With base recipes of vanilla and chocolate, you can easily customize flavors to satisfy every palate—try pairing chocolate with toffee bits or vanilla with dried apricots for a twist!

Holiday Cheer: Each cookie is a festive treat, filled with seasonal ingredients like cranberries and crushed peppermint, bringing joy and color to your holiday spread.

Gift-Worthy Goodness: Pack these cookies in a delightful box, and they become thoughtful homemade gifts that spread cheer to friends and family, just like my Lemon Raspberry Cookies from last year!

Perfectly Textured: Enjoy a tender center with a slightly crisp edge, making each bite a delicious treat that captures the essence of holiday baking.

Time-Saving Delight: Prepare the dough in advance and simply bake when you’re ready, making them a wonderful last-minute addition to your holiday gatherings.

Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to create festive magic!

For the Dough

Softened Butter – Ensures richness and moisture; let it come to room temperature for the best results.
Granulated Sugar – Adds the essential sweetness; ideal for achieving that lovely golden color.
Brown Sugar – Contributes to the cookies’ moisture and rich flavor thanks to its molasses content.
Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor; opt for pure vanilla for a truly aromatic experience.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors present in the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure; add gradually to form a cohesive dough.

For the Mix-Ins

Chopped Walnuts – Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; can easily be replaced with pecans or almonds.
Dried Cranberries – Adds a touch of tartness and chewiness; swap for raisins or chopped dates if desired.
Gingerbread-Spiced Chocolate – Infuses festive flavor; feel free to experiment with various flavored chocolates.
Candy-Cane Dark Chocolate Chunks – Offers a delightful minty crunch; regular dark chocolate is a simpler alternative.
Festive Sprinkles – Provide visual charm and a festive touch; use them optionally for decorating.
Crushed Peppermint – Delivers that classic holiday flavor and added crunch; coconut or crushed nuts make great substitutes.

These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies not only capture the spirit of the season but also provide an enjoyable baking experience, making them a delightful addition to any holiday celebration!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Doughs
Start by creaming together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add vanilla extract and salt, blending until combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough just comes together, which should take another minute or two without overmixing.

Step 2: Add Mix-Ins
Once your dough is prepared, divide it into two equal portions for your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies. In one half, gently fold in chopped walnuts and dried cranberries for a delightful texture. In the other half, mix in candy-cane dark chocolate chunks and roll the dough in festive sprinkles to add a splash of holiday cheer.

Step 3: Form and Chill
Next, roll each portion of dough into logs, aiming for approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This step is crucial, as chilling the dough ensures that your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After chilling, remove the dough logs from the fridge and allow them to soften for a few minutes. Slice the logs into rounds about ¼ inch thick using a sharp knife for clean edges, then place the slices on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch without being over-baked.

Step 5: Cool
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack using a spatula to cool completely. This final step ensures your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies reach their perfect texture for enjoyment!

Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Variations

Feel free to make these festive cookies your own with these fun and tasty twists!

Flavorful Extracts: Substitute vanilla with almond, orange, or peppermint extract for unique flavor profiles that bring a fresh twist to your cookies.
Nutty Alternatives: Swap chopped walnuts for pecans or macadamia nuts for a different crunch and subtle flavor, creating a delightful experience in every bite.
Fruity Mix-Ins: Use dried apricots or cherries instead of cranberries for a chewy, fruity bite that pairs perfectly with the buttery base of the cookies.
Chocolate Lovers: Instead of gingerbread-spiced chocolate, try using peanut butter or caramel chocolate chunks to delight your taste buds and elevate the sweetness.
Toffee Temptation: Replace candy-cane chunks with toffee bits for a rich, buttery experience that adds an exciting crunch and caramel-like sweetness to your cookies.
Heat It Up: For a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor that warms the heart and enhances the holiday spirit.
Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the vanilla dough for a tropical touch that pairs beautifully with the festive flavors, making these cookies truly special.
Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into your dough for a vibrant citrus note that enhances the cookies’ freshness, creating a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Explore these variations to create your own version of Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies. And if you’re in the mood for more holiday goodies, check out my delightful Lemon Raspberry Cookies or my cozy Chocolate Croissant Bake!

What to Serve with Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

As the scents of freshly baked cookies swirl around your kitchen, envision a full holiday feast that rounds out the richness of these delightful treats.

Rich Hot Cocoa: The creamy texture and chocolatey flavor create a comforting pairing, enhancing the festive spirit of your cookie experience.
Spiced Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider brings a sweet, tangy balance to the cookies, making it a perfect seasonal beverage.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Melt-in-your-mouth vanilla ice cream complements the cookies’ buttery richness, providing a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors.
Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of sharp cheeses for an unexpected twist that balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a savory element.
Chocolate Mint Mousse: This velvety dessert can enhance the peppermint notes in your cookies, creating a luxurious multi-layer experience that’s festive and indulgent.
Fresh Fruit Salad: The bright flavors of citrus and berries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, making for a well-rounded dessert table.
Christmas Fruitcake: A traditional favorite, this rich and spiced cake pairing strengthens the holiday theme, allowing your cookies to shine amid cherished classics.
Coffee or Espresso: Pairing with strong, aromatic coffee elevates the flavors in your cookies, making every bite richer and more enjoyable.
Holiday Biscotti: For an extra crunch, serve alongside these twice-baked cookies; their dippable nature makes a delightful pairing with the soft, festive cookies.
Gingerbread Latte: The warm spices of gingerbread complement the sweet notes of the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies, creating a harmonious holiday treat experience.

Storage Tips for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fridge: If you’d like them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 10 days without compromising their taste.

Freezer: These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful texture.

Expert Tips for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Butter Temperature: Use softened, not melted, butter for optimal creaming. Melted butter can lead to greasy cookies instead of light and fluffy ones.
Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Keeping the dough cold helps maintain its shape and prevents spreading during baking, resulting in perfect Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies.
Even Slices: Use a hot knife for slicing the dough logs. This ensures clean cuts without squishing the dough, producing beautifully shaped cookies.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Slightly underbaking them will result in a tender texture, as cookies continue to firm up once out of the oven.
Mix-In Flexibility: Feel free to customize your mix-ins. However, avoid overloading with too many ingredients, as this can affect the dough’s consistency and baking outcome.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are a fantastic option for busy holiday cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough logs up to 24 hours in advance, simply wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, if you’re planning further ahead, freeze the wrapped logs for up to 3 months; just be sure to label them with the date. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—simply slice the logs into rounds while they’re still chilled, then bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, homemade cookies with minimal last-minute effort, bringing that festive charm to your table effortlessly!

Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ripeness for my mix-in ingredients?
Absolutely! When choosing mix-ins like dried cranberries or nuts, opt for ones that are fresh and vibrant. Dried fruits should be chewy, not hard or overly dried out, while nuts should be crunch and free of dark spots or rancid smells. For the best flavor, look for unsalted nuts that are slightly roasted.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very! Store your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 10 days. This method helps to retain their freshness and flavor throughout the holiday season!

Can I freeze the dough logs before baking?
Absolutely! Freezing the logs is a fantastic option. Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking them as directed.

Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
Ah, that can happen! If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to warm dough or insufficient chilling time. Ensure you chill the dough for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight). If the cookies are too sticky when slicing, try rolling them in additional flour to maintain shape!

Can these cookies be made allergy-friendly?
Very! You can easily make adjustments for dietary needs. To make these Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For nut allergies, simply skip the nuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead. Always check labels for allergen information when selecting mix-ins.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Perfect question! Your cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch but still soft in the center when done. Generally, this takes about 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Remember, cookies will continue to set after being removed from the oven, so slightly underbaking them provides that ideal tender texture!