Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I measured out the ingredients one chilly December afternoon, the scents of butter and sugar were a comforting reminder of holiday traditions. These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are more than just a delightful treat; they offer the joy of customization, inviting bakers to explore countless flavor combinations with each log of dough. What I love most is how easy they are to prepare—perfect for those busy days leading up to the holidays—and they make stunning gifts when tucked into festive tins. With a crispy exterior and a tender center, these cookies are sure to charm anyone who takes a bite. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of festive baking? Why Are These Cookies So Special? Versatile Flavors: These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies allow you to mix and match with an array of flavors and add-ins—each bite can be a new adventure! Simple Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, this no-fuss recipe is perfect for busy bakers. Just chill, slice, and bake! Beautiful Presentation: The festive logs can be effortlessly sliced into elegant cookies, making them ideal for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings. Holiday Tradition: Embrace a beloved holiday classic that’s perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends. For more festive ideas, be sure to check out our holiday sweets! Kid-Friendly Fun: Gather the family and let the little ones join in on the baking process—these cookies are as much about making as they are about enjoying. Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough Unsalted Butter – Use room temperature for optimal creaming and a rich, moist cookie. Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness and texture; can swap with coconut sugar for an interesting twist. Brown Sugar – Enhances depth of flavor; try dark brown sugar for a richer taste. All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for these cookies; feel free to use gluten-free flour for a healthier option. Vanilla Extract – Essential for flavor enhancement; almond extract can be used for a different aromatic quality. Salt – Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor of the cookies. For the Mix-Ins Walnuts – Adds crunch; substitute with pecans or skip for a nut-free version. Cranberries – Provides a tartness that complements the sweetness; seasonal and festive! Chocolate Chunks – Rich, melty chocolate creates delightful pockets of flavor. Peppermint – Crushed candies can add a festive twist for holiday cheer. Optional Toppings Chocolate Dip – For an inviting finish, dip half of the cookies in chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt for added flair. Sprinkles – Decorate with holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun touch that kids will love! These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are not just treats but a culmination of festive flavors, making them a perfect choice for your holiday gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Step 1: Dough Preparation Begin by creaming together 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and ¾ cup each of granulated and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing just until combined. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Step 2: Flavoring the Dough Carefully divide the prepared dough in half. Take one half and mix in desired add-ins such as ½ cup of chopped walnuts and ½ cup of dried cranberries for a festive flavor. For the other half, stir in ½ cup of crushed peppermint and ½ cup of chocolate chunks. Ensure even distribution of the mix-ins, making each flavor uniquely delightful. Step 3: Log Formation On a clean surface, roll each portion of dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Make sure to keep the logs uniformly shaped by gently pressing and rolling with your hands. Once formed, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if time allows, for ideal slicing. Step 4: Pre-Baking Preparation When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator, and using a sharp knife, slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Arrange the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each slice as they will spread slightly. Step 5: Baking the Cookies Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. Keep a close eye as they bake; they will continue to firm up once removed from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Expert Tips for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature, not melted; this is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy cookie dough. Precise Slicing: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts; wipe it dry between slices to avoid sticking. Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking; remember they continue to firm up after cooling, so slightly underbaking will keep them tender. Mixing Ideas: Explore different mix-ins like toffee bits or citrus zest for unique twists in your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies. Keep It Cool: Chill the dough for at least 2 hours; it helps to maintain the shape while baking and enhances the flavors. Storing: For the freshest cookies, store them in an airtight container; they can last up to 5 days at room temperature or 3 months in the freezer. Storage Tips for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and flavor. Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, these cookies can be kept in the refrigerator; they’ll stay good for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before enjoying. Freezer: Freeze leftover cookie logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. This way, you can simply slice and bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes! Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in the oven to restore their delightful texture. Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine with these mouthwatering tweaks and playful substitutions for your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies! Nut-Free: Simply omit the walnuts or pecans for a safe and tasty treat for everyone to enjoy! Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend to ensure every cookie is deliciously inclusive. Citrus Burst: Brighten your dough by adding the zest of one orange or lemon for a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with other flavors. Chocolate Lovers: Use a combination of dark chocolate chunks and white chocolate chips to create a delightful contrast in each bite. Holiday Spice: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger into the dough for a warm, spicy kick reminiscent of traditional holiday flavors. Minty Fresh: For an extra festive flair, try using peppermint extract instead of vanilla, creating a minty cookie perfect for the season. Dipped Delight: Experiment by dipping the edges of the baked cookies into melted chocolate, then rolling in crushed candy canes for a festive finish. Homemade Sprinkles: Get crafty by making your holiday-themed sprinkles—this personalized touch adds a celebratory bang when decorating your cookies! These fun variations are just the beginning! For more delicious baking ideas, don’t forget to check out our collection of holiday sweets and explore endless possibilities during this magical season. What to Serve with Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies These festive delights are perfect for celebrating the season, and pairing them with complementary treats can elevate your holiday experience. Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate flavors in hot cocoa perfectly balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy pairing for chilly evenings. Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting, a glass of milk brings out the cookies’ flavors while offering a nostalgic touch that everyone loves. Peppermint Bark: This cheerful treat adds a delightful crunch and refreshing mint flavor, perfectly harmonizing with the holiday spirit of your cookies. Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like apples and pears provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, adding a burst of natural flavor and color. Cheese Board: A selection of soft cheeses and savory crackers can complement the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance of flavors for gatherings. Spiced Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced tea enhances the festive atmosphere and adds a lovely aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the cookies. Gingerbread Cupcakes: Serve your cookies with moist gingerbread cupcakes, adding a spicy depth and fun texture to your dessert table. Sugar Cookies: For an impressive dessert tray, arrange these cookies alongside classic sugar cookies for a delightful display of shapes and flavors. Enjoy these combinations, and let the flavors of the holiday season fill your home! Make Ahead Options These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the holidays with less stress! You can prepare the cookie dough and form it into logs up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator. To ensure quality, wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the chilled logs into rounds and bake as directed. If you’re looking to prepare further in advance, the unbaked logs can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking. Enjoy the holiday spirit without the last-minute rush! Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies? Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature—soft but not melted. Select granulated and brown sugars that are fine and free from lumps for easy mixing. When choosing mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruits, look for fresh ingredients without any dark spots or signs of spoilage. Quality matters for a delightful cookie! How should I store my Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies? You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and flavor. If you’re looking to keep them longer, freezing is your best bet! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a fantastic option for enjoying freshly baked cookies on demand. To do this, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label with the date, and they’ll maintain their quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just slice the frozen dough and follow the baking instructions—no need to thaw! What should I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly? If your dough appears crumbly, it may be due to insufficient moisture—this can happen if your butter isn’t soft enough or if you’ve added too much flour. Start by mixing in a tablespoon of milk or water, one at a time, until the dough comes together. Be mindful not to overwork the dough; mixing just until it all comes together should do the trick! Are there any dietary considerations for these Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies? Very! For allergy concerns, be cautious with add-ins like nuts; you can easily substitute walnuts with seeds or omit them altogether for nut-free options. Additionally, you can use gluten-free flour to cater to those avoiding gluten, and experimenting with reduced sugar alternatives can make them more suitable for health-conscious friends and family. What’s the best way to customize these cookies for different tastes? To make the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies reflect your preferences, divide the dough into portions and mix in various flavor profiles. You might try adding citrus zest for freshness, toffee bits for added richness, or even different flavored extracts like almond or peppermint. Each log can become a delightful surprise, ensuring there’s something for everyone during the festive season! Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies That Bring Holiday Cheer These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are easy to prepare and customizable, perfect for holiday gifting. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 32 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough1 cup unsalted butter room temperature3/4 cup granulated sugar can substitute with coconut sugar3/4 cup brown sugar dark brown sugar for richer taste2 cups all-purpose flour can use gluten-free flour1 teaspoon vanilla extract almond extract as an alternative1 pinch salt balances sweetnessFor the Mix-Ins1/2 cup chopped walnuts or substitute with pecans1/2 cup dried cranberries adds tartness1/2 cup chocolate chunks rich and melty1/2 cup crushed peppermint for a festive twistOptional Toppings1/2 cup chocolate dip optional topping with sea saltholiday-themed sprinkles Equipment Mixing bowlHand MixerSharp knifeBaking sheetParchment Paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Slice & Bake CookiesBegin by creaming together 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and ¾ cup each of granulated and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing just until combined.Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.Carefully divide the prepared dough in half. Mix in desired add-ins for each half.Roll each portion of dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Slice the chilled dough into rounds about ¼ inch thick and arrange on the baking sheet.Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and slightly golden. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure butter is at room temperature for a light, fluffy texture. Consider using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts during slicing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
