The magic of the holiday season often calls for delightful baked goods, and what better way to celebrate than with these Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies? Picture this: your kitchen filled with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies, each slice revealing a treasure trove of flavors. These cookies are not just easy to prepare; they are a canvas for creativity, allowing you to whip up three or four variations with minimal effort.
Imagine gathering friends and family around a plate overflowing with softly baked cookies, each bite offering a blend of sweetness from creamy chocolate or a hint of tartness from cranberries. Whether you’re planning to fill goodie bags for the neighbors or impressing loved ones at a festive gathering, these cookies will undoubtedly add a cheerful touch to your celebrations. With just two base doughs, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create treats that cater to every taste preference. So let’s dive into this simple and versatile recipe that is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home!
Why choose Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies?
Simplicity at its finest: These cookies require minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Customizable flavors: With variations like Vanilla Dough with Cranberry & Walnut or Candy Cane Chocolate Chunk, these treats cater to diverse taste preferences.
Perfect for gifting: Their beautiful presentation and rich flavors make them ideal for holiday gift baskets or cookie platters at parties.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone will love the delightful chewiness and festive spirit in each cookie, ensuring they vanish quickly!
Time-saving: Make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, making holiday baking a breeze.
These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are a great addition to your festive baking lineup!
Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Ingredients
For the Vanilla Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and tenderness; make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
- Granulated Cane Sugar – Sweetens the dough and encourages browning; feel free to substitute with a low-calorie sugar alternative.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a rich depth of flavor thanks to its molasses content; light or dark brown sugar works equally well.
- Vanilla Extract – Provides essential flavor; use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness; sea salt or kosher salt works beautifully here.
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates the dough structure; a gluten-free blend can be used for a gluten-free option.
For the Mix-ins
- Walnuts – Finely chopped to add crunch and richness; optional for those with nut allergies.
- Dried Cranberries – Imparts tartness and festive color; can be replaced with raisins for a sweeter alternative.
- Milk or White Chocolate – Introduces creaminess; dark chocolate can be used for a bolder flavor.
For the Chocolate Dough
- Dark Chocolate – Incorporate melted chocolate for a rich base; or substitute with milk chocolate for sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor; use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
Toppings
- Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes – Add a festive crunch; omit or replace with crushed nuts for a non-peppermint option.
- Sprinkles – Great for decorating; feel free to swap for chopped nuts or coconut if you’d like a different texture.
These delightful Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies will not only brighten your holiday season but also provide an easy way to enjoy customizable flavors!
How to Make Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies
Prepare Vanilla Dough: Cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugars in a mixing bowl until fluffy and light. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Divide and Flavor Basics: Divide the vanilla dough into portions as desired. Gently fold in the mix-ins—walnuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate—into each section to create distinct flavors.
Shape Logs: Roll each flavored dough portion into a log about 2.5 inches thick and 8-9 inches long, using plastic wrap to help shape the dough neatly.
Chill: Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step makes slicing easier and helps maintain the dough’s shape during baking.
Prepare Chocolate Dough: For the chocolate version, repeat the process by incorporating melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder into the original dough. Ensure it’s mixed evenly to achieve a luscious chocolatey base.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the chilled dough logs and slice them into ½ to 1-inch pieces. Arrange the slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring enough space for spreading. Bake for 12-16 minutes or until set and slightly golden around the edges.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. This helps them firm up and maintain their perfect texture.
Optional: For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy canes on top of the chocolate cookies right after baking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a fluffy texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the flour just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Keep your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies tender!
- Chill for Success: Chilling the dough logs is essential for cleaner slicing and better shape during baking. Don’t skip this step!
- Even Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the dough evenly, about ½ to 1 inch thick, to ensure consistent baking.
- Decorate with Care: For a festive look, lightly mist the sliced cookies with water before rolling in sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
What to Serve with Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies?
Celebrate the joy of the season by pairing these festive cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance their rich flavors.
Rich Hot Chocolate: Serve a warm, creamy cup of hot chocolate alongside these cookies for a comforting treat. The sweetness of the drink will complement the cookies perfectly.
Spiced Mulled Wine: The aromatic spices in mulled wine make it an ideal partner for cookies. The warmth and flavor of the wine enhance the festive spirit of the cookies.
Nutty Charcuterie Board: Create a charcuterie board with assorted nuts, cheeses, and dried fruits. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your cookie experience and cater to various preferences.
Festive Fruit Salad: A bright, colorful fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies. Citrus fruits will especially bring a zesty touch to your holiday spread.
Gingerbread Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of gingerbread tea offers a delightful spiced experience. The blend of flavors will warm your heart on a chilly day.
Classic Eggnog: This rich and creamy drink holds a nostalgic place during the holidays, making it a fantastic match for the soft texture of the slice and bake cookies.
These pairings will create a wonderfully festive atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy every delightful bite alongside your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies!
Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies
Customize these festive cookies to match your own taste and preferences, and enjoy exciting new flavors!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Nut-Free: Omit walnuts and replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
- Fruity Twist: Swap dried cranberries for chopped up dried apricots or figs for a sweeter, tropical flair.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the holidays.
- Extra Chocolatey: Fold in mini chocolate chips along with your chosen mix-ins for a double chocolate experience.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free while keeping the texture intact.
- Minty Variation: Mix in peppermint extract instead of vanilla for an irresistible minty surprise in every bite.
- Healthy Alternative: Try using almond flour as part of the base for a lower-carb, protein-enhanced version that adds a lovely nutty flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh.
- Fridge: If you prefer a chewier texture, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring they are well-wrapped.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sliced cookies in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Simply follow the recipe instructions to mix and shape the dough into logs; then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze the logs for up to 3 months. Before baking, just slice the dough straight from the fridge or freezer and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for frozen logs. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies without the last-minute rush, ensuring they taste just as delicious!
Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies?
I recommend using unsalted butter at room temperature for the best results, as it allows for easy creaming and helps achieve a soft, tender cookie. If necessary, you can substitute margarine, but the flavor may vary slightly.
How do I store Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a chewier texture, consider keeping them in the fridge, tightly wrapped, for about a week to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the sliced cookies for up to 3 months. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper inside an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough turns out too sticky, it may be due to too much moisture or not enough flour. You can add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing until the dough holds together without being overly sticky. Make sure to avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies.
Can I use different mix-ins in the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies?
Yes, the beauty of these cookies is their versatility! Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or use dried fruits like apricots or figs instead of cranberries. You can also play around with different chocolate types—dark, milk, or even white chocolate—based on your preference.
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
You can definitely make these cookies nut-free! Simply omit walnuts from the recipe and also be careful with any mix-ins you choose to ensure they don’t contain nuts. With the right adjustments to ingredients, everyone can enjoy these delicious Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies!
Delicious Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies for Easy Holiday Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Vanilla Dough: Cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugars in a mixing bowl until fluffy and light. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Divide and Flavor Basics: Divide the vanilla dough into portions as desired. Gently fold in the mix-ins—walnuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate—into each section to create distinct flavors.
- Shape Logs: Roll each flavored dough portion into a log about 2.5 inches thick and 8-9 inches long, using plastic wrap to help shape the dough neatly.
- Chill: Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare Chocolate Dough: For the chocolate version, repeat the process by incorporating melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder into the original dough.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the chilled dough logs and slice them into ½ to 1-inch pieces. Arrange the slices on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12-16 minutes.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.
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