Description
Slice & Bake Christmas Cookies are a festive, easy-to-make holiday treat combining quick preparation with customizable colors and flavors. Perfect for gifting, parties, and cozy nights, these beautifully presented cookies offer a delightful crunch and rich buttery flavor. Suitable for bakers of all levels, this recipe delivers elegant cookies with minimal effort and endless festive possibilities.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins and Decorations
- Food coloring (as desired)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
- 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate swirls)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (for spiced dough)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)
- Plant-based butter and flax eggs (for vegan swap)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Dough: Start by creaming the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, creating the perfect foundation. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for flavor depth. Gradually mix in the flour and gently combine until the dough just starts to come together—avoid overworking. Separate the dough if using different colors or flavors.
- Add Color or Mix-ins: Incorporate food coloring, cocoa powder, spices, or nuts into the dough portions as desired. Wrap each dough log tightly in plastic wrap to keep tidy.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough logs for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling firms the dough for clean, crisp slices.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap chilled dough and slice into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or clean dental floss. Arrange slices spaced evenly on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool before decorating or packaging.
Notes
- Do not shorten chilling time; it is essential for clean slicing and cookie shape.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to achieve uniform, smooth cookie slices.
- Start with room temperature butter for easier creaming and softer dough.
- Space cookies adequately on the baking sheet to prevent overcrowding and ensure crisp edges.
- Add sprinkles before baking or drizzle melted chocolate after for festive decoration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, slice and bake, holiday baking, festive cookies, easy cookies, gift cookies, gluten-free cookies, vegan cookies, customizable cookies
