As the holiday season approaches, I find myself swept into a whirlwind of baking nostalgia. One of my all-time favorites is the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies, a delightful way to bring festive cheer with minimal fuss! This easy recipe features two base doughs—vanilla-buttery and chocolate—allowing you to customize flavors with festive add-ins like crunchy nuts or zesty cranberries. What I love most about these cookies is that they transform my kitchen into a haven of warm, inviting aromas while offering the joy of creativity. With just a little preparation, you can whip up a beautiful assortment perfect for holiday gatherings or thoughtful gift-giving. Are you ready to create your own holiday masterpiece and fill your home with delightful scents?
Why Are These Cookies So Special?
Simplicity at Its Best: The slice-and-bake method allows you to prepare these Christmas cookies with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy bakers.
Endless Variations: With a base of buttery vanilla and rich chocolate dough, you can easily mix in your favorite festive flavors like nuts or cranberries for truly unique creations.
Crowd-Pleasing Treats: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends at any holiday gathering or cozy get-togethers.
Freshness Guaranteed: Prepare logs ahead of time and keep them in the freezer, so you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Perfect Pairings: Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet treat alongside your favorite festive drinks, like mulled wine.
You will love the aroma they bring to your home! If you’re looking for more delicious options, try my Christmas Peppermint Kiss Cookies or indulge in some Chocolate Chip Cookies for contrast in flavors.
Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Ingredients
For the Vanilla Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Use softened butter for a rich and tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Helps to sweeten and create a delightful cookie texture.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel essence.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; can swap with almond extract for a twist.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor depth.
- All-Purpose Flour – This is the foundation for your cookie consistency; avoid overmixing for lightness.
For the Chocolate Dough
- Cocoa Powder – Introduces a rich cocoa flavor, elevating your festive baking.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and supports its structure.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture alongside that lovely caramel touch.
- Vanilla Extract – Can be replaced with peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the necessary structure; don’t overwork it for best results.
For the Add-ins
- Nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans) – Add crunch and flavor; substitute based on preference.
- Dried Cranberries – Offer a zesty burst of sweetness to balance the dough.
- Chocolate Chips – Enhance the cookies with extra richness and texture.
- Crushed Candy Canes – Perfect for that festive peppermint touch; can also be used as decoration.
For Rolling the Logs
- Sprinkles or Crushed Peppermint – Adds a colorful and festive finish; optional but delightful.
With these Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies ingredients, you’ll be prepared to create festive treats that everyone will adore! Enjoy the time spent baking and the sweet aromas filling your home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies
Step 1: Dough Preparation
Begin by creaming together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, blending well. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour at low speed until just combined, ensuring not to overmix for light cookies.
Step 2: Flavoring the Dough
Divide the prepared dough equally into two portions. For one half, gently fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, ½ cup of dried cranberries, and ½ cup of gingerbread chocolate. For the second half, mix in ½ cup of candy cane chocolate and roll the dough in sprinkles for a festive touch. Ensure the add-ins are evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
Step 3: Log Formation
Take each portion of dough and shape it into logs that are approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap to maintain their shape and prevent drying out. Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours; overnight is ideal, as this will firm them up and enhance the flavors for your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the logs chill. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Once chilled, unwrap the logs and carefully slice them into ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 5: Final Touches and Cooling
Bake the Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly set. Keep an eye on them, as you want the centers to remain slightly soft for a tender bite. After baking, 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
Butter Matters: Ensure butter is fully softened, as using melted butter can lead to dense cookies.
Sharp Knife: For clean, uniform slices, use a sharp knife—dipping it in hot water between cuts can help!
Don’t Overbake: Slightly under-bake your cookies for that melty center; they will continue to firm up after baking.
Gentle Mixing: When adding in nuts or cranberries, mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, preserving the tender texture of your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies.
Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these cookies to suit your taste and preferences!
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Nutty Delight: Substitute walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different crunch. Experiment with adding a splash of nut extract for an extra boost!
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Dried Fruit Medley: Swap cranberries for dried cherries or apricots for a burst of fruity flavor. Each choice can add its own unique sweetness and texture.
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Extract Adventure: Try using peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a festive twist. It’ll give your cookies a refreshing holiday spirit!
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Spiced Up: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for an added warmth. These seasonal spices can transform your cookies into cozy delights.
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Chocolate Explosion: Mix in a variety of chocolate chips, like white, dark, or even butterscotch. This creates a sweet symphony of flavors that will please any chocolate lover.
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Pinwheel Design: Roll one vanilla log and one chocolate log together for a beautiful pinwheel effect. It’s a stunning way to present your holiday treats!
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Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or crushed pretzels for a delightful texture twist. It adds both crunch and a hint of saltiness for balance.
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Candy Cane Crush: Fold in chunks of crushed candy canes for a bright pop of flavor. Not only do they taste fantastic, but they also add a beautiful color scheme to your cookies!
As you embrace these variations, think about pairing your festive creations with a warm cup of hot cocoa or even some Lemon Raspberry Bake for a delightful contrast. Enjoy your holiday baking!
What to Serve with Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies
Indulge in a delightful holiday feast by complementing your freshly baked cookies with warm, comforting treats and festive beverages.
- Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a warm and cozy pairing.
- Festive Mulled Wine: The spices in mulled wine enhance the flavors of your cookies, making every bite feel like a holiday celebration.
- Classic Milk: A glass of cold milk is a timeless choice that beautifully complements these rich cookies, appealing to all ages.
- Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, minty treat adds a festive flair and contrasts wonderfully with the tender texture of the cookies.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm apple cider brings seasonal spices to the table, enriching the holiday flavors of your baked goods.
- Gingerbread Men: These classic holiday cookies create a charming theme when served alongside your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies, delighting family and friends.
With such delightful pairings, your holiday gatherings will be filled with joy and comfort, leaving everyone craving more!
Storage Tips for Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your cookie logs individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then in a freezer-safe bag, for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies, simply slice and bake from frozen or let them sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before enjoying.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the dough logs ahead of time, freeze, and slice them whenever the holiday craving strikes, ensuring freshly baked cookies whenever you desire!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough logs up to 3 days in advance, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator, or even freeze them for up to 3 months. To maintain their quality, ensure the logs are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh cookies, simply slice the logs directly from the fridge or freezer, arrange the rounds on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven. You’ll have warm, delicious treats that taste just as delightful as if they were made fresh that day!
Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my butter is softened properly?
Your butter should feel cool to the touch but pliable, easily leaving an indentation when pressed. It should not be melted or greasy; this will affect the cookie texture!
What’s the best way to store my Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—these will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I freeze the cookie dough? If yes, how?
Absolutely! After shaping your dough into logs, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap, then place it into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice them frozen and bake according to the recipe, or let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for easier slicing.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to using melted butter or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your butter is softened—not melted—and allow the dough logs to chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) to maintain their shape during baking. If you still notice spreading, try adding a bit more flour to your dough.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
While Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are delicious for humans, most are not suitable for pets. Ingredients like chocolate and nuts can be harmful. Always keep your festive treats out of their reach!
Can I use other extracts or mix-ins?
Yes, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond or peppermint for a different flavor profile; just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste. For mix-ins, try different nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate variations to create your own unique Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies!
Crisp and Chewy Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies to Share
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing well. Gradually add all-purpose flour until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Fold in walnuts, cranberries, and chocolate into one half, then fold in candy cane chocolate into the second half.
- Shape each portion into logs about 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled logs into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly set; cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
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