Easy Slice and Bake Cookies (with 9 flavour ideas!)
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Create delicious, customizable cookies with this easy slice-and-bake recipe! Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies come in nine delightful flavors, allowing you to cater to every taste preference. Simply prep the dough, chill it, slice, and bake for a batch of warm, chewy goodness that's ideal for sharing with family and friends during Christmas. Make your cookie platter festive and exciting with varied flavors like chocolate chip, peppermint, and more, all while enjoying the simplicity of this effortless recipe.
These cookies are a staple in my home during the holiday season. Whether baking for family gatherings or neighbor gifts, they always hit the mark!
The Versatility of Slice and Bake Cookies
One of the best aspects of slice and bake cookies is their versatility. This recipe allows you to create numerous flavors from a single base dough. Whether you're in the mood for classic chocolate chip or something more adventurous like matcha or peppermint, the possibilities are endless. This flexibility makes these cookies suitable for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. Plus, you can easily adjust the sweetness or add unique ingredients based on your dietary preferences.
Another great thing about these cookies is that they require minimal preparation and cleanup. With just a few simple steps—mixing, chilling, slicing, and baking—you'll have freshly baked cookies that can impress even the pickiest eaters. This ease makes them an excellent option for baking with kids, encouraging creativity while teaching them essential cooking skills. Everyone can get involved, making baking a delightful, shared experience that creates lasting memories.
Perfect for Gifting and Sharing
In addition to their versatility, slice and bake cookies are also ideal for gifting. The ability to customize flavors means you can put together a personalized assortment that caters to the tastes of your friends and family. Package them in festive tins or cellophane bags, and you have a thoughtful gift that's perfect for the holiday season. Homemade treats often carry more sentimental value than store-bought ones, making your gesture all the more special.
When it comes to sharing, these cookies are perfect for both large gatherings and small get-togethers. Their quick baking time means you can whip up a batch in no time, ensuring you're always ready to contribute to potlucks, office parties, or casual get-togethers. They’re easy to transport, too, allowing you to bring a taste of home wherever you go, making your contributions memorable and delicious.
Expert Tips for Success
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (for citrus flavor)
- 1 tablespoon almond extract (for almond flavor)
- Sprinkles for decoration
- 1/4 cup matcha powder (for green tea flavor)
Feel free to mix and match the flavor add-ins to create your perfect cookie!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
Add Flavors
Divide the dough into portions based on the number of flavors you want to make. Mix in your desired flavor add-ins into each portion.
Shape and Chill
Roll each portion of dough into a log shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/2 inch thick cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container.
Diverse Flavor Combinations
The flavor add-ins make these cookies truly unique. From rich chocolate chips to refreshing peppermint, each addition transforms the base recipe into something delightful. To create a fun holiday platter, consider using a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and sprinkles. These variations not only elevate the taste but also add a splash of color to your cookie display, ensuring it’s as attractive as it is delicious.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! You might discover surprising combinations that become new favorites. For instance, a blend of vanilla and almond extract can create an enticing aroma, while incorporating spices like cinnamon can add warmth and depth. The only limit is your imagination, so have fun exploring what flavors work best for you.
Storage and Shelf Life
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay delicious for about a week, but if you want to enjoy them for longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze unbaked logs of dough, allowing you to slice and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply slice while still frozen and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
If you have any baked cookies left, you can also freeze them. Just make sure they are completely cool before placing them in a container or freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy homemade cookies even weeks after your baking session. Giving you a sweet treat at your fingertips any time you want one!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, the cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
→ How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are set.
Easy Slice and Bake Cookies (with 9 flavour ideas!)
Create delicious, customizable cookies with this easy slice-and-bake recipe! Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies come in nine delightful flavors, allowing you to cater to every taste preference. Simply prep the dough, chill it, slice, and bake for a batch of warm, chewy goodness that's ideal for sharing with family and friends during Christmas. Make your cookie platter festive and exciting with varied flavors like chocolate chip, peppermint, and more, all while enjoying the simplicity of this effortless recipe.
Created by: Rebecca Mills
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (for citrus flavor)
- 1 tablespoon almond extract (for almond flavor)
- Sprinkles for decoration
- 1/4 cup matcha powder (for green tea flavor)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
Divide the dough into portions based on the number of flavors you want to make. Mix in your desired flavor add-ins into each portion.
Roll each portion of dough into a log shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/2 inch thick cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 1g