Slice and Bake Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Discover the joy of making Slice and Bake Cookies, perfect for any occasion!
Slice and Bake Cookies are a classic treat that can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later. The dough can be made ahead of time, rolled into logs, and kept in the freezer until you're ready to bake. Perfect for unexpected guests or a sweet snack!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Perfectly crisp edges with a soft center
- Versatile dough that can be customized with your favorite mix-ins
- Great for batch baking and freezing
The Perfect Cookie for Any Occasion
Slice and Bake Cookies are not just a treat; they are a delightful addition to any gathering. Whether it's a birthday party, a holiday celebration, or a simple family get-together, these cookies can be the star of the show. Their inviting aroma and appealing appearance make them a favorite among guests of all ages. Plus, their versatility means you can tailor them to suit any theme or flavor preference.
Unlike traditional cookies that require spooning and shaping, Slice and Bake Cookies offer the convenience of pre-formed dough. You can make a large batch ahead of time, slice them when you're ready to bake, and enjoy fresh cookies in no time. This makes them an excellent choice for busy bakers who still want to indulge in homemade treats.
Customizable and Fun
One of the standout features of Slice and Bake Cookies is their adaptability. The base dough is simple yet delicious, allowing you to experiment with various mix-ins. Whether you prefer classic chocolate chips, vibrant sprinkles, or even nuts and dried fruits, the options are endless. This means you can create a unique cookie that reflects your personal taste or the preferences of your loved ones.
Incorporating seasonal flavors is another fun way to enjoy these cookies. During the fall, consider adding pumpkin spice or chopped apples, while winter holidays might call for peppermint or gingerbread-inspired mix-ins. The ability to customize your cookies makes baking a creative and enjoyable endeavor.
Batch Baking for Convenience
Slice and Bake Cookies are ideal for batch baking, especially if you want to stock your freezer with homemade goodies. After shaping the dough into logs, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. This way, you can have freshly baked cookies on hand whenever a craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
Freezing the dough also allows you to control portion sizes. You can slice off as many cookies as you need, ensuring that you don’t overindulge while still satisfying your sweet tooth. This method not only saves time but also keeps your baking routine flexible and stress-free.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Slice and Bake Cookies:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or other mix-ins of your choice)
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to start making the dough!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Slice and Bake Cookies:
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or your desired mix-ins.
Shape and Chill
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Preheat Oven and Slice
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the logs from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your freshly baked Slice and Bake Cookies with a glass of milk!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the best texture for your Slice and Bake Cookies, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create the right balance of crisp edges and a soft center. Additionally, chilling the dough is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to slice.
When baking, keep an eye on the cookies as oven temperatures can vary. The edges should be lightly golden when they are ready to come out. If you prefer a chewier cookie, you can remove them from the oven a minute or two earlier.
Storing Your Cookies
Once your cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, but they rarely last that long! If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the baked cookies. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For the unbaked logs, you can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply slice and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time to account for the cold dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Slice and Bake Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, consider serving them as an ice cream sandwich by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This makes for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
You can also elevate your cookie experience by drizzling them with melted chocolate or sprinkling them with sea salt before serving. These simple touches can transform your cookies into gourmet treats that are perfect for special occasions or just as a treat for yourself.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie logs for up to 3 months. Just slice and bake when ready!
→ How long do the baked cookies last?
Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ What can I use instead of butter?
You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
→ Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or use different extracts like almond for variety.
Slice and Bake Cookies
Discover the joy of making Slice and Bake Cookies, perfect for any occasion!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or other mix-ins of your choice)
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or your desired mix-ins.
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the logs from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g