There’s something truly special about the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. As the air turns crisp and the scent of pine wafts through the home, I find myself yearning for those nostalgic treats that light up my Christmas gatherings. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies – the perfect blend of festive cheer, creativity, and delicious simplicity.
These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a canvas waiting for your personal touch! With vibrant red and green swirls, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. And the best part? You can prepare the dough ahead of time, letting you savor the joyous chaos of the holidays without being tied to the kitchen. Whether you opt for classic shapes or whimsical designs, each slice reveals a surprise of color and flavor. So grab your rolling pin and prepare to enchant your family and friends with these delightful holiday treats!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festive season.
- The vibrant colors and delightful holiday shapes create a visual treat that will impress family and friends alike.
- With the ability to customize the dough with different shapes and sprinkles, these cookies are versatile and can suit any holiday theme.
- Plus, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or cookie swap.
Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to create festive magic!
For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226g), softened for the perfect creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup (150g), to add just the right amount of sweetness.
- Large egg – 1, brings moisture and binds all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons, enhances flavor and adds warmth to your cookies.
- All-purpose flour – 2 1/4 cups (280g), forms the foundation of your delicious dough.
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon, balances the sweetness and brings out all those lovely flavors.
For the Festive Touch
- Red gel food coloring – A few drops, for vibrant holiday color that makes your cookies pop!
- Green gel food coloring – A few drops, adds a cheerful twist to your cookie creation.
- Optional: Holiday sprinkles – Because a little sparkle never hurts, making every bite extra special!
Create these Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies for a joyful touch to your holiday celebrations!
How to Make Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until you achieve a light and fluffy texture—about 3-5 minutes with a mixer. This is where the magic begins!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well-combined, turning the mixture into a lovely, creamy base for your cookies.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together beautifully—no lumps!
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Color the Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain and dye the other two with red and green gel food coloring to create that festive hue.
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Shape the Dough: Roll each colored dough into logs or flatten them into rectangles. Feel free to layer, twist, or marble them together to create your own unique design!
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Chill the Logs: Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This helps set the shapes.
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Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation of warm cookies baking fills the air!
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Slice the Cookies: Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice them into 1/4-inch rounds, revealing the colorful swirls of your holiday creation.
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Bake and Cool: Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes. Watch for the edges to just start turning golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet before moving to a wire rack.
Optional: Sprinkle with extra holiday sprinkles before serving for that festive flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. After mixing and dividing the dough into portions, dye your colors, and shape the logs. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents any drying out. When you’re set to serve, simply slice the chilled dough and bake as directed. You’ll have freshly baked cookies that are just as delightful as ever, all with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies?
As the holiday spirit fills your home, it’s the perfect time to enhance your cookie feast with delicious accompaniments.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of velvety hot chocolate adds indulgence and coziness, making your cookie experience even more delightful.
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Peppermint Bark: The refreshing crunch of peppermint bark offers a perfect balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making every bite festive.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, aromatic drink brings spices and sweetness that create a wonderful contrast against the colorful cookies. A perfect winter warmer!
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Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, eggnog elevates your cookie spread, transporting you right into a joyful holiday gathering with every sip.
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Festive Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like orange slices and red berries not only brighten your table but cleanse the palate beautifully amid sweet treats.
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Gingerbread Men: For an extra dose of holiday spirit, pair your cookies with classic gingerbread men, adding both taste and cheer to your dessert table.
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Holiday Cheesecake Bars: Rich and creamy, these bars provide a delightful contrast to the cookies, satisfying your sweet tooth with a variety of flavors.
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Pecan Pie Squares: The nutty, sweet richness of pecan pie complements the colorful Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies perfectly, creating a dessert delight.
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Sweet Milk: A simple glass of ice-cold milk is the quintessential companion for your cookie feast, soothing and enhancing each delicious bite.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh taste and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them well to avoid moisture!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. A parchment paper divider can prevent sticking.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their delightful freshness.
Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies Variations
Feel free to take these festive treats to the next level with delightful variations that cater to your taste!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version that still delights. Make sure to check the blend’s moisture absorption!
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Chocolate Swirls: Incorporate melted chocolate into one portion of the dough for a rich twist. The combined flavors of chocolate and festive colors will create an irresistible treat.
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Nutty Flavor: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the plain dough for a delightful crunch. This not only enhances texture but also adds a satisfying nuttiness.
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Orange Zest: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flair. This bright note pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough to infuse warm holiday spices. Just a pinch will elevate the flavor profile for a cozy touch!
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Coconut Delight: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to one of the colored portions. This adds a lovely chewiness and a tropical twist that contrasts beautifully with the festive colors.
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Heart-Shaped Cookies: Roll out the dough and cut it into fun heart shapes for a cute, playful presentation. Decorate with icing or sprinkles for an extra festive look!
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Reduced Sugar Option: Decrease sugar to 1/2 cup for a less sweet cookie, if desired. This variation will let the flavors of the dough and colors shine even more prominently.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best texture in your Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies, make sure your butter is soft enough to easily cream with the sugar, as this step is crucial for incorporating air into your dough.
- When dividing the dough for coloring, use gloves to keep the gel food coloring from staining your hands, making cleanup easier.
- For a more interesting design, try marbling the red and green dough together instead of just layering them; this can create a fun visual effect when baked.
- Always let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack, as this helps them set properly and prevents breaking.
Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best cookies, select unsalted butter that’s soft but not melted—this ensures easy creaming. Your egg should be large and fresh for proper binding. Use high-quality vanilla extract; it can make a delicious difference.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to wrap them well to avoid any moisture!
Can I freeze Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies?
Absolutely! For up to 3 months of storage, freeze your baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their lovely texture.
What do I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle a little more flour into the mixture, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Another option is to chill it for additional time in the refrigerator to help firm it up before rolling.
Are these cookies safe for people with allergies?
Very! Keep in mind that this recipe contains butter, egg, and wheat flour, which are common allergens. If you’re accommodating allergies, consider substituting with vegan butter or an egg replacement. Always double-check labels, especially for any pre-packaged ingredients like sprinkles that might contain allergens.
Can I customize the colors in my Christmas Slice and Bake Cookies?
Of course! The beauty of these cookies lies in the creative options! You can use different gel food coloring shades to match your holiday theme, or even use cocoa powder or natural food dyes if you’re looking for alternative colors. There are no limits to your creativity!
Equipment
- mixer
- Bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Plastic Wrap
- Parchment paper
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
For the Festive Touch
- few drops Red Gel Food Coloring
- few drops Green Gel Food Coloring
- optional Holiday Sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes with a mixer.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Divide the dough into three portions; dye two with red and green gel food coloring.
- Shape the dough into logs or rectangles, layering or twisting them for unique designs.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the chilled logs into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
