Slice & Bake Festive Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful way to bring joy and color to your holiday baking, the Slice & Bake Festive Christmas Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are a magical blend of buttery goodness, festive sprinkles, and just the right amount of sweetness, all wrapped into charming little slices that bake up perfectly every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe makes creating beautiful and delicious Christmas cookies simple, fun, and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together harmoniously to deliver soft, flavorful cookies with a festive crunch. Each item plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that ensures tenderness to the sprinkles that add bursts of color and holiday spirit.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and holds all the flavors together perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that delightful texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other ingredients’ flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and softness that melt in your mouth.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps with that lovely cookie chew.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings warmth and a hint of molasses for depth in taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Imparts a sweet, fragrant aroma that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough to create the perfect crumb.
• 1 cup festive sprinkles or colored sugar: Makes each cookie pop with holiday cheer and fun colors.
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nuttiness, if you like extra texture.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): For a melty chocolate surprise in every bite.

How to Make Slice & Bake Festive Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This ensures they’re evenly dispersed throughout your dough, which helps your cookies bake uniformly with the perfect lift and flavor balance.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Keep at it for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — this step is key for that soft, tender cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Egg

Blend in the vanilla extract and egg with your mixer until everything combines smoothly. This mixture now forms the deliciously rich base of your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on a low speed. Mix just until everything comes together. Remember, overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so gentle folding is your friend.

Step 5: Fold in Festive Sprinkles and Optional Mix-ins

Now it’s time to bring the holiday magic by folding in your colorful sprinkles. If you want extra texture and flavor, toss in the chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips, too. This step makes each bite a joyful surprise.

Step 6: Shape the Dough into Logs

Divide your dough into two equal parts. Shape each into a log roughly 2 inches in diameter and wrap both tightly in plastic wrap. Having these logs ready means you can slice the dough for perfectly shaped cookies later.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Place the wrapped logs into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice while also enhancing flavor through the resting process.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

When your dough logs have chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly with golden edges.

Step 9: Slice the Cookies

Remove the dough logs from the fridge and carefully slice each into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Keeping the slices uniform ensures consistent baking and a beautiful finished look.

Step 10: Arrange and Bake

Lay your cookie slices on the baking sheets, giving each piece enough space for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown, signaling that they’re perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Step 11: Cool the Cookies

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling step helps the cookies set with just the right texture—soft inside with a slight crisp on the outside.

How to Serve Slice & Bake Festive Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies already boast festive sprinkles baked right in, but you can add a touch more holiday sparkle by drizzling melted white or dark chocolate on top once cooled. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a snowy effect perfect for Christmas.

Side Dishes

The best companions to these festive cookies are warm drinks—think cozy mugs of hot cocoa, eggnog, or chai tea. The rich, creamy beverages perfectly offset the sweet, buttery cookies for a truly indulgent holiday treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or holiday parties, stack these slice & bake cookies in decorative tins or box them with festive ribbons. You can also arrange them on holiday-themed platters alongside candy canes and nuts to create a charming festive dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for about a week, which means you can enjoy the festive flavors well beyond your baking day.

Freezing

If you want to prep these cookies ahead of time, slice the chilled dough logs and freeze the slices on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever the holiday mood strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or stored cookies at their best, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly-baked softness and melts any chocolate chips to gooey perfection.

FAQs

Can I use margarine or a butter substitute in this recipe?

Butter is preferred for the rich flavor and texture it provides, but you can use margarine or a butter substitute if needed. Just make sure it’s softened and keep in mind that the taste and texture might differ slightly.

What if I don’t have festive sprinkles?

No worries! You can use colored sugar, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed candy canes for an extra peppermint twist. The key is to add something that will bring holiday cheer and texture.

Can I make the dough without nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely. The nuts and chocolate chips are optional additions, so feel free to stick with just the sprinkles or customize with your favorite mix-ins.

How thick should I slice the cookie dough?

Slicing each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds is perfect. Thinner slices might burn or become too crisp, while thicker ones may not bake evenly or might stay too soft inside.

Will these cookies hold their shape well after baking?

Yes, slice & bake cookies maintain their shape nicely due to the chilled dough logs. Just be sure to slice evenly and avoid pressing down too hard on the dough slices before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Slice & Bake Festive Christmas Cookies Recipe is more than just a treat—it’s a joyful holiday tradition wrapped up in every colorful, buttery bite. Truly easy to make and delightful to share, these cookies bring smiles to every gathering and warmth to your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch your festive celebrations light up with this simple but spectacular recipe!

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