Description
These Slice & Bake Christmas Cookies are a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a buttery dough mixed with colorful sprinkles and optional nuts or chocolate chips, these cookies are shaped into logs, chilled, sliced, and baked to perfection for a crisp, light golden edge. Quick to prepare and ideal for sharing, they bring a delightful holiday cheer to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 1 cup festive sprinkles or colored sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract and the large egg until fully combined, maintaining the creamy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Stir just until everything is well incorporated without overmixing to avoid tough cookies.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the festive sprinkles along with any optional chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Shape Dough Logs: Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions. Roll each half into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly with plastic wrap.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough logs for at least 2 hours or until firm, ensuring easier slicing and better texture when baked.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice Dough: Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and, using a sharp knife, slice them into 1/4-inch thick cookie slices.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cookie slices onto the prepared baking sheets, allowing enough space between each slice for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best slicing results, ensure the cookie dough is thoroughly chilled and firm.
- You can omit nuts or chocolate chips if you prefer a simpler cookie or have allergies.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Decorate with additional festive sprinkles before baking for extra holiday flair.
- If you want softer cookies, reduce baking time by a minute or two.
