If you have a sweet tooth and love cookies that are effortless yet irresistibly delicious, this Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These cookies combine a tender, buttery base with the whimsical pop of sprinkles, baked to a perfect light golden edge. It’s such a fun and straightforward cookie to make, especially when you want fresh homemade treats without the mess of scooping dough ball by ball. I absolutely adore whipping up a batch of these because the dough keeps so well chilled, letting me bake exactly the number of cookies I want, whenever I’m ready. Trust me, once you try this Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal in the tastiest way possible. You’ll find that with just a handful of pantry staples, these cookies come together beautifully, making it a perfect project for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
- Unsalted butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming, which creates the perfect tender crumb in the cookie.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crispness on the edges once baked.
- Large egg: Adds richness and helps bind all ingredients together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Brings that classic, warm cookie aroma and depth of flavor.
- Almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty twist that makes these cookies uniquely delightful.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour: The structure-builder, giving the cookies their body and chew.
- Sprinkles: Optional but highly recommended for a fun, colorful crunch on each bite.
How to Make Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by using a mixer to cream your softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air to create a light texture, ensuring your cookies aren’t dense but beautifully tender.
Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings
Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract thoroughly. This combination infuses the dough with the wonderful classic taste and a hint of nutty warmth that’ll make every bite memorable.
Step 3: Incorporate Salt and Flour
Add the salt and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, beating until everything is fully combined. Don’t worry if the dough feels a bit soft; this is exactly how it should be for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Logs
Divide the dough into two halves and place each on a double layer of plastic wrap. Using the wrap, shape each portion into a log around 2 1/2 inches wide. Remember, the dough’s softness can make it tricky, but a little rustic charm only adds character to the finished cookies!
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the logs tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step is essential because chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice thin, even cookies when you’re ready to bake.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Roll each dough log gently (still wrapped) on the countertop to round them out, then unwrap to proceed.
Step 7: Add the Sprinkles
If you’d like to add some colorful fun, pour your sprinkles onto a shallow plate. Carefully roll each dough log in the sprinkles to lightly coat the outside—this makes every cookie pop with personality.
Step 8: Slice and Place on Baking Sheet
Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet. If some slices aren’t perfectly round, no worries—you can gently smooth them out with your fingers for a more uniform look.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges. When they turn just a light golden brown, it’s time to pull them out. I personally prefer 10 minutes for that soft, tender bite that’s just irresistible.
Step 10: Cool and Store
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store airtight at room temperature or freeze to enjoy later.
How to Serve Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding colorful sprinkles is the easiest way to garnish these cookies, but you can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed look. Mini chocolate chips sprinkled on right before baking add an even richer touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a cozy mug of tea. Their buttery sweetness complements beverages that bring warmth and comfort, making snack or dessert time truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, why not arrange slices in pretty jars tied with ribbon or package cookie stacks in clear bags for gift-giving? You can also sandwich them with a smear of frosting or jam for an extra indulgent treat that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your baked cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure to keep them away from humidity or strong odors so they maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
Freezing
For the dough, wrap those logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can freeze up to 12 months, letting you enjoy homemade cookies anytime with just a little advance planning. You can even freeze completely baked cookies this way.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them briefly on low power. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and aroma that’s impossible to resist.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe?
While margarine can be a substitute, it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Butter’s natural richness really elevates these cookies, so I recommend sticking with unsalted butter for best results.
How thin should I slice the cookie dough?
The recipe suggests slicing the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape while staying delightfully tender inside.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! You can fold mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit into the dough before shaping the logs to customize your cookies while keeping the simplicity of the recipe.
What if my dough is too soft to slice?
If your dough feels too soft, just pop it back into the refrigerator for a little longer. The chilling firms it up, making slicing cleaner and easier without squishing the edges.
How long do slice and bake cookies last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing is your best friend for maintaining flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe is such a wonderful, no-fuss way to enjoy classic homemade cookies with minimal effort and maximum joy. Whether you’re making them for a festive celebration, a casual afternoon snack, or as a heartfelt gift, these cookies always bring smiles. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find, like I did, that some of the best treats are the simplest to make. Happy baking!
Print
Slice and Bake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Slice and Bake Cookies are a classic, simple treat perfect for any occasion. Made with a buttery dough flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, they are chilled into logs, sliced, and baked to golden perfection. Customize with sprinkles for a fun, festive touch. The dough can be prepared ahead and stored, making these cookies a convenient and delightful dessert option.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or flavoring
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Decoration
- Sprinkles or nonpareils, for coating (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Use a mixer to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, ensuring a well-incorporated base.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined, adding depth of flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add salt and all-purpose flour to the mixture and beat until the dough is fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again to ensure even incorporation.
- Form Dough Logs: Roughly divide the dough into two halves. Place each on a large double layer of plastic wrap and shape into a log about 2 1/2 inches wide. It’s normal if the dough feels soft and a bit challenging to shape perfectly.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough logs tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step firms up the dough for easier slicing.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape Logs and Decorate: Remove one dough log from the fridge and roll it on the counter (still wrapped) to refine its shape. If desired, pour sprinkles into a shallow tray, unwrap the dough, and roll it in the sprinkles to coat the outside evenly.
- Slice Cookies: Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. Gently reshape any slices if needed to make them round.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges just begin to turn light golden brown. Baking closer to 10 minutes yields a softer cookie, while longer baking results in crispier cookies.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 12 months.
Notes
- Chilling the dough logs is essential for easier slicing and maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
- Sprinkles are optional but add a festive, colorful touch to the cookies.
- Adjust baking time based on preferred cookie texture: shorter for softer, longer for crispier cookies.
- Stored baked cookies remain fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks; for longer storage, freeze them.
- If dough is too soft after chilling, place it back in the refrigerator before slicing.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
