Slice and Bake Cookies

Name: Slice and Bake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Slice and Bake Cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and fun to share.

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2025-12-21T08:16:41.811Z

These Slice and Bake Cookies are a timeless treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to impress!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Versatile flavors to suit any palate
Easy to slice and bake, perfect for busy days
Great for sharing with friends and family

      

A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply want to enjoy a sweet snack, Slice and Bake Cookies are an excellent choice. Their versatility allows you to customize the flavors and add-ins based on your preferences or the season. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion.

These cookies are not just tasty; they also offer an impressive presentation. When sliced, they reveal beautiful swirls of chocolate chips or other mix-ins, making them visually appealing. You can even experiment with different shapes and sizes to suit your event, ensuring that your cookies are as festive as they are delicious.

Convenience at Its Best

One of the standout features of Slice and Bake Cookies is their convenience. The ability to prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator means you can whip up a batch of cookies whenever the craving strikes. No need for an elaborate baking session; simply slice and bake! This makes them a go-to option for busy families and last-minute gatherings.

Additionally, these cookies are a great option for meal prep. You can make multiple logs of dough and keep them on hand for easy baking throughout the week. This means fresh, homemade cookies are just a few minutes away, ready to be enjoyed with friends, family, or even for a cozy night in.

Endless Flavor Possibilities

The base recipe for Slice and Bake Cookies is incredibly versatile, allowing you to explore a variety of flavors. Want to indulge in peanut butter? Simply substitute a portion of the butter with creamy peanut butter. Craving something fruity? Add dried fruits, nuts, or even citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist. The possibilities are virtually endless!

For those looking to personalize their cookies even further, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or try incorporating extracts such as almond or coconut. These small adjustments can elevate your cookies to new heights, making them a fun and creative baking project for everyone.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly to create a dough.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the butter mixture. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.

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.

Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Slice and Bake Cookies turn out perfectly, start with high-quality ingredients. Fresh butter and eggs can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your cookies, so choose wisely. Additionally, be mindful of your measurements; using a kitchen scale can help achieve accuracy for the best results.

When shaping your dough into logs, aim for uniformity in size to ensure even baking. If the logs are too thin, the cookies may overbake and become crispy, while logs that are too thick might remain soft in the center. Finding that sweet spot will lead to cookies that are perfectly baked every time.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once your cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider freezing them. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months, while unbaked dough logs can last even longer in the freezer, allowing you to have cookie dough ready whenever the mood strikes.

To freeze baked cookies, ensure they are completely cool, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. For unbaked dough, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, you can slice and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Slice and Bake Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with simple serving suggestions. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert or serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can also enhance their flavor profile.

For gatherings, consider arranging the cookies on a decorative platter with a variety of flavors. This not only makes for an impressive presentation but also caters to different taste preferences. Guests will love sampling the different options, making your cookie platter the star of the show!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped logs of cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just slice and bake straight from the freezer!

→ What can I add to the cookies for extra flavor?

You can add vanilla extract, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon for a different taste.

→ How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for the best results.