Slice and Bake Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These Slice and Bake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines ease and flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they can be made ahead of time and sliced fresh when you're ready to bake.
These Slice and Bake Cookies are a family favorite, loved for their simplicity and versatility. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, making them perfect for any palate. Whether you enjoy them plain, with chocolate chips, or nuts, they are sure to be a hit!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation with minimal cleanup
- Versatile recipe that allows for endless flavor combinations
- Perfect for holiday baking or everyday treats
The Joy of Slice and Bake Cookies
Slice and Bake Cookies are the epitome of convenience in the world of baking. With a simple dough that can be prepared in advance, they make it easy for anyone to enjoy freshly baked cookies without spending hours in the kitchen. This delightful treat brings together the comforting flavors of butter, sugar, and chocolate, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
One of the best aspects of these cookies is their versatility. You can customize the dough with various mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate, allowing you to create a unique flavor profile for every occasion. Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies can be tailored to suit your taste.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Slice and Bake Cookies, it's crucial to ensure that your butter is properly softened. This means it should be at room temperature, allowing for easy creaming with the sugars. If you're short on time, you can cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit for about 15 minutes to soften more quickly.
When slicing the dough, make sure to use a sharp knife to get clean, even edges. This not only helps the cookies bake uniformly but also improves their appearance. If you find the dough is too soft to slice after chilling, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it becomes manageable.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once your Slice and Bake Cookies are baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing the baked cookies. Just ensure they are completely cooled before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.
For serving, these cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make fantastic gifts when packaged in a decorative tin, adding a personal touch to your holiday or special occasion presents.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. 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 2 hours or until firm.
Preheat and Slice
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade Slice and Bake Cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! The beauty of Slice and Bake Cookies is that the dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Just slice and bake when you're ready for fresh cookies.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips? If you're looking for alternatives, you can use chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even toffee bits. Feel free to experiment with flavors that you love!
Creative Variations to Try
To add a twist to the classic recipe, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile. You could also include citrus zest for a refreshing touch, making your cookies perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
If you're a fan of peanut butter, try replacing some of the butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor. You can even create a marbled effect by swirling in different flavored doughs before chilling.
Nutritional Information
While these Slice and Bake Cookies are certainly a treat, it's good to be mindful of portion sizes. Each cookie contains a mix of sugars and fats, but with the addition of chocolate chips or nuts, they also provide a bit of protein and fiber, especially if you choose dark chocolate or add whole nuts.
For a healthier version, consider substituting some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, or reducing the sugar slightly. These small changes can make your cookies a bit more nutritious while still being delicious.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the logs of cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before slicing.
→ How do I store the baked cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
→ What can I substitute for butter?
You can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute in place of the unsalted butter.
Slice and Bake Cookies
These Slice and Bake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines ease and flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they can be made ahead of time and sliced fresh when you're ready to bake.
Created by: Arabella Scott
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
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 2 hours or until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the dough and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 1g