Easy Slice and Bake Cookies (with 9 flavour ideas!)

Name: Easy Slice and Bake Cookies (with 9 flavour ideas!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24.0
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (for peppermint flavor); 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for chocolate chip flavor); 3/4 cup chopped nuts (for nutty flavor); 1/2 cup dried fruit (for fruity flavor); 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor); Zest of 1 lemon (for lemon flavor); 1 teaspoon almond extract (for almond flavor); 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for festive flavor); 1/2 cup chopped toffee bits (for toffee flavor)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Transform your holiday baking with these delightful Easy Slice and Bake Cookies! Perfect for busy bakers, this recipe offers a base that you can customize with nine delectable flavor ideas to suit every taste. From classic vanilla to festive peppermint, each slice reveals a perfect balance of sweetness and charm, making them an irresistible treat for family gatherings and cookie exchanges. Enjoy the simplicity and joy of baking this Christmas season!

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-13T04:22:33.298Z

These cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to play with flavors and create an array of treats!

Versatile and Customizable

One of the highlights of these Easy Slice and Bake Cookies is their incredible versatility. The base dough is a blank canvas, allowing you to unleash your creativity. You can experiment with a multitude of flavors, from traditional to adventurous, ensuring that there's a cookie to please everyone at your holiday gathering. Whether you prefer the classic taste of vanilla or the festive zing of peppermint, you have the flexibility to craft cookies that match your mood.

This customization comes in handy when baking for special occasions. Want something nutty for Thanksgiving? Add chopped nuts. Planning a winter festivity? Try the crushed candy canes for a festive touch. No matter the celebration, these cookies can be easily tailored to meet your needs. With just a simple adjustment to the base dough, you'll have a selection of cookies that reflect the spirit of each occasion.

Perfect for Holiday Gifting

These Easy Slice and Bake Cookies are not just delicious; they also make for fantastic gifts! Pack them in decorative tins or boxes, and you have thoughtful, homemade gifts that friends and family will cherish. Imagine the delight on their faces when they receive a customized selection of cookies tailored to their tastes! It's a great way to share the joy of the season and showcase your baking skills.

Moreover, the simple slicing technique means you can easily make a large batch to share. Create an assorted cookie tray with a variety of flavors, allowing recipients to indulge in multiple tastes. Think of it as a cookie sampling experience that everyone will love! This easy gifting method ensures you can spread holiday cheer without spending all your time in the kitchen.

Family-Friendly Activity

Baking these cookies is an enjoyable family activity that brings everyone together. Children will love getting involved in the mixing and flavoring processes, while adults can assist with shaping and baking. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories and teach kids essential skills in the kitchen. Plus, the excitement of trying their own flavor combinations adds a layer of fun to the experience.

The simplicity of this recipe allows for interaction without overwhelming anyone. You can easily delegate tasks, making it an inclusive activity for all ages. As you bake, share stories and traditions about holiday treats, creating a family bonding moment that will be cherished for years to come. These slices of joy are as much about the experience as they are about the delicious cookies themselves.

Ingredients

Basic Cookie Dough

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

Flavor Additions

1 teaspoon peppermint extract (for peppermint flavor)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for chocolate chip flavor)
3/4 cup chopped nuts (for nutty flavor)
1/2 cup dried fruit (for fruity flavor)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for chocolate flavor)
Zest of 1 lemon (for lemon flavor)
1 teaspoon almond extract (for almond flavor)
1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for festive flavor)
1/2 cup chopped toffee bits (for toffee flavor)

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients as you like!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until well combined.

Divide and Add Flavors

Divide the dough into portions and add your chosen flavorings to each portion, mixing until incorporated.

Shape the Dough

Roll each portion into a log shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Cool and Enjoy

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

Enjoy your cookies with a hot beverage or as a festive treat!

Storage and Longevity

One of the best features of these cookies is how well they store! After baking, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container. This will help absorb excess moisture while preventing the cookies from becoming stale.

For longer storage, these cookies can also be frozen. Once you've sliced the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and slice off the desired number of cookies from the frozen log without thawing. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy fresh cookies even when you're short on time.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, it's essential to use room-temperature butter for creaming. Cold butter can lead to a denser cookie. Also, don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough firmens it up, making it easier to slice and ensuring that the cookies hold their shape while baking.

If you're adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, try folding them in gently to avoid overworking the dough. This will help retain the cookies' tender texture. Lastly, keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking for doneness a couple of minutes early to avoid overbaking. Perfectly baked cookies will have lightly golden edges and a soft center.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the rolled dough logs for up to 3 months. Just thaw before slicing and baking.

→ How do I know when the cookies are done?

Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown, and the centers are set.