Delightful Slice and Bake Cookies

$To make these easy slice and bake cookies, gather these simple items: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) - Sprinkles or colored sugar for garnish (optional) You can add a twist to your cookies with these fun options: - Chopped dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries - Different types of chocolate, such as white or dark - A dash of cinnamon for warmth - Coconut flakes for a tropical touch If you need to swap out some ingredients, try these ideas: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Replace the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce for a vegan version. - Use whole wheat flour for a healthier cookie. - Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. These tips help you customize your cookies based on what you have or prefer. Enjoy the process of making them your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 3/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chocolate chips - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) - Sprinkles or colored sugar for garnish (optional) In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Lastly, fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if you like them. Now, divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part into a log about 2 inches wide. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Place the logs in the fridge for at least one hour. This makes them firm and easy to slice. You can also chill them longer if needed. Once the dough is firm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the logs from the fridge. Slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each slice to let them spread. Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top if you want. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your cookies! To make great slice and bake cookies, you need to chill the dough. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice. Shape the logs evenly, about 2 inches in diameter. Use wax paper or plastic wrap to cover the logs tightly. This helps keep the shape while chilling. One common mistake is skipping the chilling step. If you don’t chill the dough, the cookies may spread too much. Another mistake is slicing them too thick. Aim for 1/4-inch thick slices for even baking. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Space out the cookies to allow for spreading and airflow. To make your cookies more flavorful, try adding zest from citrus fruits. Lemon or orange zest adds a nice brightness. You can also use different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking can enhance sweetness. If you want crunch, consider adding more nuts or using toasted ones. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least an hour helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a richer flavor. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a more decadent taste. The better the chocolate, the tastier your cookies will be! Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or hazelnut to the dough for a unique twist on the classic cookie flavor. Storage Tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer shelf life. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavor of these cookies. Try adding different mix-ins to the dough. Here are some ideas: - Peanut Butter Chips: Replace chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a nutty taste. - Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist. - Coconut Flakes: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. - Spices: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. These combinations keep things fun and exciting! You can change these cookies for special holidays too. For Halloween, use orange sprinkles and add pumpkin spice. For Christmas, add peppermint extract and red and green sprinkles. For Easter, try pastel-colored sprinkles and add some lemon zest. Each season brings a chance to get creative with your cookies! If you need gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit). Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. These options ensure everyone can enjoy these tasty treats! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and air out. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them crispy, store them with a slice of bread. The bread absorbs extra moisture. Freezing cookie dough is a smart way to save time. To freeze, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped logs in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to bake, just slice and bake from frozen. No need to thaw! Baked cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them, too. Just make sure to wrap them well. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. This keeps them tasty and soft, just like fresh cookies! You can tell the cookies are done when the edges turn light golden brown. The centers might look soft, but they will set as they cool. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary. Check around the 8-minute mark. If they look firm, it's time to take them out. Yes, you can mix in any type of chocolate you like. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well. You can even use chocolate chunks or a mix of different kinds. This will add a unique flavor to your cookies. If you want to skip the egg, you can use a few options. Try a flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Applesauce is another good choice. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for one egg. To make cookies softer, try adding more butter or brown sugar. You can also bake them for a shorter time. For crunchier cookies, add a bit more flour or bake them longer. Keep testing until you find your perfect cookie texture. Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies anytime! In this article, we explored cookie-making from start to finish. We discussed key ingredients, optional add-ins, and helpful tips for substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, shaping, and baking cookies. We also shared tips to perfect your technique, avoid common mistakes, and enhance flavors. With variations for every season and dietary need, these cookies are truly versatile. Remember to store them properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy your baking journey, and make it your own!$

Delightful Slice and Bake Cookies

A delicious and easy-to-make slice and bake cookie recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3.75 cup granulated sugar
0.75 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
0.5 cup chopped nuts (optional)
to taste sprinkles or colored sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and well combined.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for spreading.
If desired, sprinkle the tops with colored sugar or sprinkles for added flair.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter, and offer a variety of sprinkles or toppings on the side for guests to customize their cookie experience!

Keyword baking, cookies, dessert