Flavor Slice & Bake Holiday Cookies

$- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon fine salt - Food coloring (red, green, and any other festive color of your choice) - Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch - Mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist - Dried fruit bits like cranberries or cherries for chewiness - Citrus zest for a fresh, bright flavor - For all-purpose flour, I like King Arthur Flour for its quality. - Land O'Lakes is my go-to for unsalted butter; it blends well. - Domino granulated sugar is my favorite for sweetness and texture. - For extracts, I use Nielsen-Massey for a rich vanilla taste. - I often choose Wilton food coloring for vibrant hues. - For sprinkles, I trust Betty Crocker for colorful options that pop. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer. Mix for about 3-5 minutes until fluffy and light. 2. Next, add one large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until everything is smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently to form a smooth dough. 4. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Keep one part plain. For the other two, add food coloring and knead until the color is bright and even. 5. Shape each colored portion into cylindrical logs, about 2 inches wide. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. 6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills. 7. After chilling, remove the logs. Slice each log into rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. 8. To make them festive, sprinkle colorful sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie. 9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn light golden. 10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Always start with softened butter for easy mixing. - When adding food coloring, knead until the color is evenly spread. - Use clean hands when shaping and slicing the dough to avoid mess. - Refrigerate the dough long enough for it to firm up. This helps with slicing. - Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the cookies inside. - Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. - Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for light golden edges. To make perfect slice and bake cookies, start with soft butter. This helps blend the butter and sugar well. Mix them until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Next, add your egg and extracts. This adds flavor and richness to your cookies. When mixing dry ingredients, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. This helps even distribution. When you form the dough, divide it into three portions. Leave one plain and color the others. Use food coloring and knead it in until the colors shine bright. Shape each dough into logs, about 2 inches wide. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice. One common mistake is not chilling the dough. Skipping this step leads to cookies that spread too much. Another mistake is slicing the logs too thick. Aim for ¼ inch thick slices to ensure even baking. Be careful not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave at least 1 inch between each cookie. This helps them bake evenly and prevents sticking. Lastly, don’t forget to check your oven temperature. An oven that’s too hot can burn the edges of your cookies. To enhance flavor, try adding zest. Lemon or orange zest adds a fresh, bright note. For texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips. This adds crunch and rich flavor. You can also swap out the almond extract for other flavors like coconut or peppermint. This can create a fun twist on the classic cookie. Finally, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty balance. This simple step can elevate your cookie experience. Pro Tips Chill for Optimal Texture: Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours. This helps solidify the butter, leading to a better texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Color Mixing Tips: When adding food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired shade. Knead the dough thoroughly to ensure the color is evenly distributed. Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for the edges to turn lightly golden before removing them from the oven to avoid over-baking. Decorative Touch: For an extra festive look, consider using themed sprinkles or edible glitter. Apply them right after slicing the cookies so they stick better before baking. {{image_4}} You can play with flavors to make these cookies special. Here are a few ideas: - Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. - Lemon: Use lemon extract instead of almond for a fresh taste. - Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a cool twist. - Nutty: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. These simple changes can give your cookies new life. Each flavor brings joy and surprise. Decorating these cookies can be so much fun! Here are some ideas: - Sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles to add a festive touch. - Icing: Make a simple icing with powdered sugar and water. - Glitter: Edible glitter can make your cookies shine. - Fruity: Add dried fruit pieces on top before baking. These decorations make your cookies look pretty and taste great, too! If you need to adjust these cookies for different diets, here are some options: - Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. - Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water). These swaps help everyone enjoy the cookies. You can still have fun with flavors and decorations! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb moisture. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. If you stack cookies, place layers of parchment paper between them. This prevents sticking and helps maintain their shape. Freezing unbaked dough is a great way to save time. After shaping the dough into logs, wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped logs in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. You can freeze the dough for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just slice the frozen logs and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can last for about one week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. Baked cookies can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge. For best flavor, consume them within the first few days. If you notice any changes in texture or smell, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your cookies while they are at their best! Yes, you can use other flours. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free blend. If you use whole wheat flour, the cookies may taste nuttier and have a denser texture. You might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe. Start with less liquid and add more as needed. Always check the dough texture to ensure it feels right. The cookies are done when the edges turn lightly golden. Look for a slight firmness on the edges. If the centers look a bit soft, that's okay; they will firm up as they cool. Use a timer to avoid overbaking. Check them at the 10-minute mark. If they need more time, add only 1-2 more minutes. To transport homemade cookies safely, start with a sturdy container. Use a tin or a plastic container with a lid. Line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place a layer of cookies, then add parchment between layers. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from breaking. Avoid stacking them too high. For extra decoration, add a holiday ribbon around the container. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for delicious cookies and how to use them. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips for making perfect dough. You learned about variations and how to store your treats well. Remember, experimenting with flavors and decorations can lead to tasty surprises. Follow these tips and enjoy your baking adventure. Your cookies can be a hit every time!$

Flavor Slice & Bake Holiday Cookies

Delicious and festive slice and bake cookies perfect for the holiday season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 12

Total Time 2 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon fine salt
1 set Food coloring (red, green, and any other festive color of your choice)
to taste none Sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, approximately 3-5 minutes.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to mix until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms.
Divide the prepared dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain for your base cookie. Add your chosen food coloring to the remaining two portions, kneading the color into the dough until it is evenly distributed and vibrant.
Shape each portion of colored dough into cylindrical logs, ensuring each log has a diameter of about 2 inches. Wrap each log securely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or until the dough is firm to the touch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling.
After the dough has chilled and firmed up, remove the logs from the refrigerator. Slice each log into rounds that are approximately ¼ inch thick. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
To add a festive flair, generously sprinkle the tops of the cookies with colorful sprinkles or colored sugar.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Arrange your delightful holiday cookies on a vibrant, festive platter to showcase their colorful appearance. For an added touch, sprinkle with extra holiday-themed decorations. Additionally, you can package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a decorative ribbon, making them a perfect festive gift for family and friends!

Keyword baking, cookies, festive, holiday