I’m all about cookies that deliver maximum joy with minimum effort, and these slice-and-bake holiday cookies are my secret weapon. Can you imagine having cookie dough ready in your freezer, just waiting to be transformed into warm, buttery treats whenever the mood strikes? The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility—dress them up with festive sprinkles or keep them classic. The perfectly crisp edges with tender centers will make you wonder why you’d ever bother with complicated cookie recipes again. What makes them truly special, though?
Why You’ll Love these Slice-and-Bake Holiday Cookies
When the holiday season rolls around, these slice-and-bake cookies become my absolute go-to recipe.
They’re incredibly versatile—add food coloring for festive hues or roll the logs in sparkling sugar for extra pizzazz.
What makes them truly special? The combination of vanilla and almond extracts creates a flavor that’s simply divine.
Plus, the dough can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator, ready whenever unexpected guests arrive.
The texture is perfection, too. Crisp edges with a tender center that melts in your mouth.
Who doesn’t love a cookie that looks fancy but requires minimal effort?
What Ingredients are in Slice-and-Bake Holiday Cookies?
These holiday slice-and-bake cookies combine simple pantry staples to create a cookie dough that’s versatile enough for any festive occasion.
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Food coloring gel (optional)
- Sparkling sugars (optional)
For best results, make sure your butter and egg are truly at room temperature—cold ingredients won’t blend properly, and we want that perfectly smooth dough that slices like a dream.
How to Make these Slice-and-Bake Holiday Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
This creates the perfect foundation for our tender, sliceable dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup sifted powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
This usually takes about 3-4 minutes—and yes, that time really matters for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large room temperature egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract to your butter mixture.
The almond extract gives these cookies that special something that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Overmixing at this stage is the enemy of tender cookies, so show a little restraint with that mixer.
Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into portions if you want different colors, then add food coloring gel as desired.
A little gel goes a long way, and creates much more vibrant colors than liquid food coloring without changing the dough consistency.
Step 6: Shape Into Logs and Chill
Form the dough into logs about 2 inches in diameter.
For a festive touch, roll the logs in sparkling sugar before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
Chill for at least 2 hours—overnight works wonderfully if you’re planning ahead.
Step 7: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then slice the chilled dough logs into ¼-inch thick rounds.
Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden.
For consistent, professional results, consider using a premium baking supply set that includes properly insulated baking sheets and parchment paper.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
The cookies will firm up as they cool, achieving that perfect crisp-yet-tender texture that makes them absolutely irresistible.
What to Serve with Slice-and-Bake Holiday Cookies
These buttery, versatile cookies deserve proper companions to make your holiday spread truly memorable. A mug of hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick stirrer makes for the coziest pairing—the warm spice complements the almond extract beautifully.
For something a bit more grown-up, try a glass of cold milk for the kids and eggnog or mulled wine for the adults.
These cookies also play well with other treats; serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impromptu sandwich, or with a small dish of lemon curd for dipping.
And don’t forget about coffee! A rich espresso or cappuccino cuts through the sweetness perfectly, making these cookies an ideal afternoon pick-me-up or post-dinner treat.
Slice-and-Bake Holiday Cookies Substitutions and Variations
• Flour options: Swap all-purpose for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
For nuttier flavor, replace ½ cup flour with almond flour.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter sticks (not tub spreads) and let them come to room temperature just like regular butter.
- Vegan version: Replace egg with a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water) and use plant-based butter.
- Flavor twists: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom for warmth, 1 Tbsp citrus zest for brightness, or swap vanilla for maple extract.
- Fun add-ins: Fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, finely chopped dried cranberries, or crushed candy canes for holiday flair.
- Decorative edges: Before chilling, roll logs in chopped nuts, cocoa nibs, or colored sanding sugar for a festive, crunchy exterior.
- Low-sugar option: Reduce powdered sugar to ¾ cup and add ¼ tsp more salt to maintain flavor balance.
Leftovers and Storage for these Slice-and-Bake Holiday Cookies
These festive cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, though their texture is absolutely best within the first 2-3 days.
For longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months—just place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
The real magic of slice-and-bake cookies? You can freeze the raw dough logs for up to 2 months! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
When a cookie craving hits, slice and bake straight from frozen (just add an extra minute to baking time).
To refresh slightly stale cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. They’ll regain that lovely crisp-yet-tender texture we all crave during holiday season.
Final Thoughts
These slice-and-bake holiday cookies strike that ideal balance between festive and fuss-free.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the buttery, vanilla-almond aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake, turning an ordinary afternoon into a holiday moment.
What makes them truly special is their versatility—customize with different colors and sprinkles for any celebration.
They’re the perfect answer to the holiday rush, when you want homemade charm without spending hours in the kitchen.
Keep a log in the freezer, and you’re always just minutes away from warm cookies that remind us why simple traditions often make the sweetest memories.