Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies for Everyone

why make this recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are a delightful treat during the festive season. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering. The combination of rich butter, sweet sugars, and festive ingredients like peppermint and cranberries creates a unique flavor that is both comforting and festive. The slice-and-bake method also makes these cookies easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones during the busy holiday season.

how to make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Making Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies is easy and straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have delightful cookies ready in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter: This provides richness and moisture to the cookies. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with margarine.
• 1 cup Granulated Cane Sugar: This sugar adds sweetness and helps with the structure of the cookies. White sugar can also work if you don’t have cane sugar.
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: This sugar gives a slight caramel note to the cookies, enhancing their flavor. Both light and dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably.
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: This adds an aromatic flavor that enhances the cookies’ overall taste. If you want a different twist, you can use almond extract instead.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Salt balances sweetness and is essential for enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour: The flour forms the structure of the cookies. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead.
• 1 cup Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch and nuttiness. If you prefer, you can substitute them with pecans, which offer a similar texture.
• 1 cup Dried Cranberries: These provide tartness and a chewy texture to each bite. You can substitute dried cranberries with any other dried fruit, such as cherries or raisins.
• 1 cup Milk or White Chocolate: This adds sweetness and creaminess to the cookies. If you like richer flavors, you can use dark chocolate instead.
• 8 ounces Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate adds a deliciously rich flavor. Semi-sweet chocolate can also work well if you prefer it.
• 1 cup Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes: These give a festive twist and refreshing flavor. If peppermint isn’t your favorite, you can use toffee bits for a different taste.
• 1 cup Sprinkles: Sprinkles are optional but can add a fun and colorful touch to your cookie platter.

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated cane sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The creaming of the butter and sugars is essential for incorporating air, which helps create a light texture in the baked cookies.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients:

   • Add the vanilla extract and salt to the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour until there are no lumps.

4. Mix in the Flour:

   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined to ensure the cookies stay tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

5. Fold in the Extras:

   • Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, milk or white chocolate, dark chocolate, and crushed peppermint candy canes. Stir carefully to distribute everything evenly without breaking the chocolate or cranberries.

6. Shape the Dough:

   • Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll 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. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

7. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is chilling. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.

8. Slice the Cookies:

   • Once the dough is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

9. Bake the Cookies:

   • Place the sliced cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s okay as they’ll continue to cook while cooling.

10. Cool and Decorate:

    • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you wish, you can decorate the cooled cookies with additional sprinkles for a festive touch.

how to serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Once baked and cooled, serve your Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies on a beautiful platter and savor the festive spirit! They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. The combination of textures and flavors makes them an irresistible treat.

You can also gift them to friends and family in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade present that they will surely appreciate. The vibrant colors from the sprinkles and crushed peppermint make these cookies not only delicious but visually appealing, too!

how to store Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container. If you place parchment paper between layers of cookies, it will help prevent them from sticking together. Ideally, these cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to one week.

If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To do this, first, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container, and they can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave.

tips to make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

1. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for helping the cookies maintain their shape and preventing excessive spread while baking.
2. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter, chocolate, and vanilla extract. It makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor of your cookies.
3. Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to personalize the cookies with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Everyone’s taste is distinct!
4. Control Your Bite Size: You can shape the cookies into smaller or larger rounds, but remember that baking time may vary based on the size you choose.
5. Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies in the last few minutes of baking. It’s better to underbake them slightly than to risk overbaking. They’ll firm up as they cool.

variation

If you’re feeling creative, consider these fun variations for your Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies:

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts and substitute them with more dried fruit or chocolate chips to maintain the same texture.
• Spiced Cookies: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm spiced flavor that perfectly complements the holidays.
• Frosted Cookies: Once the cookies are cooled, you can frost them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for sweetness. Decorate with festive sprinkles on top!
• Different Chocolate Types: Substitute with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or even dark chocolate mint chips, to change the flavor profile entirely.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter if you want a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Cookies are typically done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the dough logs before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, slice and bake the cookies straight from the freezer, just increase baking time by a couple of minutes.

4. What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

You can substitute dried cranberries with any dried fruit of your choice, such as cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots.

5. How long can I store the cookies?

You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months, as explained above.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are not just irresistible; they are also simple to make and perfect for a festive gathering. Enjoy this delightful treat with your loved ones and embrace the joy of the holiday season!

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