Slice and Bake Cookies

The Ultimate Make-Ahead Cookie for Effortless Baking

Few cookie recipes are as reliable, flexible, and downright convenient as Slice and Bake Cookies. With a simple buttery dough that can be made ahead, chilled, and baked whenever cravings strike, these cookies are a baker’s secret weapon—especially during the busy holiday season.

Slice and bake cookies are crisp around the edges, tender in the center, and lightly sweet with a classic vanilla-butter flavor that never goes out of style. Because the dough is rolled into logs and refrigerated, you get perfectly uniform cookies every time with minimal effort.

This is the kind of recipe that belongs permanently in your freezer.

Why Slice and Bake Cookies Are So Popular

These cookies are beloved for good reason:

• Dough can be made days or weeks ahead
• Cookies bake evenly and hold their shape
• Easy to customize with flavors and mix-ins
• Ideal for holidays, gifting, and last-minute baking
• Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike

They’re simple, dependable, and endlessly adaptable.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Add flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
4. Divide dough in half and shape each portion into a log.
5. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Slice dough into ¼-inch thick rounds.
8. Place cookies on baking sheets, spacing slightly apart.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to wire rack.

Texture & Flavor Profile

These cookies deliver:

• Crisp, lightly golden edges
• Soft, buttery centers
• Balanced sweetness
• Clean vanilla flavor

They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips
• Holiday Sprinkle: Roll dough in sprinkles before slicing
• Citrus Sugar: Add lemon or orange zest
• Spiced Cookies: Add cinnamon or nutmeg
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate

Storage & Freezing Tips

• Refrigerate dough up to 5 days
• Freeze dough logs up to 3 months
• Bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 minutes)
• Store baked cookies in airtight container up to 1 week

Perfect Occasions

• Holiday baking
• Cookie exchanges
• Make-ahead desserts
• Afternoon snacks
• Gift tins and bake sales

Slice and Bake Cookies

Classic buttery slice and bake cookies with crisp edges and tender centers—an easy make-ahead cookie perfect for holidays and everyday baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 140

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
2. Mix in egg and vanilla.
3. Add flour and salt to form dough.
4. Shape dough into logs and chill.
5. Slice and bake until lightly golden.

Notes

For perfectly round cookies, roll dough tightly and rotate logs while chilling.