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

Why Make This Recipe

Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends, creating memories, and of course, enjoying delicious treats. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is by baking cookies. The Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are not just any cookies; they are soft, rich, and bursting with festive flavors. This recipe is perfect for those who love easy-to-make cookies that still deliver on taste and presentation.

These cookies are ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. The blend of flavors from the chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, milk or white chocolate, dark chocolate, and crushed peppermint candy canes creates a delightful mix that is sure to please everyone. Moreover, the simple slice-and-bake method means you can prepare the dough in advance and bake whenever you’re ready to share the magic of Christmas with your loved ones.

How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward, and the process is all about combining the right ingredients in the right way. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create these fantastic cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Granulated Cane Sugar
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
• 1 cup Dried Cranberries
• 1 cup Milk or White Chocolate, chopped
• 8 ounces Dark Chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup Crushed Peppermint Candy Canes
• 1 cup Sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Cream the Butters and Sugars
   In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated cane sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Properly creaming these ingredients will give your cookies the perfect texture.

2. Add Vanilla and Salt
   Next, add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

3. Prepare the Flour Mixture
   In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Make sure there are no lumps. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth and even cookie dough.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients from the first mixing bowl. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle here.

5. Fold in the Fun Ingredients
   Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts, 1 cup of dried cranberries, 1 cup of chopped milk or white chocolate, 8 ounces of chopped dark chocolate, and 1 cup of crushed peppermint candy canes. These additions bring flavor and texture to the cookies.

6. Shape the Dough
   Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. This step not only shapes your cookies but also makes it easy to slice them later. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is key to keeping the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

7. Preheat the Oven
   While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cookies, allowing them to bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden-brown color on the edges.

8. Slice the Dough
   After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness will ensure that the cookies bake properly and maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

9. Bake the Cookies
   Place the cookie slices onto a lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each one for spreading. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The centers might appear soft, and that’s okay; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

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 want to add a festive touch, you can decorate the cooled cookies with additional sprinkles. This is optional but can add a fun appearance to your holiday spread!

How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Serving these cookies is all about showcasing their festive flair. Once your cookies are completely cooled, arrange them on a delightful plate or in a festive cookie jar. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Cookie Platters: Create a beautiful cookie platter by grouping your Christmas cookies, along with other holiday favorites. Consider adding some chocolate drizzles or extra sprinkles to some of your cookies for visual appeal.
• Gift Packages: These cookies make fantastic holiday gifts. Fill a decorative tin or a holiday-themed box with the cookies. Tie a festive ribbon around it for a personal touch.
• Pair with Beverages: Serve the cookies alongside a warm beverage, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or even eggnog. The combination of cookies and drinks enhances the cozy holiday atmosphere.

How to Store Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

Keeping your cookies fresh is important for maintaining their deliciousness. Here are some tips on how to store your cookies effectively:

• Room Temperature: If you plan on eating the cookies within a week, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy.
• Refrigeration: If you want your cookies to stay fresh for a longer time (up to two weeks), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Freezing: These cookies also freeze well! You can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies

• Ingredient Freshness: Ensure your baking ingredients, especially flour and chocolate, are fresh. Stale ingredients can affect the overall taste and texture of your cookies.
• Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents you from packing down the flour, which could lead to dense cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s vital for helping the cookies maintain their shape and preventing excess spreading during baking.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like chopped pistachios, toffee bits, or even different types of chocolate.
• Watch the Oven: Ovens vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If you notice them browning too quickly, you can rotate the baking sheet for even cooking.

Variations (if any)

While the classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies are delicious on their own, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
• Fruit Variations: Swap out dried cranberries for your favorite dried fruits, such as raisins, cherries, or apricots.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add more chocolate by swapping half of the flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolate version of these cookies, or use dark chocolate chips exclusively.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Holiday Spices: Incorporate spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a spice blend that evokes the warmth of Christmas.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to three days before baking. You can also freeze the rolled dough logs for up to three months.

2. Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can mix and match different types of chocolate, such as semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate, according to your preference. You could even use white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

3. What is the best way to prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ shape. Additionally, ensuring your oven temperature is accurate can also help keep the cookies intact while baking.

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

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown while the centers still look soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

5. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

It is not recommended to use fresh cranberries as they are too tart and have a high moisture content, which may alter the texture of the cookies. Stick with dried cranberries for the best results.

6. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies should stay fresh for about a week at room temperature, up to two weeks in the refrigerator, and up to three months if frozen.

Through simple steps and joy-filled ingredients, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Slice & Bake Cookies promise a delightful treat for every holiday occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or giving them as gifts, these cookies cater to the festive spirit, making them a must-try this holiday season!

Print