You’ll want to add this recipe collection of slice and bake cookies to your baking arsenal. Refrigerated cookie dough logs can be sliced and baked for crisp buttery cookies any time you want them.
Don’t you just the love the idea of cookie dough waiting for you in the refrigerator or freezer? When cookie cravings hit or unexpected company arrives, or you receive a party invitation and you don’t want to arrive empty-handed, slice and bake cookies are THE answer.
Homemade is always better! I know that the grocery store carries all sorts of pre-made cookie dough. I checked the ingredients of a popular sugar cookie refrigerated dough and let me just say, I would rather use real butter than canola and palm oil. And “natural flavor”? There’s nothing really natural about those chemical formulas. Give me pure vanilla extract and real spices any time.
What are slice and bake cookies?
Slice and bake cookies are shortbread cookies. Typically, shortbread cookies are buttery with a crumbly texture. They usually do not have eggs in the dough and you’ll find they aren’t overly sweet.
Make them with flavor variations: There are so many ways to add flavor and and variety to shortbread cookies. Look for ingredients like: cocoa, cream cheese, extracts, sprinkles, spices, dried fruits, and seeds.
Isn’t your mouth watering already? I’m craving a Mexican chocolate shortbread cookie right now, or maybe a spicy windmill cookie.
Why You’ll Love Slice and Bake Cookies
The cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients. You probably already have everything you need to make these easy shortbread cookies. The main ingredients are simple: flour, butter, sugar, vanilla and a pinch of salt. Choose one of the slice and bake recipes below for flavor variations.
The dough can be refrigerated or frozen. This is a convenient make-ahead recipe. After you prepare the shortbread dough, roll it into logs, wrap it up, and refrigerate or freeze. They are ready to bake any time you need fresh cookies. And hey, isn’t that pretty much all the time?
How To Freeze Slice and Bake Cookies (2 Ways)
- Freeze the dough. After you prepare the shortbread dough, roll it into logs, wrap it in parchment paper, and refrigerate. The dough logs can be frozen for up to two months. To bake, let the dough thaw briefly and slice away! Line the cookies up on a baking sheet and bake them.
- Freeze the cookies. Shortbread cookies freeze beautifully after they’re baked, too. Make sure the cookies are entirely cool, wrap them well, and freeze for up to three to four weeks. They thaw very quickly.
Slice and Bake Cookie Recipes
Mexican Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Honey Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Sand Tart Cookies
Windmill Cookies (Speculoos Cookies)
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Gingerbread Shortbread Cookies (Slice and Bake)
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
So good! My family loved them!
So glad to hear it!