Description
Enjoy these classic slice and bake cookies made with rich, buttery dough, mini chocolate chips, and optional sprinkles for a festive touch. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for preparing ahead of time, chilling, slicing, and baking to golden perfection—ideal for any occasion or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Decoration
- Sprinkles, for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring an even consistency in the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep tenderness.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Shape and Chill: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Decorate Dough Logs: Unwrap the chilled dough logs. Optionally, roll the logs in sprinkles for a colorful, festive appearance before slicing.
- Slice and Arrange: Slice each log into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife, and place the slices on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are fully cooked but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely for optimal texture.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure easy creaming with sugar.
- Refrigerating the dough is crucial for slice and bake cookies to hold their shape during baking.
- Mini chocolate chips provide a balanced chocolate flavor without overpowering the cookie.
- If desired, customize by adding nuts or different types of chips in place of mini chocolate chips.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slice and bake cookies, chocolate chip cookies, easy cookies, bake ahead cookies, classic cookie recipe
