Are you craving delicious, homemade cookies but short on time? Then slice and bake cookies are your new best friend! These incredibly easy recipes require minimal effort and cleanup, yet deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction. Perfect for busy weeknights, cookie exchanges, or satisfying a sudden sweet tooth, these recipes are a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade goodness without the fuss. Let's dive into these incredibly simple and delicious slice-and-bake cookie recipes!
Easy Chewy Chocolate Chip Slice and Bake Cookies
This recipe is a classic for a reason – it's simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The chewy texture is irresistible, and the chocolate chips provide the perfect touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan (9x5 inches) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Press into Loaf Pan: Press the dough firmly into the prepared loaf pan.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for easy slicing and maintaining the cookie's shape.
- Slice & Bake: Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the dough into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Slice and Bake Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a smooth dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time is Important: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing much easier. Don't skip this step!
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices. A dull knife will crumble the dough.
Variations:
- Oatmeal Raisin: Replace the chocolate chips with 1 cup of rolled oats and 1 cup of raisins.
- Peanut Butter: Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter to the dough.
- Snickerdoodle: Add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the dough. Roll the sliced cookies in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations)
These slice-and-bake cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They’re perfect for quick dinner ideas and are a delicious homemade cooking treat that's always a hit. Enjoy the ease and the delicious results!