
Classic slice and bake cookies with a tender, buttery crumb and colorful sprinkles, perfect for make-ahead baking and parties.

This recipe for Easy Slice and Bake Cookies has been a weeknight lifesaver and a party favorite in my kitchen for years. I discovered this method during a hectic holiday season when I needed a reliable cookie that could be made ahead, decorated quickly, and served warm or at room temperature. The dough comes together in minutes, chills into a neat log, and slices into perfectly uniform rounds that bake evenly. The finished cookie is tender at the center with just enough snap at the edge to keep each bite satisfying.
I remember the first time I brought these to a neighborhood potluck. I made two logs the night before, rolled one in rainbow sprinkles for the kids and one plain to please the adults. They vanished in minutes. The balance of butter and sugar produces a buttery, lightly sweet base that highlights vanilla and a subtle hint of almond. The texture is forgiving; if the dough warms while you work, a quick chill fixes everything. These cookies are ideal when you want something homemade without spending hours shaping each piece.
I first perfected this approach during a December rush and learned that chilling is the secret to clean slices. My family gravitated toward the sprinkle-coated logs for birthdays, and I found the plain rounds perfect dipped in tea for an afternoon break. The simple method makes it easy to scale up for large gatherings while keeping the results consistent.
My favorite aspect is the ease of assembly with professional-looking results. Guests often assume I spent hours shaping each cookie when the reality is the dough log does the work. The method is forgiving; small cracks from slicing disappear in the oven and the flavor deepens after a day as the extracts meld into the butter base.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray for one hour then transfer to a freezer-safe container and seal tightly for up to 12 months. To refresh a frozen cookie, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes then warm for 3 to 5 minutes at 3006F to return a freshly baked bite. Dough logs freeze well; wrap each log in plastic, then foil, and label with the date before freezing.
If you need dairy-free options substitute the butter with a high-fat vegan butter stick measured cup for cup; results will be slightly different in flavor and browning. For an egg-free version use a commercially available egg replacer or 1/4 cup plain unsweetened applesauce plus an extra tablespoon of flour to maintain structure, though texture will be a touch softer. Swap almond extract for additional vanilla to avoid nut allergens. For whole-wheat flavor replace up to 1/3 of the flour with white whole-wheat flour and reduce bake time slightly as the dough will brown faster.
Serve these cookies with a hot beverage like black tea or espresso for an afternoon treat. They make excellent sandwich cookies filled with jam or chocolate ganache for celebrations. For parties arrange on a platter with assortments of sprinkles and edible glitter to match a theme. Smaller 1/4-inch slices are perfect bite-sized cookies for dessert tables. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant winter presentation.
Sliced cookie techniques date back to 19th-century European bakers who favored dough logs for convenience and uniformity. The method crossed into American home baking where holiday and party customs prized quick assembly and decorative finishes. Today the approach is synonymous with classic home baking and is a staple in midwestern kitchens where make-ahead desserts are valued for potlucks and school events. The sprinkle-coated exterior is a modern update that adds playfulness to a traditional shortbread-like base.
Change the exterior decoration by swapping sprinkles for crushed peppermint in winter or lemon zest and sanding sugar in spring. For autumn add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and replace 1/4 cup of the flour with finely ground oats for a rustic texture. For holiday gifts portion the dough into smaller logs and wrap individually with festive paper and a ribbon. You can also press a thin ribbon of colored dough into the center of the log to create pinwheel slices after baking.
Make double batches of dough and freeze logs so you always have quick cookies on hand. Label each log with the date and flavor notes. For weekday snacks slice and freeze individual portions on a tray, then keep the frozen slices in a resealable bag so you can bake a small batch directly from frozen, adding two minutes to the bake time. Keep a small cooling rack and a shallow tray of sprinkles ready if you plan to coat logs on demand for last-minute gatherings.
These Easy Slice and Bake Cookies are an ideal blend of convenience and homemade charm. Whether you are baking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, this approach makes delicious results feel effortless. Try different coatings and flavor swaps to make the technique your own and share the joy of a simple, perfect cookie.
Chill the dough at least four hours; this firms the butter and prevents spreading during baking.
Use a sharp chefs knife and a single smooth stroke to slice clean rounds without squashing the log.
If the dough warms while decorating, return the log to the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm back up.
This nourishing easy slice and bake cookies recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked logs wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 12 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking or slice from partially frozen and bake adding a minute or two to the time.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage freeze cooled cookies in a single layer then transfer to a sealed container.
If slices chip when cutting, chill the log for 15 to 30 minutes to firm the butter then slice with a sharp knife in a single smooth motion.
This Easy Slice and Bake Cookies recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape bowl once.
Add 1 large room-temperature egg, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Mix until glossy and combined.
Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. Mix on low until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Divide dough in half and use plastic wrap to form each portion into a 2 1/2 inch diameter log, wrapping tightly.
Refrigerate wrapped logs for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
Preheat oven to 3506F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Roll chilled logs briefly to smooth, unwrap and roll in a shallow tray of sprinkles to coat the exterior evenly.
Slice logs into 1/4-inch slices, place 1 inch apart on prepared sheet and bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just light golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Last Step: Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
Leave a comment & rating below or tag
@solushcooks on social media!


Crispy, golden pockets of melted mozzarella and pepperoni made in the air fryer for a quick party snack or weeknight treat.

Crispy, light rice paper rolls filled with vermicelli, vegetables and tofu or shrimp, finished in the air fryer for a healthy, snackable treat.

Crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated apple fries made in the air fryer — a quick, family-friendly snack or dessert ready in under 30 minutes.

Leave a comment & rating below or tag @solushcooks on social media!
Enjoyed this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don't forget to leave a review!
This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
Comments are stored locally in your browser. Server comments are displayed alongside your local comments.

Join to receive our email series which contains a round-up of some of our quick and easy family favorite recipes.