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Perfect Slice-And-Bake Butter Cookies: Easy & Melt-in-Your-Mouth


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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 36 Cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

There is something undeniably magical about “icebox cookies”—knowing you have a log of delicious dough waiting in the fridge, ready to be transformed into fresh treats. These cookies offer a nostalgic, bakery-style texture: crisp edges with a tender, buttery center that practically melts on your tongue. Whether you are prepping for a holiday cookie swap or just want a sweet treat for your coffee, these make-ahead cookies are versatile and foolproof.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 1/3 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • As needed Sprinkles (optional, for coating edges)

Instructions

  1. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sifting aerates the flour and prevents salty clumps.

     

  2. Cream Butter: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and velvety.

  3. Aerate with Sugar: Add the sugar to the butter. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.

  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix briefly.

  5. Combine: Turn the mixer to low. Add the sifted dry ingredients. Beat just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as the white streaks of flour disappear to avoid tough cookies.

  6. Shape and Chill: Divide dough in half. Shape into smooth logs on a lightly floured surface. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to a week).

  7. Coat and Slice: Remove logs from fridge. Unwrap and roll in sprinkles (if using). Slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.

  8. The Freezer Trick: Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Arrange cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets. Place the baking sheets in the freezer for 10 minutes.

  9. Bake and Cool: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until set (dry on top, slightly golden edges). Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

  • The Freezer Trick: Placing the cut cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes before baking ensures the butter is cold when it hits the hot oven. This prevents spreading and keeps the edges sharp.
  • Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, stop mixing the moment the flour disappears. Overworking the dough activates gluten and makes the cookies tough.
  • Make Ahead: The dough logs can sit in the fridge for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen before baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking, Slice-and-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg