Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies bring the joy of homemade treats to your kitchen with an effortless charm that will charm family and friends. These cookies are wonderfully versatile, allowing you to create five delightful flavor profiles from one easy dough. The best part? You can prepare the dough in advance, tuck it away in your fridge, and bake off fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes or when surprise guests arrive.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies (1 Dough, 5 Flavors)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies (1 Dough, 5 Flavors)

Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies (1 Dough, 5 Flavors)

I remember the first time I made these cookies. The anticipation of slicing into the chilled dough, just as my grandmother used to do, filled the kitchen with the aroma of sweet vanilla and butter. Now, this recipe feels like a warm hug, bringing together cherished memories and modern convenience. They are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea or simply indulging in a cozy night in. I wholeheartedly invite you to try these Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just mix, chill, slice, and bake—ready in under 35 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: Rich and buttery dough serves as the perfect base for endless variations.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These cookies are lovely to serve and fun to customize with toppings.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for snacks, parties, or a sweet pick-me-up anytime.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt flavors for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3/4 cup (12 tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for that creamy texture; always go for high-quality butter for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture; you can swap it with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and creates a slight crunch outside.
1 large egg: Helps bind it all together; ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal mixing.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A must for that classic cookie flavor; avoid imitation extracts if possible.
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (267g) all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies; spooned and leveled for accuracy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors; even a small amount goes a long way.
Add-ins & toppings (see notes): Get creative! Consider chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
Coarse sugar for rolling: Such as sparkling sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.

How to Make Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies (1 Dough, 5 Flavors)

Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until creamy and well-combined, about 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s vital for achieving a light, fluffy cookie texture.

Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract on high speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, and continue mixing until fully combined. This process introduces air into the dough, giving your cookies a delightful rise.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed and add 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Blend just until combined; overmixing can result in tough cookies. You want the dough thick and slightly sticky—if it’s too sticky to roll into logs, add 1–2 tablespoons more flour.

Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured work surface. With floured hands, divide the dough in half and roll each half into an 8-inch log, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. They don’t have to be perfect! Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—you can keep it for up to 5 days if needed.

Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking—this ensures easy cleanup too!

Roll in Sugar: Pour a generous amount of coarse sugar onto an 8-inch plate. Roll the chilled logs in the sugar, pressing gently to help it adhere. Personally, I find it more manageable to coat the logs after chilling; the dough is naturally less sticky when cold.

Slice the Cookies: Carefully slice each log into 12 equally thick cookies and lay them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading.

Bake: Bake the cookies for 13–15 minutes, watching for slight browning around the edges—they won’t darken much. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Decorate (Optional): If desired, dip or drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate and sprinkle with your favorite toppings. It’s a delightful finishing touch, adding texture and flavor in one swoop.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cookies fresh, store them covered at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container for a week or freeze them, wrapped well, for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Do note that textures might change slightly after freezing; a quick reheat can help restore some of their original charm.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour to keep the texture light.
Use room temperature butter and eggs for better emulsification, leading to fluffier cookies.
Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
Experiment with different add-ins; try a combination of chocolate chips and nuts for a delightful contrast.
Make extra logs of dough to store in the fridge—fresh cookies are always within reach!

Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a fun activity to share with friends and family, Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies make cookie cravings incredibly easy to satisfy and share. The bonus of customizing flavors means this simple base dough can transform into whatever you fancy. Perhaps a sprinkle of sea salt with dark chocolate for rich decadence, or fruity zest with lemon chips for refreshing zing—each bite is a little adventure.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different flour types! For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the flour you use.

How can I add flavor beyond the basic recipe?

Enhancing the flavor is as easy as adding spices or extract. Consider mixing in 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a unique twist or incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for that warm, cozy taste.

What should I do if my dough is too soft to roll?

If your dough feels too sticky or soft to form logs, it’s perfectly fine to add a bit more flour—about 1-2 tablespoons should be sufficient. Make sure to chill the dough, as this will help firm it up for easier handling.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie logs for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, slice the frozen dough and add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

More COOKIES Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies (1 Dough, 5 Flavors)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 300 minutes
Cook Time: 330 minutes
Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Icebox Slice & Bake Cookies feature an easy dough that can be flavored in countless ways. Each batch delivers a delightful treat with simple prep and just a handful of ingredients, making them perfect for satisfying your cookie cravings or sharing with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
add-ins & toppings (to preference)
coarse sugar for rolling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer until creamy, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping the bowl as necessary.
Add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until combined. Fold in the desired flavor add-ins until just mixed; be careful not to overmix.
On a floured surface, divide the dough and shape each half into an 8-inch log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll each chilled log in coarse sugar to coat, pressing down lightly to ensure it adheres.
Slice the logs into 12 cookies each, placing them on the prepared sheets with space between.
Bake for 13–15 minutes until edges are just lightly browned; cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Optionally, dip or drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate and add any toppings.

Notes

For best results, chill the dough logs for longer if you want firmer slices.
You can customize flavors with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits, adjusting amounts as desired.
Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.