Few things say Christmas quite like Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies. These delightful, buttery cookies combine festive red and white hues with Santa’s iconic belt design, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for cookie exchanges, Christmas Eve snacks, or gifts for neighbors, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make once you understand the layering technique. Get ready to bake up some holiday cheer and make your kitchen smell like pure Christmas magic.

Why You’ll Love These Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies

Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies are more than just adorable—they’re the perfect mix of creativity and flavor. With their buttery texture, hint of vanilla, and cheerful design, they’re sure to impress both kids and adults. These cookies are slice-and-bake style, which means you can prepare the dough ahead of time, chill it, and bake whenever you’re ready—ideal for busy holiday schedules. Plus, they hold their shape beautifully, making them a top choice for Christmas cookie platters.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Adds a slight lift to the cookies without making them too airy.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps the cookies achieve a soft bite.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the dough.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a smooth, pliable dough.
• Red gel food coloring: Creates Santa’s iconic coat.
• Black gel food coloring: Used to form Santa’s belt.

Royal Icing Ingredients

• Confectioners’ sugar: Gives the icing its smooth sweetness.
• Meringue powder: Helps the icing set with a shiny finish.
• White sprinkles: Add Santa’s fluffy coat trim and a festive sparkle.

Ingredient Swaps & Flavor Variations

If you want to personalize your Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies, there are plenty of creative options. Swap vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a holiday twist. If you’re short on gel coloring, cocoa powder can deepen the belt’s hue naturally. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make dairy-free cookies, use plant-based butter and a flax egg substitute.

How to Make Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies

Prepare the dough: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and one egg, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
Color the dough: Separate a third of the dough and tint it black for Santa’s belt. Color the remaining dough red for his coat. Chill both portions until firm.
Shape the log: Roll the red dough into a log and flatten the black dough into a thin strip. Slice the red dough lengthwise, brush with egg wash, and sandwich the black strip between the two red halves to form Santa’s belt. Chill until firm again.
Slice and bake: Cut the chilled log into even slices. Bake at 350°F until the edges turn golden, about 14–17 minutes.
Decorate with royal icing: Beat confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Pipe a white collar, buttons, and belt buckle. Add sprinkles for that snowy trim.

Expert Tips for Perfect Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies

Keep it cool: If the dough softens, chill it again for easy slicing and clean edges.
Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix gently to avoid tough cookies.
Use sharp tools: Clean your knife after each cut to prevent color bleeding.
Plan ahead: You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance or freeze it for a month.
Decorate last: Wait until cookies are fully cooled before icing to prevent melting.

Fun Variations and Serving Ideas

Make these Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies part of your Christmas cookie tray alongside Gingerbread Men, Peppermint Bark Cookies, or Snowflake Sugar Cookies. For a whimsical touch, serve with hot cocoa or spiced eggnog. You can also use the same dough technique to create Penguin Slice-and-Bake Cookies or Christmas Tree Cookies by changing colors and shapes.

Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions

These cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze baked cookies (without icing) for up to 2 months. To save time during the holidays, prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze until you’re ready to bake.

Baking Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies isn’t just about making a treat—it’s about creating a tradition. Whether you bake them with your kids, gift them to neighbors, or enjoy them with milk on Christmas Eve, these cookies embody the warmth, joy, and creativity of the season. Their charming design and delicious simplicity make them a holiday classic you’ll return to year after year.

Bringing It All Together: The Joy of Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies

There’s something magical about creating Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies from scratch—the smell of buttery dough, the sight of those cheerful red and black stripes, and the joy they bring to every holiday table. These cookies perfectly capture the festive spirit of Christmas while offering a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, transforming an ordinary baking session into a joyful family tradition.

Whether you’re crafting them for Santa’s plate on Christmas Eve or packaging them as edible gifts, these cookies spread happiness with every slice. Their vibrant colors, simple preparation, and creative design make them a must-bake recipe for anyone who loves festive treats.

So this holiday season, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let these Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies fill your home with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable scent of Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies

1. How far in advance can I make Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies?
You can prepare the dough up to three days before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate, or freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough slightly before slicing.

2. How do I keep the colors from bleeding together?
To maintain clean color separation in your Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies, always chill the dough thoroughly between steps. Also, wipe your knife clean after every slice. This keeps the red, black, and white sections crisp and defined.

3. Can I add extra flavoring to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Enhance your cookies by adding a touch of almond, peppermint, or even lemon extract. These subtle variations complement the buttery base and make your Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies uniquely yours.

4. What’s the best way to decorate Santa Slice-and-Bake Cookies?
Use royal icing for precision and durability. A small round piping tip gives you perfect control when adding Santa’s white collar, buttons, and belt buckle. Sprinkle white sugar pearls or sanding sugar for a snow-dusted effect that adds sparkle and texture.

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