If you’ve ever wanted to transform humble slices of bread into irresistible little treats, this Bread Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These delightful cookies marry the soft familiarity of white sandwich bread with a golden, crisp exterior that’s lightly sweetened and subtly spiced. Perfect for a quick snack or an unexpected dessert, this recipe is so simple yet so satisfying, you might find yourself making these as often as your favorite classic cookies. Let me take you through every step so you can enjoy this deliciously unique twist on cookies that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Bread Cookies Recipe are a few pantry staples, each playing a key role in creating cookies that are crisp, sweet, and full of delightful flavor. The magic lies in how these simple ingredients come together to transform plain bread into a crunchy, buttery treat.
- 6 slices white sandwich bread: The base of your cookies; soft texture that crisps beautifully when baked.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes during baking for a lovely golden finish.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps the sugar stick to the bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): A warm, fragrant touch that elevates the flavor but can be skipped if you prefer.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the overall taste.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the sweetness.
How to Make Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets you up for a clean bake and ensures your cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Trim and Shape the Bread
Remove the crusts from each slice of bread. This helps the cookies have a uniform texture and crispiness. Then, cut each slice into four squares or get creative with cookie cutters to make fun shapes—this step is where you can add your personal touch.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Coating
In a bowl, blend the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is the heart of the Bread Cookies Recipe, imparting sweet, buttery, and lightly spiced notes that make the cookies absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Coat the Bread Pieces
Dip each bread piece into the butter-sugar mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. This ensures every bite is rich and flavorful, with sugar caramelizing nicely as the bread bakes.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place the coated bread pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a golden, crisp texture on both sides. Keep an eye on them – the goal is a delightful crunch without burning.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, let your bread cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step lets them firm up perfectly so that each cookie has that irresistible crisp bite.
How to Serve Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are delightful on their own but can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also add a lovely contrast in flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve Bread Cookies Recipe alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or creamy custard for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your bread cookies in a decorative tin or stack them on a pretty plate wrapped with a ribbon to create a charming edible gift. You can even sandwich them with a dollop of jam or Nutella for a playful snack twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain crisp and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for snacking over time.
Freezing
You can freeze bread cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a short while – they’ll regain much of their original crispness.
Reheating
If your bread cookies lose some crunch after storage, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This quick heat-up revives their golden crispiness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or other breads in this Bread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread gives a classic light texture, whole wheat or other types will add a different nutty flavor and a slightly heartier texture. Just keep in mind the baking time may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to remove the crusts before baking?
Removing the crusts helps the cookies crisp evenly and creates a uniform texture, but if you enjoy the textural contrast the crust can provide, feel free to leave it on.
Can I skip the cinnamon?
Yes, the cinnamon is optional and can be omitted if you’re not a fan or don’t have it on hand. The cookies will still be deliciously sweet and buttery.
How long do bread cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, bread cookies stay fresh and crisp for about 3 days at room temperature.
What are some other flavor variations I can try?
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the butter mixture. You can also dip cookies in melted chocolate after baking or add chopped nuts to the coating for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Bread Cookies Recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients can turn into the most delightful treats. It’s easy, quick, and endlessly adaptable – perfect for impressing friends or just indulging yourself. Give it a try, and enjoy the crispy, buttery magic that only bread cookies can bring to your kitchen.
Print
Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bread Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies by transforming simple white sandwich bread into crispy, golden treats. Coated in a buttery, sugary cinnamon-vanilla mixture and baked to perfection, these cookies are quick to prepare, making them an ideal snack or dessert for any time of day.
Ingredients
Bread
- 6 slices white sandwich bread
Coating Mixture
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Prepare Bread Pieces: Trim the crusts off the bread slices for a uniform texture and cut each slice into four squares or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, enhancing the cookie’s appearance.
- Make Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, ground cinnamon (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, stirring well to create a flavorful coating mixture.
- Coat Bread: Dip each bread piece into the butter mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the coated bread pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space to bake evenly without sticking together.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, flipping the cookies halfway through baking to achieve an even golden and crisp texture on both sides.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling will help them firm up for the perfect crunchy bite.
Notes
- Using cookie cutters adds a fun and decorative element but is optional.
- Ensure thorough coating for crispiness; gently press the bread pieces into the butter mixture if needed.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Substitute white bread with whole wheat for a healthier alternative, but note texture and flavor changes.
- Optional cinnamon can be omitted if you prefer a simpler sweet flavor.
