While the holidays are a magical time to spend with family and friends, it can also add up to a lot of work. Decorations, presents and holiday activities can take up a lot of time—and that’s before you even start to think about holiday baking! Fortunately, there’s a simple way for you to make incredible holiday cookies, on your schedule: slice-and-bake cookies.

Slice-and-bake cookies are often a simple shortbread dough that is rolled into logs and refrigerated or frozen until use. Once you’re ready for cookies, just slice the rolls into ¼-inch “coins” and bake, yielding dozens of cookies in less than an hour!

Just because it’s a simple process, however, it doesn’t mean you’ll end up with plain cookies! You can start with a base recipe and add mix-ins like dried fruit, sprinkles, orange zest and more. One favorite is this Slice and Bake Shortbread Cookies recipe with four different variations: Holiday Sprinkles, Fruit & Pistachio, Peppermint Cocoa and Pumpkin Pecan. However, you can get endless mileage out of even a simple shortbread slice-and-bake cookie recipe: dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate or candy melts and top with sprinkles, nuts or mini chocolate chips.

One crucial tip for slice-and-bake cookies everyone will love: make sure to wrap your dough in wax paper (it provides more support than plastic wrap) and chill for at least four hours before slicing, to avoid squishing the dough. Another key tip: slice with a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts. Do you have gluten free friends and family? You can replace the traditional Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour with Bob’s Red Mill® Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, without changing the rest of the recipe!

Of course, the most important holiday tip is to relax and enjoy spending time together! Happy holidays, and happy baking. Find Bob’s Red Mill products at your local Mother’s.