The holidays are quickly approaching… and Christmas Cookies are like no other. Time constraints sometimes limit creating the holidays of our dreams. However, if you begin now — you’ll not only have Christmas cookies for your family to enjoy, but to share as well.
Cookies are easy to freeze ahead if you follow a few simple guidelines.
Freeze Cookies That Are:
• Sturdy: If your cookie bakes up sturdy and will stand up to being frozen, place the baked, unfrosted cookies in a freezer bag.
• Sliced Cookies: For perfect slice-and-bake cookies anytime, wrap dough logs in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Shaped Cookie Dough: Freezing perfectly portioned cookie dough is easy. Simply freeze dough balls on a cookie sheet. For storage, place frozen balls in a freezer bag.
• Unshaped Cookie Dough: Many batches of cookie dough last for a few months in a tightly sealed container.
Best Cookies to Freeze Are:
• Shortbread
• Gingerbread
• Drop Cookies: Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal
• Sugar Cookies
• Icebox Cookies
Here are our top picks for Christmas Cookies to Bake Ahead.
Easy Slice ‘n’ Bake Vanilla Bean Christmas Sugar Cookies
“The cookies are just a simple blend of butter, sugar and vanilla. Pretty much just like any other sugar cookie, but these have the vanilla flavor bumped up to the max. These are cookies for people who want to have fun making cookies, people who have kids or people who just want a good frickin’ cookie.”
Giant and Soft Ginger-Spice Cookies
“The richly spiced flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses are a comforting and familiar blend that evokes memories of warmth and love and laughter. favorite with us — no matter what the season.”
Peanut Butter Blossoms
“Peanut butter and chocolate work together like Santa and his elves. This easy recipe makes 54 cookies — eat some fresh out of the oven, then freeze the rest for up to three months.”
Chocolate Chip and Toffee Shortbread Cookies
“These are great cookies for people who don’t like too-sweet cookies. There’s only a half-cup of powdered sugar in the whole batch, and even with the addition of chocolate chips and toffee chips, plus that corner-dunk in chocolate, they aren’t over the top. They are crumbly and buttery, just like good shortbread should be.”
Masala Chai Spiced Icebox Cookies
“These sliced icebox cookies embody the seasonal spicy flavor we love, and are easy to make and store. In fact, make a double batch and freeze the dough. And when the mood strikes or unexpected company shows up at your door, they’re easy to pop in the oven.”
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies
“These Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies have a buttery cookie base with mini chocolate chips and candy canes. The shortbread melts in your mouth.”
Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies
“These caramel-filled treats are a classic Latin confection, and you can even make the dulce de leche in a slow-cooker.”
Red Plaid Cookies
“These adorable checkered cookies will add a pop of color to your cookie plate — and your freezer! Whether they’re fresh out of the ovenor have been tucked away in the cold for three months, these cookies will disappear in a hurry.”
Get the recipe here.
Eggnog Ice Box Cookies
“This year I wanted to make ice box cookies with eggnog in them…eggnog is the best. I love it on it’s own, in lattes, in coffee, so why not in cookies? Yum.”
Pecan Cookies
“Scrumptious for Christmas, but equally delightful any season of the year, these Pecan Cookies are easy to make, perfect for freezing and a wonderful accompaniment to tea or as an afternoon pick-me-up!”
Most Requested Chocolate Chip Cookies
“If there is one recipe I’ll have memorized until the day I die, it’s this one. Over and over, week after week, I’ve baked these tasty little morsels.”
Holiday 7-Layer Bars
“In addition to all the sugary sweets, the holidays need a few healthy treats. Guests will still feel like they’re indulging after tasting the orange, coconut, and cranberry flavors in these bars.”
Salted Dark Chocolate Truffle Cookies
“Know what happens when you make an entire batch of truffle cookies one afternoon by yourself? You eat an entire batch of truffle cookies one afternoon by yourself. I have no idea how I know such things.”
Cranberry Orange Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
“Imbuing the essence of the season and coming holidays is simple in this easy yet delicious cookie. Perfect for brown-bag lunches, midnight snacks, or a treat by a roaring fire. It’s the flavors of fall and winter in cookie form.”
Caramel Apple Cookies
“These chewy cookies give you all the flavor of gooey caramel apples but without the mess. Freeze them, let them thaw, then top them with sweet caramel icing and toasted nuts.”
Pistachio and Dried Cherry Biscotti
“Biscotti are the perfect ending to a great meal, especially with an espresso. A scoop of ice cream makes them even more special.”—Karen DeMasco
Espresso Double Dark Chocolate Cookies
“A rich, chocolaty treat, drenched in dark chocolate and espresso. The flavors meld together so beautifully, you don’t even particularly notice the espresso. A perfect indulgence for holidays.”
Toffee Squares
“Dried fruits and nuts are a match made in heaven. Adding chopped dried cherries or cranberries lends holiday flair and flavor to this classic confection.”
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
“If you love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate chip cookies … you will adore this cookie.”
Tangerine Butter Cookies
“Shredded tangerine peel and orange extract mark the spot in the centers of these bright butter cookies.”
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