By Mimi Cummins, Christmas-cookies.com
How to Bake a Variety of Christmas Cookies Without the Stress
Cookbook author Mimi Cummins reveals her tried-and-true method for baking a delicious assortment of holiday treats, even during the busiest time of the year.
Like many, I love the idea of preparing an array of Christmas cookies, but finding the time to actually bake them is another story. As a working mother, cookbook author, and the webmaster behind Christmas-Cookies.com, my days are packed, yet baking holiday cookies remains a cherished tradition. Over the years, I’ve developed an efficient 7-day system that helps me create a wide selection of cookies without feeling overwhelmed. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, I can devote just a couple of hours a day to baking. And by Day 7? It’s time to relax and enjoy the fruits (or cookies) of my labor!
Here’s how you can make it happen too.
Day 1: Choose Your Recipes
Start by deciding which cookies you’ll bake this year. Go through your cookbooks, recipe cards, or favorite websites to pick 6 to 12 recipes. A mix of family favorites and new creations adds variety. Write down the names of each recipe and where they’re from—whether it’s a cookbook page number or a website link. Print out online recipes and set aside any books or cards you’ll need for easy reference later.
Keep these considerations in mind when choosing recipes:
- Your skill level, especially if you’re baking with kids or are a beginner.
- The cost of special ingredients like nuts or chocolate, particularly if you’re on a budget.
- Whether the cookies freeze well or keep fresh for longer periods if you’re baking ahead of time.
Day 2: Make Your Shopping List
Next, compile a detailed shopping list. Review your recipes and total up the ingredients you’ll need, such as the number of eggs or cups of flour. Don’t forget to check what’s already in your pantry—discard expired items like old nuts or baking powder, as fresh ingredients are essential for great-tasting cookies.
Your list should also include:
- Baking tools you might need. Consider replacing worn-out items or adding a new tool to your collection.
- Decorating supplies like colored sugars, food coloring, or piping bags.
- Containers for storing or gifting cookies, ensuring they’re large enough to hold a full batch.
- Group items by store type: grocery, baking supply, or kitchenware stores for easy shopping.
Day 3: Shop and Organize
Go shopping, saving the grocery store for last to keep perishable items cold. At home, wash new baking tools and store non-perishable ingredients together in a designated spot. If you’re shopping weeks in advance, freeze butter or shortening and buy perishables like eggs and cream cheese closer to baking day.
Day 4: Prepare the Dough
Today, you’ll make the dough but won’t bake just yet! Preparing all your cookie dough at once is efficient, especially when you have your ingredients and tools ready. Most doughs can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for weeks. For doughs that can’t be frozen, plan to bake them on Day 5.
Before you start, let refrigerated ingredients like butter and eggs come to room temperature. Use an assembly-line approach to make doughs quickly. Wrap each one in plastic, label it with the recipe name using a marker, and refrigerate or freeze. For slice-and-bake cookies, shape the dough into logs before wrapping.
Day 5: Bake the Cookies
Now it’s time to bake! Begin with recipes requiring the lowest oven temperature and work your way up. If your dough needs to warm to room temperature, take it out ahead of time. Frozen dough should thaw fully in its plastic wrap to avoid condensation.
Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper, roll out or shape the dough as needed, and bake according to the recipe instructions. Cooling racks are ideal for cooling cookies, but if you run out of space, a double layer of aluminum foil on your countertop works as a backup. Once cooled, layer cookies in containers separated by wax paper. Store them at room temperature for short periods, refrigerate them for up to two days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Day 6: Decorate Your Cookies
Decoration day is often the most fun! Whether you’re frosting, icing, drizzling chocolate, or sprinkling powdered sugar, this step adds the final festive touch. Be sure decorations are set before stacking cookies, using wax paper between layers. Buttercream-frosted cookies should be stored in single layers. Ideally, decorate cookies within one or two days of when they’ll be eaten or gifted.
Day 7: Enjoy and Share
With all the hard work done, you can now savor the moment. Share your cookies with family, friends, or neighbors—or simply enjoy them yourself! Your holiday baking is complete, and you’ve earned some well-deserved rest.
This method has transformed my Christmas baking experience, and I hope it helps you, too. Happy holidays, and happy baking!
Copyright 2024 Mimi Cummins. All Rights Reserved.
Mimi Cummins is co-author of the book “Christmas Cookies Are for Giving: Recipes, Stories, and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts.” This book, “enthusiastically recommended” by Midwest Book Review, is full of baking tips and hints, including nearly 50 recipes each with a full-color photo.