The Christmas rush is just around the corner. The list of chores to accomplish before this magical day is longer for some than others, but still, most of us have a very busy December each year.
And like every A-type personality will tell you, anything is achievable if you have a good plan. For us, it’s not so much about organizing the perfect Christmas but about making preparation a little bit easier.
So, if you can get some tasks done earlier than three days before Christmas, why not take this opportunity?
How Long Do Christmas Cookies Last?
How long do Christmas cookies stay fresh?
In most cases, when properly stored at room temperature or refrigerated, Christmas cookies can be good for three to seven days. In the case of twice-baked cookies, they will be fresh for even two weeks.
How Far In Advance Can You Make Christmas Cookies?
There is no single answer to this question, as it will heavily depend on what kind of cookies you’re planning on baking.
So, let’s focus on the most common cookies people like to enjoy during Christmas time and see how far in advance you can bake them.
Drop cookies are excellent for those who like to start their Christmas preparations early. And when we say early, we mean even in September.
These delicious cookies are freezer-friendly, which means you can safely freeze a few batches of drop cookies even three or four months in advance.
You can also freeze the dough of drop cookies for six months.
And, of course, drop cookies are very easy to prepare, so if you’re not an avid baker and you are looking for ways to make your holiday as simple and effortless as possible, drop cookies are the way to go.
Icebox cookies also have many devoted fans. If you’re one of them and wish to enjoy their fantastic flavor during Christmas time, but you don’t want to deal with the baking just before the holidays, there is a simple solution.
Like drop cookies, sliced and icebox cookies can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. You can also freeze the dough for the same amount of time.
Icebox cookie dough can be refrigerated as well for a maximum of three days before you need to form and bake the cookies.
Gingerbread or sugar cookies are the true staple Christmas cookies.
Some can’t even imagine celebrating the holidays without these sweet treats. But how far in advance can you bake Christmas cookies?
The answer is, even in July.
Cutout cookies can last six months in the freezer as long as they are properly stored (about that later). The same rule applies to the dough.
If you want to bake them just before Christmas, the dough can be refrigerated for about two to three days before going bad.
Shortbread and spritz cookies are longer-lasting cookies, which means they are perfect for holidays when there is some competition on the table. After all, Christmas in many homes is celebrated with a variety of dishes and sweet treats.
If you want to bake cookies that will stand the test of time, this is one of your best options.
You can keep baked shortbread and spritz cookies in the freezer for six months, while the dough can be kept in the freezer for about three months and refrigerated for two to three days.
If you’re thinking about preparing bar cookies for the holiday celebration, you will need to find some time to make them in one session. You can’t freeze the dough, so the only solution is to bake them immediately after you’re done mixing it.
That being said, you can freeze baked cookies. They will last frozen for up to six months. If you plan to prepare the cookies just before Christmas, they will last in the fridge for three days.
Another option for fans of homemade goods with a long shelf life are twice-baked cookies, such as the biscotti. Because they go through the process of baking twice, they are likely to last up to two weeks.
Similar to bar cookies, you can’t freeze the dough, but this time up to six months. Usually, the process of freezing cookies takes away from their crispness, but you can make them crunchy again by putting them in the oven for a few minutes.
If you’re a dedicated fan of frosted cookies, you should be prepared to spend some time making them. In this case, you can’t really freeze frosted cookies, as their decorations are not freezer-friendly and won’t hold up.
But you can refrigerate the cookies for two to three days.
If that is your pick for this year’s Christmas, make some room in your holiday schedule to bake and decorate cookies a few days before Christmas.
it is never too early to bake Christmas cookies! #cosplay #pussinbootslastwish
Can you make Christmas cookies months in advance?
You can make Christmas cookies months in advance, but only if you store them right. In the freezer, most types will last 3–6 months. However, if you store the batch at room temperature, you only have a couple of weeks before the cookies lose their appeal.
When should you bake Christmas cookies?
Here’s where the popular cookies can fit into your baking schedule: Whether it’s made with chocolate chips or peanut butter, a batch of drop cookies is a classic Christmas dessert. Since drop cookies are freezer-friendly, you can bake them as early as July.
Should you bake cookies in advance?
Baking your cookies in advance can be a great way to be prepared for the holidays, but it’s important that you time it out correctly and know how to store them. As long as you store your cookies correctly and plan accordingly, your favorite cookie recipe will be delicious and ready to eat by the time the holidays roll around!
How long do Christmas cookies last at room temperature?
Cookies can’t last long at room temperature. You can take a few measures to preserve the freshness and crispness, but you’ll still be limited. If you decide to store your cookies at room temperature, do it 3–5 days before Christmas. Not all Christmas cookies are created equal. Some of them can handle the early prep better than others.