Christmas cookies are a beloved holiday tradition for many families. Baking and decorating Christmas cookies is a fun activity to do with kids in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It also allows you to make edible gifts to give to friends, neighbors, teachers and others. But when is the right time to start baking cookies so they are fresh for Christmas festivities? There are a few factors to consider when deciding how far in advance to make your Christmas cookies.
How Long Do Christmas Cookies Last?
Most Christmas cookie recipes are designed to be sturdy cookies that will keep well at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. Frosted and decorated sugar cookies may not last quite as long, closer to 5-7 days. Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of Christmas cookies will stay fresh:
– Basic rolled and cutout cookies without frosting or decoration: 2 weeks
– Frosted and decorated sugar cookies: 1 week
– Spritz cookies: 1-2 weeks
– Shortbread: 3-4 weeks
– Gingerbread: 2-3 weeks
– Sandwich cookies with filling: 5-7 days
– Chocolate crinkle cookies: 2 weeks
– Biscotti: 4 weeks
The more oil and fat a cookie recipe contains, the longer it will retain moisture and stay fresh at room temperature. Also, airtight storage helps extend the shelf life. Storing cookies in layers separated by wax paper in an airtight container is ideal.
When to Bake Christmas Cookies
Knowing generally how long Christmas cookies last, you can work backwards from Christmas to determine the best time to bake them. Here are some recommendations:
If you plan to serve the cookies on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you’ll want to bake them 1-2 weeks before. This timing ensures they’ll taste fresh on the holiday.
If you’ll be giving away cookies as gifts, bake them 2-3 weeks before Christmas. That gives you 1 week to enjoy some cookies yourself, 1 week to arrange cookie trays or tins as gifts, and 1 week for the recipients to enjoy them before December 25.
If you want to freeze some of the cookies to keep enjoying them for weeks after Christmas, consider baking 3-4 weeks before Christmas. That gives you time to freeze extra cookies to pull out after the holidays.
If you’ll be shipping cookies to loved ones far away, add extra time – ship within 1 week of baking so they arrive fresh. Ship priority so they arrive within 2-3 days.
When to Make Different Kinds of Christmas Cookies
The type of cookie also factors into timing. Here are guidelines per cookie type:
Rolled Cookies: Cutout sugar cookies, gingerbread people, etc. Bake 2-3 weeks before serving. They last 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
Slice-and-Bake Cookies: Logs of cookie dough sliced and baked fresh. Bake 1 week before serving. Slice and bake in smaller batches for freshness.
Bar Cookies: Brownies, lemon bars, etc. Bake 3-4 days before serving. Cut into portions just before serving.
Sandwich Cookies: Whoopie pies, thumbprints, etc. Bake 1 week before and assemble just before serving. Filling helps keep cookies soft.
Drop Cookies: Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, etc. Bake 3-4 days before serving. Their soft texture stales faster.
Shaped Cookies: Spritz, shortbread, biscotti. Bake 2-3 weeks before. Their low-moisture makes them last.
Molded Cookies: Pressed into molds. Bake 1 week before and decorate just before serving.
Planning Your Christmas Cookie Baking
Here is a sample timeline for planning out your Christmas cookie baking:
4 Weeks Before: Bake sliced-and-bake logs, shaped cookies like spritz and biscotti, shortbread and other sturdy cookies. Freeze extras.
3 Weeks Before: Bake rolled cookies like cut-outs and gingerbread. Decorate some and freeze others unfrosted.
2 Weeks Before: Bake sandwich cookies but don’t assemble yet. Also fruit bars and brownies. Freeze extras.
1 Week Before: Assemble sandwich cookies. Bake molded and drop cookies.
3-4 Days Before: Bake any last minute baked goods like brownies or lemon bars.
2 Days Before: Arrange cookies on trays or in tins as gifts. Add ribbon, tags, etc.
1 Day Before: Assemble any remaining cookies on platters for serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Freezing and Thawing Christmas Cookies
Freezing extra baked cookies is a great way to enjoy your holiday baking long after December 25. Here are some tips:
– Let cookies cool completely before freezing.
– Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until hard, then transfer to an airtight container or bag. This prevents cookies from sticking together.
– Include sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers of cookies to keep them from sticking.
– Avoid freezing soft cookies or those with frosting or filling – they don’t freeze well. Exceptions are slice-and-bake logs or undecorated cookies.
– Label cookies with type and date before freezing.
– Cookies will last frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
– To refresh thawed cookies, place in a 300°F oven for 1-2 minutes.
How Many Christmas Cookies to Bake
It’s easy to get carried away baking too many Christmas cookies! Here are some guidelines for estimating how many cookies to make according to who they’re for:
For a family of 4:
– 2-3 dozen cookies for Christmas Eve/Day
– 1 dozen to give as gifts
– 2 dozen extra for nibbling over the holidays
– Total: 5-6 dozen cookies
For a holiday party:
– Cookies tend to be a popular item at parties! Plan for each guest to take 2-3 cookies.
– For example, for a party of 20 guests, bake 4-6 dozen cookies.
For gifts:
– Small plate or tin with 6-12 cookies per gift.
– Estimate 1-2 gifts per recipient on your list.
– Example: For 5 gift recipients, bake 30-60 cookies.
For cookie exchange:
– Typical exchanges suggest 3-4 dozen cookies per participant.
– Example: For 10 participants, you’ll go home with 30-40 dozen new cookies!
Conclusion
Baking Christmas cookies is so much fun, but it helps to plan ahead. Ideally, aim to bake most types of cookies 1-3 weeks before Christmas. Cookies that hold up best over time include slice-and-bake logs, spritz, biscotti, gingerbread and shortbread. Save more delicate cookies with frosting or fillings for 1 week or less before serving. Label and freeze extras to enjoy after the holidays! Proper planning ensures you’ll have delicious, fresh Christmas cookies to enjoy all throughout the holiday season.