Christmas is the busiest time of year for most bakers, so let’s get ahead by getting an early start on this year’s treats!
Spiced Ginger Molasses Cookies
To make these delightful cookies ahead of time, prepare the dough as usual and roll into balls. Then freeze the cookie dough balls on a sheet pan, and then place them in an air-tight container or Ziploc. When it’s go time, simply let them come to room temperature and bake as usual! The dough is good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Hazelnut Nanaimo Bars
These no-bake bars can be frozen once completely finished off, for the ultimate winner of the “I will not even have 8 minutes of free time to bake cookie dough balls” crowd. Ideally, you would wrap these in tinfoil and place in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag before slicing, but if you must slice them before that’s ok too. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Coconut Macaroons
Macaroons are another great “do it all before” option! They can be fully prepped, baked, and decorated before being individually wrapped and frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply let them come to room temperature before serving.
Chocolate Orange Cupcakes
Cupcakes are definitely not the best “make ahead” option, but there are ways to prepare yourself so there’s less to do later on! I’d recommend waiting to bake the cupcakes until 1-2 days before serving, but they can be made and frozen if you’re really in a pinch. However, you can and should prepare the frosting, ganache, and decor ahead of time. The buttercream can be made up to 3 months in advance, rolled into plastic wrap sausages, and stored in the freezer. The ganache can be made up to 1 month in advance, and stored in the fridge. The orange slice garnishes can be made up to 1 month in advance, and stored in a cool dry place. Let it all come to room temperature before assembling and serving your cupcakes.
Hot Chocolate Bombs
The most time consuming part of hot chocolate bombs is tempering the chocolate, but that can be done in advance. Hooray! Make your chocolate shells up to 3 months ahead of time, and store them in an airtight container. Leave the assembly for 2-3 days before serving, to keep the marshmallows fresh.
Stay tuned to my social media and website, as I will be cranking out even more Christmas recipes in the weeks to come.
Now go get after it! Future you will thank you. Happy baking!
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