Urgent: Get Ready for Holiday Baking with Freezer-Friendly Cookies

UPDATE: As the holiday season approaches, the time for Christmas baking has officially begun! New reports confirm that now is the perfect moment to prepare sugar cookie dough for freezing, allowing you to bake fresh cookies closer to the holiday with minimal fuss. This method is not only convenient but also keeps younger family members engaged in a fun holiday activity.

Why this matters NOW: The holiday rush is just around the corner. By freezing your cookie dough, you can save time and ensure delicious treats for gatherings or last-minute gifting. The process is simple: make the dough, roll and cut it, and place the unbaked cookies in the freezer. You can bake directly from frozen, making it an efficient option for busy households.

Here’s how to create these festive cookies:

Ingredients:
– 180g cold butter, cubed
– 180g white sugar
– 1 tsp baking powder, sieved
– 480g plain flour, sieved
– 1 tsp vanilla
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Method:
1. Beat the butter and sugar until soft and creamy.
2. Sieve the flour and baking powder together and set aside.
3. Lightly whisk the vanilla into the eggs, adding to the butter mixture in thirds, interspersed with spoonfuls of flour.
4. Combine until just mixed and scoop onto parchment paper. Fold to cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, or freeze for later use.

For immediate baking, preheat your oven to 190°C (gas mark 5). Roll out the chilled dough to about half a centimeter thick, cut into shapes, and place on lined baking trays. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until edges are just golden and the center retains a pale color.

Tips for Success:
– Keep dough cold to maintain texture.
– Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.
– Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent tough cookies.
– For crispier results, chill cut cookies before baking.

The cookies can last in an airtight container for about three days, making them a fantastic treat to enjoy or share over the festive days.

Delicious Variation: Enhance your cookies with a sprinkle of vanilla icing sugar right after baking. Simply infuse icing sugar with a vanilla pod for added flavor complexity.

As you prepare for the holiday season, this easy freezer-friendly cookie recipe promises to be a game-changer. Don’t wait—get started on your holiday baking today and share your creations with family and friends!

For more tips and tricks, consider subscribing for full access to seasonal recipes and more for just €3 a month.