I
t is now December—THE Baking Season of the year! It is a magical time filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and delicious treats. But as delightful as holiday baking can be, it can also feel overwhelming with a packed to-do list. The key to stress-free baking? Preparation! By planning and using simple techniques like pre-rolling and freezing dough, you can enjoy the process and create show-stopping desserts without the last-minute rush.
As you can see I have squirreled away a few doughs ready to bake up for last minute visitors and holiday baskets for the neighbors. If you made mincemeat on Stir Up Sunday you can use to make a number of other Christmas desserts. I will be sharing this and other traditional English recipes until Christmas.
Why Prepping Ahead Saves the Day
How to Prep for Holiday Baking
- Choose Your Recipes: Start with versatile favourites like shortbread, sugar, and chocolate chip cookies, although chocolate chip cookies are American, not British!. These doughs freeze exceptionally well.
- Batch Prep the Dough: Mix your cookie dough in bulk, then roll it into logs, discs, or pre-portioned balls.
- Freeze for Freshness: Place the dough on parchment-lined trays to freeze until solid, then transfer it to airtight freezer bags. Label each bag with the type of dough and baking instructions.
- Defrost and Bake: When ready, bake the cookies directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Additional Tips for Success
- Stock Up Early: Avoid last-minute shopping by purchasing staples like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs in bulk.
- Make it Fun: Make dough preparation for a family activity or festive gathering.
- Stay Organized: Keep a checklist of what’s prepped, frozen, and ready to bake.
Take the stress out of baking this holiday season with a little advance preparation. Not only will you enjoy the process, but you’ll also have more time to savour the season with loved ones. Let’s go!
