Cookies for Christmas

What better way to celebrate the holidays than with homemade cookies?

Cookies are perfect for most every occasion, from small family gatherings to big holiday parties, plus they make great gifts!

Baking Christmas Cookies shouldn't be stressful.

It can be relaxing and fun.

All it takes is a little planning.

Here are some strategies for success and how to have fun while baking delicious Cookies for Christmas.

Limit Yourself to Making Just One Kind of Christmas Cookie
Maybe you have an old family favorite you treasure or a new quick and easy cookie you are anxious to try. Let this cookie become your signature cookie. I know many busy Moms who succeed with this simple approach to cookie baking.
Be Prepared
Stick with Christmas Cookie Recipes with which you are comfortable, schedule cookie baking time well in advance, buy your ingredients in advance, and be sure to read all cookie recipes thoroughly before beginning.
Plan Ahead
Some cookies take some advanced planning. Butter may have to be softened, nuts and/or chocolate may need chopping, and lemons and/or oranges may need zesting. Attend to these steps before beginning to make your cookie dough.
Have a System
If you plan to make several kinds of Cookies for Christmas all in one day, first mix up all the cookie dough, one kind after another. Wrap each ball of dough in plastic wrap or place it in a plastic ziplock bag. When you have finished making all the cookie dough, put away all your ingredients, clean-up, and then set up and begin the baking process. This will save you time, space, and energy. If you should get tired, the dough will wait in the refrigerator until you are ready to finish baking the following day or two.
Invest in the Right Tools
Make sure you have 2 or 3 Heavy Duty Cookie Sheets, the correct size pans specified in recipes for bars and brownies, a Parchment Paper to prevent cookies from sticking and make clean up a breeze, Stackable Wire Racks if you are short on counter space, an Oven Thermometer to insure correct oven temperature, and a good metal Cookie Spatula for transferring cookies easily. If you plan to bake a lot of large batches of cookies for Christmas, a Stand Mixer will make the process a whole lot faster and easier. If you intend to make spritz cookies, invest in a High Quality Cookie Press.
Use the Best Ingredients
Make sure your ingredients are fresh and high quality. Nuts, seeds, and whole-wheat flour are especially prone to becoming rancid quickly. Smell, taste, and toss when appropriate. Check the dates on your baking powder and baking soda. When it doubt, replace them.
Enlist the Help of a Friend or Two
Schedule a day of group Christmas Cookie baking with a friend or two. I guarantee you will create a cherished memory while having fun in the kitchen. Turn on the music, pour your favorite beverage, roll up your sleeves, don your apron and be amazed by how much baking you can accomplish in a few hours.