christmas cookie tips

Making cookies at Christmas used to overwhelm me a bit.  There are so many people I want to make cookies for....and so little time.  I still don't get them made for everyone on my list BUT I've learned how to de-stress the whole process and just have fun with it.

1. Take a look at what you need or want. also what ever you need get it NOW or else it wont be there next time you go back. especially if you live in the miramichi!
2. Start early.  Cookie decorating is really more fun if you break it up into chunks.   

Do one of the following to make life easier

• make the dough ahead and freeze (thaw in the fridge overnight)
• bake the cookies and freeze (thaw at room temperature for a few hours)
• bake the cookies the day before decorating
• make the icing a day (or so) before decorating (if you are doing fine detail work, you'll want to make this the same day you are using)

3.If you are making hundreds of cookies, you might want to make and decorate a few dozen at a time, THEN freeze...yes, cookies decorated with royal icing can be frozen.  I individually bag the cookies, then place in freezer baggies, then place those in plastic containers to prevent crushing.  Thaw at room temperature in the packaging for several hours.

hope these few little tips help!

Happy Baking!