Christmas Bakers

[mrsw94]

So, I'm hoping I can get some help from you all...
I love to bake and want to make some goodies for friends and family for Christmas, but would also like to do some things ahead of time. I have a VERY small freezer that is already packed with other stuff, so I need some help figuring out what I can do this week and will keep 'till Christmas?

Thanks for your help!

 

[usnuzuloose]

Well you could make cookies and keep them fresh in ziplock baggies. Do you have a neighbor who can let you borrow some freezer space? I usually make peanut butter cups and they can be kept cool in the regular refrigerator. Fudge is another for frig space. I am sure there are alot of people here who can recommend more than I can. Jo

 

[tinkmom2]

I started making cookies yesterday. I store them in a huge tupperware Thatsabowl and they will keep until xmas. You can also get some jars from Walmart or your grocery store and make hot chocolate mixes with a recipe attached wih a string.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Peppermint bark should keep well. I am making a few batches later on today.

Also, sugared pecans.... those will keep well in a sealed bag.

 

[maggiew]

Pizzelle cookies keep nice in a tin. But then, you need to have a pizzelle iron to make them.

Maggie

 

[flagdaytwins]

I would make the dough and keep it in the fridge or a cooler. I personally would not make cookies (or any baked good) more than 2 days ahead of time if you're giving them out fresh......I think making the dough ahead would be a huge help.

 

[girli565]

how early could I make cookie dough and keep it in the fridge? I probably won't bake them until the 22nd or 23rd to give them out on the 25th. I'd love to be able to get ahead and make a few batches of dough a day. I have a lot of boxes to make.

 

[reagan75]

I make homemade granola that should last a while if sealed tightly. I would not make anything this early though for fear of it going bad. Maybe a week ahead at the most.

 

[RooRach0906]

My family starts making certain kinds of cookies the second week in Dec and we store them in tupperware and tins and they are still fresh Christmas day.

 

[McKelly]

I think some cookies taste better when they have sat a few days, pecan fingers and spritz come to mind. They might last two weeks if you keep them tightly sealed and in a cool place. Too bad you don't live in WI - the garage is a perfect second freezer!!

 

[lilys.mom]

Can anyone tell me what I need to make pretzel rods..I want to dip them in chocolate and roll in m&ms and peppermint etc.....I wont be making them until the day before taking them to a party....Just need to know what to buy...wasnt sure if i need parafin for chocolate to hold??????????

 

[mrp4352]

So, I'm hoping I can get some help from you all...
I love to bake and want to make some goodies for friends and family for Christmas, but would also like to do some things ahead of time. I have a VERY small freezer that is already packed with other stuff, so I need some help figuring out what I can do this week and will keep 'till Christmas?

Thanks for your help!

Do you want sweets? I made my savory items this last weekend - chex mix and spiced oyster crackers. I did make chocolate no-bakes, too, but those won't last until Christmas - but mostly because once it's known their are no-bakes in the house, they tend to disappear!

Can anyone tell me what I need to make pretzel rods..I want to dip them in chocolate and roll in m&ms and peppermint etc.....I wont be making them until the day before taking them to a party....Just need to know what to buy...wasnt sure if i need parafin for chocolate to hold??????????

The easiest way is to by the candy melts at JoAnns - you can melt them in the microwave and dip your items in it, then set it on wax paper to dry. They come in lots of pretty colors, too. You might also try dipping candy canes in chocolate!

 

[jedijill]

Can anyone tell me what I need to make pretzel rods..I want to dip them in chocolate and roll in m&ms and peppermint etc.....I wont be making them until the day before taking them to a party....Just need to know what to buy...wasnt sure if i need parafin for chocolate to hold??????????

You can use almond bark too. That's what I always used. I don't like using parafin.

Jill in CO

 

[bas71873]

how early could I make cookie dough and keep it in the fridge? I probably won't bake them until the 22nd or 23rd to give them out on the 25th. I'd love to be able to get ahead and make a few batches of dough a day. I have a lot of boxes to make.

NOW. I make all my dough ahead of time and just freeze it and bake when I'm ready. I did a few M&M cookies from frozen dough today for my DD's dance teachers' goodies boxes....and 2 or 3 for me to eat

I wrap the dough in a big ball in saran/plastic wrap (usually doubled) and then store in a big ziploc so I can see them

 

[bas71873]

You can use almond bark too. That's what I always used. I don't like using parafin.

Jill in CO

Love almond bark, both the chocolate and the white. Just a tip though, use plastic bowls and plastic or wood spoons. Obviously the plastic bowl for melting in the microwave, but I learned the hard way that metal spoons make the melted bark "harden" WAY too fast.

also, melt the bark in small batches, doesn't harden as fast and then you don't have to work as fast.

 

[KadysMom]

I make my dough ahead of time, roll cookies into balls and put onto a cookie sheet. I put the sheet into the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then I take it out and put 12 cookie dough balls into a freezer safe ziploc bag. Then store those bags in the freezer. So when i am ready to bake them, which will be the 23rd, i just have to open a bag and put the premade balls onto the cookie sheet. So baking day requires no mess!

I also write on the bag with a sharpie so i know the temp and how long to cook them.

 

[GoofyGolferGirl]

I love to get Chex mix and "Puppy Chow" they are really nice to take in the car. If you lived in KY you would not have to worry about a freezer just set it outside!

 

[HLDisney]

Does anyone know if shortbread cookies can be frozen in advance?

Thanks,
Helen

 

[angelat]

how early could I make cookie dough and keep it in the fridge? I probably won't bake them until the 22nd or 23rd to give them out on the 25th. I'd love to be able to get ahead and make a few batches of dough a day. I have a lot of boxes to make.

You can make some of the dough and keep it in the freezer until the night before you bake. Take it out and put it in the fridge early the night before. I do this with things like Molasses cookie's. If I have to roll it in a ball, I shape it into a flattened disc and wrap it in plastic and a ziploc bag. After it thaws I cut it into a "grid" and roll it out into even balls. It works great!

Good luck with your baking!

 

[lilys.mom]

Do you want sweets? I made my savory items this last weekend - chex mix and spiced oyster crackers. I did make chocolate no-bakes, too, but those won't last until Christmas - but mostly because once it's known their are no-bakes in the house, they tend to disappear!



The easiest way is to by the candy melts at JoAnns - you can melt them in the microwave and dip your items in it, then set it on wax paper to dry. They come in lots of pretty colors, too. You might also try dipping candy canes in chocolate!

JoAnns..I dont have one of those in TN...what would compare you think. I have Micheal's and Hobby Lobby. Will it say candy melts on the bag and have microwave instructions? Great idea about the candy canes!!!!! Yum!