Baked goods are some of the best foods to enjoy during the holidays. Although baking for the holidays can seem a little daunting at first, with a little careful planning, you might find yourself becoming the star of the show this holiday season!

Here are 5 steps to a successful day of holiday baking.

1. Plan ahead

Just like any meal-prep, you’ll want to plan your holiday treats ahead of time. Think, plan, shop. Figure out your baking menu, print out recipes if need be, find out how many people you need to bake for exactly (yourself included) and adjust your grocery list accordingly — sharing is caring! But also…leftovers ain’t never a bad thing.

2. Freeze and bake

The freezer is truly a baker’s best friend. This method works best for cookies, scones, biscuits and pie dough. To help save time in the kitchen, it’s always to prepare your dough a little bit ahead of time, and that way, you’ll have little to no preparation on the actual day of your event (the Great bake off!).

To better maintain the quality of your dough…

Scoop or shape your dough for cookies, scones or whatever treat you’re planning to make.
Place them onto a parchment-line tray, while making sure the portions don’t touch each other.
Cover your tray with plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.
Once your dough scoops are frozen (roughly 2 hours), transfer them to an air-tight container or bag, and stick them back in the freezer.
Frozen dough can be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to bake, just follow the recipe as directed! Bake the dough right from frozen, and bake a few extra minutes to compensate for the defrosting.

But also…what’s better than a no-prep cookie fresh out of the oven? Nothing. Your future self will thank you.

3. Explore no-bake treats

Don’t underestimate the power of a no-bake treat. There are plenty of make-ahead no-bake treats that are sure to steal the show at your next holiday event. For instance, try…

4. Be creative

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Make the most of holiday classics and get inspired by the foods you love. For instance, try…

→ Pro tip: When it comes to baking, try not steer too far away from the basic recipe. Normally, recipe-developers perfect their recipes by testing them multiple times with different methods, quantities and ingredients. Find your personal twist by using different toppings!

5. Make the experience fun!

Holiday planning can sometimes feel a little stressful. Get comfortable in the kitchen by playing some holiday music, wearing some fuzzy slippers and a cute apron. Make it all worth it!

Life is what you bake it!

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