Better Homes And Gardens Freeze Ahead Christmas Cookies

Copycat Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies on red surface

Credit: Blaine Moats

Baking cookies that freeze well is one of our favorite ways to get a head start on the holiday season. Freezing baked cookies now gives you a leg up on holiday prep and ensures Santa has something to snack on. Each of these lasts in the freezer up to three months.

Pumpkin Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This big-batch holiday baking recipe makes a whopping 60 cookies. Whip them up when pumpkins are in season and enjoy them all winter long. You'll love the combination of classic pumpkin pie flavors and creamy white chocolate chips.

Giant Ginger Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

These cookies are huge! We call for a ¼-cup scoop for each one. Extra chewy and full of ginger flavor, these giants make a great edible gift for the holidays. Be sure to save one for Santa!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

peanut butter blossom cookies on plate

Peanut butter and chocolate work together like Santa and his elves, helping one another to make the best possible result. The recipe for these classic Christmas cookies makes 54, which might be enough to last as long as they can be frozen (up to three months). With a batch of these in the freezer, all you need to do is thaw them in time for your cookie exchange.

Pumpkin Pie Pillows

Credit: Jacob Fox

Bored with the endless round cookies? Add some pizzazz to your cookie plate with this take on classic pumpkin pie. Pipe the spicy dough out into their pillowy shape. With a drizzle of brown butter glaze, these make-ahead cookies are sure to wow.

Hazelnut Kisses

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Who says you have to make cookies from scratch? Dress up purchased sugar cookie dough with chopped hazelnuts and chocolate-hazelnut spread. These chocolate freezer cookies taste so good and look so pretty that no one will guess they aren't from scratch.

Chocolaty Melting Snowmen

Chocolaty Melting Snowmen cookies with reese's

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Our hearts broke a little when we watched Frosty melt. But we can take solace in these adorable melty snowmen cookies. Peanut butter cup hats and sprinkle noses charm anyone eating one of these Christmas cookies. Best yet, these freezer-friendly cookies will live on for three months when frozen.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

Credit: Jacob Fox

Red Velvet Cake? Cheesecake? Chocolate? Check, check, check. These bars have all the best of those three flavors in every bite. And they'll stay creamy and smooth for up to three months in the freezer. For extra decadence, drizzle on milk chocolate before serving.

Macadamia Nut Cranberry Shortbread

Credit: Constatine Poulos

Instead of making individual shortbread cookies, try making this slice-and-bake freezer cookie recipe. Candied cranberries, white chocolate, and macadamia nuts fill each bar, and coarse white sugar gives them sparkle. Freeze for as long as you can resist diving in (or for up to three months).

Jelly-of-the-Month Cookies

Jelly-of-the-Month Cookies leaning against jelly jars

Freezing sugar cookies is a good idea. Freezing fruity cookies inspired by a classic Christmas movie is a great idea. Use your favorite flavor of jelly to customize these, and finish with a white chocolate drizzle. We think Clark Griswold would approve.

Rosemary-Almond Cookies

Credit: Andy Lyons

The subtle woodsy flavor of fresh rosemary is a natural choice for these tree-shape cutout Christmas cookies. A three-ingredient almond glaze amps up the flavor of the almonds inside each make-ahead cookie. Finish each tasty tree with a small sprinkle of rosemary for a pine needle look.

Easy Sugar Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

These are no ordinary sugar cookies (although there's certainly nothing wrong with those). This recipe, one of our best cookies to freeze, can be customized seven different delicious ways, so there's sure to be a flavor for everyone. Every variation can be frozen for up to three months. White chocolate and pistachio, anyone?

White Chocolate and Cherry Shortbread

White Chocolate and Cherry Shortbread in white dish

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Dress up buttery shortbread with chopped maraschino cherries and white chocolate. Earn presentation points by rolling them in nonpareils or red edible glitter. This is the ideal freezer-friendly cookies to make if you're expecting a crowd—or really love dessert—because the recipe makes 60 servings.

Red-Plaid Cookies

Credit: Karla Conrad

These adorable checkered cookies will add a pop of color to your cookie plate. Whether they're fresh out of the oven or have been tucked away in the freezer for months, these Christmas cookies will disappear in a hurry.

Chocolate-Peppermint Waffle Cookies

Credit: Andy Lyons

Instead of making batch after batch of these chocolate cookies the day you need them, waffle them ahead. Before serving, finish the thawed chocolate freezer cookies with a rich chocolate glaze and crushed peppermint candies.

Related: 17 Brilliant Waffle Iron Recipes for Every Meal

Coconut, Cherry, and Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Coconut Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

It doesn't get easier than drop cookies. (And when they're cookies you can make ahead and freeze, they're even easier.) Stir in dried cherries and chocolate for a new take on traditional Christmas cookies.

Giant Double-Mint Cookies

Credit: Andy Lyons

Mint and chocolate are one of the quintessential combos for the holiday season. An extra coating of dark chocolate makes these cookies even sweeter. (Yes, you can freeze baked cookies even when coated with melted chocolate.) Make and freeze these minty delights up to three months ahead of time.

Related: Try Our Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes!

Cherry-Walnut Balls

Cherry Walnut Balls covered in powdered sugar on red surface

Powdered sugar and sparkly edible glitter make these festive cookies a pretty holiday treat. (If you'd prefer the Christmas cookies to look more like snowballs sparkling in the sun, trade gold or yellow glitter for the red.) Maraschino cherries and toasted walnuts recall ice cream sundae flavors.

7-Layer Bars

Credit: Jason Donnelly

In addition to all the sugary sweets, the holidays need a few healthy-ish treats. Enter, this seven-layer dessert inspired by trail mix. Guests will still feel like they're indulging after tasting the orange, coconut, and cranberry flavors in these freezer-friendly cookie bars.

Almond Icebox Rounds

Almond Icebox Rounds cookies on gray napkin

Credit: Blaine Moats

The cream cheese gives this cookie batter richness and tang. A triple dose of almond ensures each treat is big on flavor. Perfect for Christmas, this big-batch cookie recipe makes 60 cookies that will last up to three months in the freezer.

Rosemary-Kissed Orange Thumbprint Cookies Tuscano

Credit: Andy Lyons

There aren't many cookies as traditional as thumbprints. But this herb and orange version is decidedly new. The unique flavor combination will have everyone at the holiday party of cookie exchange asking for the recipe long after the last freezer-friendly cookie disappears.

Rum-Praline Shortbread Bites

Credit: Blaine Moats

These boozy bites will put everyone in good spirits! The dark rum, vanilla, and pecans take freezer shortbread cookies to the next level. Finish the cookies with a sprinkle of raw sugar ($3, Walmart).

Related: Our Best Boozy Desserts

Copycat Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Copycat Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies on red surface

Credit: Blaine Moats

This Christmas cookie recipe is a play on your favorite Girl Scout cookie! Each bite of these shortbread cookies is filled with creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate. Thaw and serve them with a cold glass of milk!

Triple-Peanut and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies in pan with wax paper

Credit: Andy Lyons

Two classic cookies (chocolate chip and peanut butter) combine in these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside Christmas cookies. A combo of milk and dark chocolate chips up the richness of these cookies that freeze well. Honey-roasted peanuts and mini peanut butter cups take them to the next level of temptation.

Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

Purists think that traditional Christmas cookies should showcase the flavors of the season. These freezable cookies do that in sandwich form. Sandwich DIY peppermint filling between two red-swirled sugar cookies.

Related: Cookie Sandwiches When One Cookie Isn't Enough

Soft Maple Sugar Cookies

Credit: Scott Little

We can't get enough maple, especially during fall and winter. Look for pure maple syrup to use in these sugar cookies. An irresistible maple glaze finishes the thawed cookies.

Salted-Peanut Blossoms

Credit: Andy Lyons

Candy or cookie? How about both? Peanut butter packs this batter and a candy bar piece crowns these cookies that freeze well. If you're a peanut-lover, this might become your new favorite Christmas cookie.

The Best Sugar Cookies

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Take a note from Santa and eat these sugary cookies with big glasses of milk. These treats are soft, moist, and chewy—not crispy—even after up to three months in the freezer.

Related: How to Make Royal Icing for Cookies

Star Mint Meringues

Credit: Blaine Moats

Something this light and dreamy done weeks ahead of time? You bet! The season favorite mint brightens meringues for this version of a freezer-friendly make-ahead Christmas cookie.

Chocolate-Espresso Coins

Credit: Andy Lyons

We can't stop buzzing about these java-infused freezer-friendly cookies. Despite their small size (about 1 inch), these adorable chocolate Christmas cookies pack big espresso flavor even after their freezer time of up to three months. Before serving, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a pretty topper.

Mint-Chocolate Cookies

Credit: Andy Lyons

These make-ahead, freezer cookies are cute as a button. Go ahead and reap the praises for these ridiculously easy and adorable-looking treats. Nab the green candy disks in your grocer's baking aisle or at a crafts store.

Related: Definitive Proof That Mint Chips Make Every Dessert Better

Macarons

overhead view of different color macarons

Credit: Blaine Moats

These colorful macarons will be the star of the Christmas cookie exchange. Once you've mastered the baking technique, decorate the homemade holiday cookies with sprinkles, metallic icing, and cocoa powder. Freeze the macarons for up to two months before serving.

Candied Ginger and Orange Icebox Cookies

Candied Ginger and Orange Icebox Cookies in a pile with milk in a bottle

Credit: Andy Lyons

Hello, citrus! Orange zest and ginger add zing to these crunchy freeze-and-forget cookies. Thaw the freezer-friendly cookies and you've got a homemade treat for Santa (and other holiday guests) in next to no time.

Related: See How to Make the Cutest Food Gift EVER

Chocomint Blossoms

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Cookies should look as good as they taste. Festive red-and-white-stripe candies are the finishing touch for these chocolate freezer cookies. Consider them the Christmas update to peanut butter blossoms.

Twixy Shortbread Bars

Credit: Blaine Moats

These three layers play together nicely: dulche de leche and semisweet chocolate on a crunchy sugar cookie base. Like the classic candy bar, these freezer shortbread cookies are winners.

No-Bake Lemon Drops

Credit: Blaine Moats

These lemony, no-bake Christmas cookies couldn't be simpler. Seven ingredients, three steps, and 30 minutes yields 36 cookies. And, yep, they freeze like a dream. Don't forget the crushed lemon drops on top to hint at the mouth-puckering flavor inside.

Chocolate-Mint Thins

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Here's our take on those addictive Girl Scout cookies. Enjoy the shortbread-like texture and mint-chocolate flavor in a crunchy, thin package. After thawing the chocolate freezer cookies, drizzle on a melted dark chocolate.

Honey Coins

Credit: Andy Lyons

Here's some sweet news: These cookies freeze well and are a cinch to prep. Make the dough, roll it into a log, wrap, and freeze. As many as three months later, the honey-infused cookies are ready to bake and add to the cookie tray.

Cherry-Almond Ornament Cookies

Credit: Scott Little

Perk up your platter with these cherry-topped cuties. It's worth nabbing a new cookie cutter for the scalloped edges. But the hardest work is handled by your favorite fruit. There are chopped cherries in the batter, cherry liqueur in the frosting, and glistening cherries dotting the tops of the freezer-friendly cookies.

Buy It: Stainless Fluted Biscuit Cutters, Set of 5 ( $17, Sur la Table)

Mint Meringue Kisses

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Kissed by mint and charmed by chocolate, these gorgeous green sandwiches hit all the right flavor notes. Even though they're light as air and made primarily with egg whites, they freeze well. After baking, freeze them unfilled. Then thaw, pipe with chocolate, and sandwich two little stars together.

Salted Chocolate-Caramel Rounds

Credit: Scott Little

The glistening caramel glaze and sparkling coarse sea salt are the eye-catchers. But there's a surprise inside these chocolate freezer cookies: a gooey chocolate-caramel center. Keep your counter mess-free by drizzling the cookies over a piece of waxed paper.

Pistachio and Vanilla Bean Cookies

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Salty-sweet treats are having a moment. Celebrate the combo with salted dry-roasted pistachios on ubersweet white chocolate. Vanilla flavors the dough of this slice-and-bake freezer cookie recipe. (Chill in a log, slice, bake, decorate, then freeze up to three months.)

Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

Creamy and crunchy, salty and sweet. Yep, these thumbprint cookies check all the boxes. Plus, they're one of our top cookies to make-ahead and freeze because even the filling freezes. Vanilla caramels, finely chopped hazelnuts, and two kinds of chocolate infuse each bite with flavors of the season.

Fat Molasses Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

Why make cookies mini when you can make them extra large and majorly thick? Holidays are meant for indulgence, after all. These molasses cookies that freeze well are likely to become a Christmas staple. Ground ginger, cider vinegar, and molasses result in a cookie with depth.

Meyer Lemon-Rosemary Slices

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Fresh rosemary (which might make you think of Christmas trees) makes the transition from savory to sweet in this dessert. Opt for a Meyer lemon (a lemon-orange hybrid) when you make these sweet-savory cookies for a barely tart slice-and-bake freezer cookie.

Caramel Coconut Cookie Bars

Credit: Carson Downing

These chewy holiday bar cookies couldn't be easier! Bake them up in one pan, cut into bars, and freeze. Simply thaw and indulge in the classic combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate.

Buy It: 9x13 Non-Stick Cake Pan Carbon Steel ($5, Target)

White Chocolate-Raspberry Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

These Christmas thumbprint cookies are filled with luscious raspberry jam. Finish the baked cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate and freeze for up to one month before enjoying.

Test Kitchen Tip: Not a fan of raspberry? Substitute peach, cherry, or strawberry jam instead.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Shortbread Bites

chocolate-peanut butter shortbread bites.jpg

It doesn't get better than chocolate and peanut butter. These rich shortbread cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months. Each decadent cookie is finished with melted chocolate and peanut butter.

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