The holidays sneak up fast — one moment we’re finishing up the Thanksgiving leftovers, and the next, it’s cookie swaps and cocoa parties galore! 🍪✨ Planning ahead now means less stress (and more frosting!) later. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, a family baking day, or a winter wonderland party, these simple tips will help you get ahead — and keep everything looking festive and fun!
🎁 1. Start with Your Sweet Game Plan
Before you preheat the oven, make a quick baking checklist. Write down your favorite recipes (and a few new ones to try!) along with who you’ll be baking for.
📝 Pro Tip: Group your goodies by type — drop cookies, decorated sugar cookies, cupcakes, and candies. Then mark what can be made ahead and frozen.
Bling Tip: Print a batch planning sheet using our Holiday Baking Printable Organizer — it includes a recipe card, gift tag labels, and more. 🎅
🍪 2. Stock Up on Supplies Early
Don’t wait until the cookie aisle is picked over! Grab your sugar, flour, butter, chocolate chips, and parchment now. And don’t forget food coloring, sprinkles, cupcake liners, and candy melts.
💡 Storage Trick: Use labeled bins for “Dry Goods,” “Decorations,” and “Packaging.” It makes holiday baking days so much smoother.
Bling Bonus: Keep a small basket of emergency supplies — think extra piping bags, twine, and tape for quick packaging fixes.
🎨 3. Deck Out Your Dessert Table
A beautiful dessert table sets the tone for your holiday party! Use cake stands, small platters, and decorative boxes to create height and variety.
🕯️ Add cozy charm with fairy lights, small ornaments, and printable dessert tent cards. Your guests will love the festive look — and it makes cleanup easy!
🎅 4. Gift Like a Pro
Nothing spreads cheer faster than homemade treats wrapped beautifully. Try using cellophane bags tied with ribbon and our printable gift tags.
💌 Pro Tip: Package cookies by flavor or color — a red-and-white peppermint mix looks stunning next to golden snickerdoodles!
🍰 5. Choose One Showstopper Recipe
Here’s one to try — a holiday twist on a classic!
✨ Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 cups granulated sugar
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½ cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
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½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix cocoa, sugar, and oil. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
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Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
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Chill dough for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better!).
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Roll into balls, then roll in powdered sugar and crushed peppermint.
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Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
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Cool on a rack — they’ll be soft, fudgy, and perfectly festive! 🎁
🖨️ Free Printable: Holiday Baking Organizer
Your Free Bling Your Cake Printable includes:
