Get a Head Start on Holiday Cookie Baking

MyRecipes.com

Thanksgiving is in two weeks. We've pulled our most popular cookie questions from our Ask the Expert blog to help you prepare for holiday baking.

How long can I keep cookie dough in the refrigerator before baking?
Most cookie dough can be refrigerated, well-wrapped, for three to five days before baking. If you want to make it farther in advance, freeze the dough.

Toffee-Chocolate Chip Shortbread

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup toffee bits

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream together butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour and salt just until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips and toffee bits.

2. Using your hands, roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheet, 1 inch apart, pressing down lightly on each one with a moistened palm.

3. Bake until cookies are firm and just golden around edges, 12 to 14 minutes. Place baking sheet on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Does all cookie dough freeze well, and how far in advance can I make the dough?


Nearly all kinds of cookie doughs freeze well for up to three months. Form the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic (the more layers the better) and place it in a plastic bag. Press the air out of the bag before sealing, and be sure to label the outside of the package with the date and type of dough. It also helps to make a note on the package such as "Bake at 350º for 25 minutes". For faster thawing, divide the dough into two or three separately wrapped logs.

Get Recipe: Cranberry-Almond Cookies


What cookies should not be frozen?


Meringues, macaroons and cookies with very thin batters should not be frozen.

Get Recipe: Butterscotch Blondies

For more cooking questions answered, visit the MyRecipes.com Ask the Expert page.

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