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Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community. Continue Reading

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Waffles with Nutella and Alpine Strawberries

July Recipes

Are you looking for some refreshing drink to beat out the hot summer heat or do you just want to try a few new dishes on the grill for July?

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Basil Butter Corn

Memorial Day Recipes

Summer is the season for outdoor gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious food? Memorial Day is a perfect opportunity to kick off the summer season with mouth-watering dishes that will please your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or picnic, having some tasty recipes in your arsenal is always a good idea. In this article, we've rounded up some of our favorite Memorial Day recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress. From grilling classics to refreshing sides and desserts, you'll find plenty of inspiration to make your summer gatherings unforgettable.

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Iced Cashew Milk Latte

This Iced Cashew Milk Latte has creamy, cold cashew milk and chilled espresso served with ice and optional sweetener of choice. (makes 1 serving)

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Are you looking for ways to show your mother how much you appreciate her this Mother’s Day? There’s no better way to express your love and gratitude than by cooking her a delicious meal. Whether your mom has a sweet tooth or prefers savory dishes, there are plenty of options to choose from. We will be sharing some of the most mouth-watering and easy-to-make Mother’s Day recipes that will make her feel extra special. Put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

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    January 11, 2023

    How to Make Cookies Ahead of Time

    Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

    Christmas time is one of the busiest times of the year, especially if you’re the host of a lot of parties! Learning how to make cookies ahead of time can save you time and lower stress when planning your next holiday party. 

    2 photos of Christmas cookies Pinterest pin with text,

    Table of contents

    • How to Make Cookies Ahead of Time
    • Storing Baked Cookies in the Fridge 
    • Storing Baked Cookies in the Freezer 
      • How to Store Raw Cookie Dough in the Freezer:
      • How to Store Baked Cookies in the Freezer:
    • Pro Tips on How to Make Cookies Ahead of Time: 
    • Our Other Recipes & Posts
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    How to Make Cookies Ahead of Time

    Freezing your cookie dough and planning ahead is a great way to take the stress out of party prep. You can pop your cookies in the oven for a few minutes, and your house will smell like freshly baked cookies all day.

    First, you will need to decide if you want to store your baked cookies for a few days on the counter or in the freezer for a few months. Freezing cookie dough makes it easier when you’re ready to bake them. 

    Storing Baked Cookies in the Fridge 

    You can store your baked cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week or two on the counter at room temperature. Some cookies can last longer than others, so do the taste test before serving them.

    If your cookies are hard, I would toss them and bake new ones. Be sure to store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. 

    a photo of Almond Meringue Kisses cookies on a white marble countertop
    Almond Meringue Kisses

    Storing Baked Cookies in the Freezer 

    Learning how to make cookies ahead of time can save you time later. You can freeze raw or baked cookies for up to about three months. I like to put mine in a freezer bag mine to keep them fresh, but you could also use an airtight container. 

    a photo of bakery-style chocolate chip cookies
    Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

    How to Store Raw Cookie Dough in the Freezer:

    Take spoonfuls of raw dough, place them onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and then pop them in the freezer. Once completely frozen, remove them from the cookie sheet and place your frozen dough into a freezer-safe bag.

    When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough onto a cookie sheet, just like you usually would. Bake as directed. You might need to bake them just a tad bit longer, so I would keep an eye on them. Once you see the edges turn golden brown, it’s time to take them out. 

    a photo of Gingerbread Cutout Cookies on a metal rack
    Gingerbread Cut Out Cookies

    How to Store Baked Cookies in the Freezer:

    Storing baked cookies is very similar to storing raw cookies. Go ahead and bake your cookies as directed, and then either place them on a cooling rack or let them cool completely on a cookie sheet.

    Once they’re thoroughly cooled, place your baked cookies into an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. If you want to ensure freshness, you can individually wrap your cookies in plastic wrap.

    You can also separate your baked holiday cookies with aluminum foil or plastic wrap in between layers. I don’t recommend frosting, glazing, or decorating your cookies before you put them in the freezer.

    When you’re ready to eat them, thaw your cookies to room temperature. If you want them to be extra crispy, you can pop them in the oven for just a few minutes. Make sure you keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn. 

    a photo of Cutout Sugar Cookies with pastel icing
    Cut Out Sugar Cookies

    Pro Tips on How to Make Cookies Ahead of Time: 

    • Bake now, and decorate later. I don’t recommend decorating your cookies before putting them in the freezer. Your frosting can get stuck when pulling them apart, or the colors may change slightly. 
    • When you put baked cookies into the freezer, I like to divide them into separate bags based on their flavor. You don’t want your sugar cookies to end up tasting like peanut butter.
    • Baked cookies usually thaw within one to about three hours, based on shape and size. Keep this in mind when you’re thawing your cookies for your holiday party. 
    a photo of Linzer Cookies on a white plate with red jam overhead view
    Linzer Cookies

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    • Stuffing vs Dressing
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    Pignoli Cookies

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    • First published: 1/11/2023
    HOW TO MAKE COOKIES AHEAD OF TIME STORY

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    Sara Maniez
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    Sara Maniez
    Owner at Life's Little Sweets
    Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.
    Sara Maniez
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    • Blueberry Syrup - July 5, 2025
    • Wineberry Recipes Collection - July 4, 2025
    • 10 4th of July Recipes - July 2, 2025

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      Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
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