35+ Christmas Cookies That Freeze Well

Looking for Christmas cookies that freeze well? This collection of recipes for Freezer Friendly Holiday Cookies are great to make ahead and give as gifts and bring to holiday parties.

This post was first published on November 25, 2019. It was updated with new recipes and more helpful baking tips and info, and republished on December 7, 2024.

It's Christmas cookie time! I love this time of year!

One of the first holiday activities I like to get a head start on is holiday baking. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been making note of what baking items I had on hand and started stocking up on the basics, plus some holiday extras. Doing this helps you tackle several cookies in each baking session!

And more cookies = more bliss! :)

Be sure to check out our entire Christmas recipe collection for more holiday desserts!

Here are some of the main holiday baking ingredients I like to make sure I have on hand about a month before Christmas. This list contains most of the main ingredients in holiday cookie recipes.

butter (pro tip: butter freezes well, so buy it when it goes on sale and keep some in the freezer!)
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
light brown sugar
powdered sugar
baking soda
baking powder
vanilla extract
molasses
meringue powder
cream of tartar
baking chocolate
chocolate chips
holiday spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves
holiday decorations, such as sprinkles, food coloring, holiday M & M bits, toffee bits, etc.

Read our Baking Basics Guide for FAQs and Troubleshooting

What is the best way to freeze holiday cookies?

Cinnamon Spritz Cookies recipe on UrbanBlissLife.com

Some of the cookie recipes featured here have different suggestions for freezing. But in general, it's best to follow these steps:

Lay cookies out on a cookie sheet in a single layer
Place a layer of parchment paper in-between each layer of cookies.
Give them some added protection from freezer burn by wrapping the cookies in plastic wrap.
Then put the cookies into a freezer bag or freezer-friendly airtight container.
Freeze the cookie dough. Then, you can let it thaw and bake cookies like normal. Bonus - cookie dough is a perfect gift during the holiday season.

How far in advance can you make and freeze cookies?

plate full of snowflake sugar cookies decorated with royal icing and decorator sugar.

Most cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-5 days. Cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months (using the method described above).

Which cookies do not freeze well?

While the recipes featured in this post DO freeze well, there are some kinds of cookies that do not freeze well. These include:

cookies that are already decorated. You should bake the cookies and freeze them, and then decorate them just before you want to serve them.
thin, delicate cookies like meringues, pizzelles and florentines
cookies coated in chocolate or powdered sugar also do not freeze well.

Remember, treats that have frosting or other coatings on them should not be frozen. It will change how they taste and the texture won’t be the same.

But classics like sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, or your favorite (unfrosted) Christmas cookie recipe should all be easy to freeze in one simple batch.

30+ Christmas cookies that freeze well

If you're looking for the best holiday cookies that DO freeze well and can be made in advance, try one of these delectable recipes!

From shortbread cookies to a simple dessert with white chocolate or mint, these are the flavors that will stay true, even after being stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

35+ Freezer Friendly Holiday Cookies

These are all Christmas cookies that freeze well! They can be made in advance and frozen, making them perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and gift giving!

More Holiday Recipes

Did you make any of these recipes? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment below letting us know which one you made and how it turned out. Thank you!

Comments

Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

November 26, 2019 at 10:52 am

My Italian family would always make SO many cookies during the holiday and freeze them. It always seemed liked there would be an endless supply of cookies! Love this post so that I can keep the tradition up myself!

Andrea Metlika says

November 25, 2019 at 5:57 pm

What a great list. I need to start now so I can have cookies to share during the holidays.

Irina says

November 25, 2019 at 5:30 pm

What a great collection of Christmas cookies. I have got a feeling that this is what I need to choose from. Thanks for sharing. I am ready for Christmas:)

Noelle says

November 25, 2019 at 5:13 pm

These are all great! Love that you can freeze the leftovers :) Going to try the air fryer recipe tonight!

Kathryn says

November 25, 2019 at 4:53 pm

Yum! Perfect timing, I'm about to start my Christmas cookie baking this weekend. Now I have my list =)

Jessica Formicola says

November 25, 2019 at 4:02 pm

These cookies will totally come in handy this year! I plan to do my holiday baking early, so I love that these are all freezer friendly!

Freezer-friendly holiday cookie ingredients checklist