A Holiday Baking Schedule That Spreads the Work Over Three Weeks

Holiday baking is more fun when it is not all squeezed into one weekend. With a short list and a simple schedule, you can bake a little at a time, and still have a full plate of treats when the season arrives.

Start with the list

Write down everything you want to bake, then cut it in half. Most people plan far more than they have time for. A good set is two or three cookies, one bread or loaf, one candy or bark, and a showpiece dessert. Mark which ones are for your own table and which are gifts or for sharing.

Sort by how well things keep

This is what makes a schedule work. Some baked goods keep well and can be made first. Others are best fresh.

• Week 1: Doughs that freeze well (cut-out cookie dough, slice-and-bake logs) and baked goods that keep for weeks in a tin, such as shortbread and many bars.
• Week 2: Candy, bark, spiced nuts, and quick breads that are fine for several days or can be wrapped and frozen.
• Final days: Anything you want fresh: iced cookies, cakes, pies and yeast breads.

Check each recipe for storage notes, and when in doubt, bake a small test batch earlier in the month.

Shop once, then top up

List the ingredients for every recipe, then combine them. Butter, flour, sugar, eggs, chocolate and vanilla show up in nearly every recipe, so buy them in larger amounts. Check what you already have first. Then make a short second trip for fresh items.

Plan a cookie exchange

An exchange is a good way to end up with a variety without baking a dozen kinds. Ask each guest to bring a set number of the same cookie, say a dozen per guest, plus a copy of the recipe. Set a date, ask guests to say what they are making so you do not get duplicates, and provide boxes or tins. Keep a list of who is coming and what they are bringing.

Keep a gift tracker and a packaging checklist

Write down who is getting a treat box, what goes in it, and when it was delivered. Gather containers, parchment, ribbon, tags and labels early. Note ingredients that people might be sensitive to, such as nuts, on a small label.

Write recipes on cards

Keep the ones you loved. A recipe card with ingredients, steps, bake time and a notes line for what you would change is something you can use again next year, or give to a friend.

Put it all on paper

Our Holiday Baking Planner and Recipe Cards printable includes a baking list, baking schedule, ingredient shopping list, cookie exchange planner, gift treat tracker, packaging checklist, eight recipe cards and a family favorites page. For something to try first, look at our free printables, which include a meal planner sample you can use for the holiday weeks.

You can also browse every free sample on the Free Printables page, or see all digital downloads.