Written by Maureen Murphy & Sarah Palmer Holiday Baking Holiday baking is a wonderful way to share the joy of the season with those we treasure. Start a new tradition with your family this year and bake some special holiday memories! Keep reading for helpful baking tips & time-saving ideas to help get you started! Baking Tips Making time to bake is often fun and rewarding, and can be done with proper organization and a few helpful hints.

• Bake in quantity and freeze whenever possible – baked cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks
• Prepare cookie dough when you are able to steal a little extra time – prepared dough will keep at least 3 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to 3 months
• Assemble all ingredients and equipment before beginning a recipe
• Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to help cut down on clean up
• While cookies are baking, prepare other cookie sheets to go in the oven
• Save time when shopping and measuring:
  • 1 lb. box confectioners’ sugar = 4 cups
  • 1 lb. box brown sugar = 2 cups, packed
  • 5 lb. bag granulated sugar = 10 cups
  • 5 lb. bag all-purpose flour = 20 cups
  • 1 cup cake flour = 7/8 cup sifted all-purpose
  • 1 lb. box seedless raisins = 2 3/4 cups
  • 6 extra-large eggs = 8 large eggs
• Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature before using
• Measure ingredients carefully
• Do not over-mix cookie dough
• Chill dough well when instructed so the dough will be easier to work with
• Allow at least 2 inches of space between cookies on cookie sheets, and at least 2 inches around the sides of the oven for proper heat circulation
• Use bright, shiny aluminum cookie sheets rather than dark colored cookie sheets to prevent over browning
• Bake cookies on a rack in the middle of the oven; for best results use only one rack
• Do not over-bake – a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when a cookie is baked
• Allow cookie sheets to cool before baking more to prevent the edges of the cookie from spreading out and becoming too thin
• Cool cookies on a wire rack

For recipes & ideas, visit our baking Pinterest board! https://www.pinterest.com/pricechopper/bakers-dozen/