Christmas baking, a cherished festive tradition, often falls victim to the season's hectic schedule. Between shopping, events, and endless lists, making gingerbread cookies can feel like a chore. However, a savvy food blogger has shared a clever freezer trick that promises to transform the experience into a leisurely, enjoyable activity.
The Make-Ahead Method for Stress-Free Festive Baking
Emmy Clinton, the healthy recipe creator behind Entirely Emmy, advocates for a smarter approach. She insists that creating holiday treats shouldn't be a last-minute scramble. Her solution centres on a straightforward gingerbread cookie recipe designed to be prepared in advance and frozen, allowing bakers to spread the work over days.
"People think making gingerbread has to be complex or time-consuming, especially if you want it to look good," says Emmy. "The real trick is doing the work when it suits you, not when the oven happens to be free on Christmas Eve."
Why Chilled Dough is the Secret to Perfect Cookies
Emmy's top tip is to prepare and freeze the dough ahead of time. This simple act, she explains, is what removes the pressure. You can make the dough days in advance, store it in the freezer, and then bake and decorate at your convenience.
"Chilled dough is much firmer, so it rolls more cleanly and holds its shape better when you cut it," Emmy clarifies. "That means less sticking, less mess, and fewer broken cookies. It's one of those tricks that feels almost too simple, but it really works."
Her recipe is deliberately approachable, requiring no special equipment. The brief ingredients list includes ground almonds, making the cookies naturally gluten-free. For those with other dietary needs, Emmy notes that honey can be swapped for agave nectar to create a vegan version without losing the classic warmth and sweetness.
A Recipe for Memories, Not Just Cookies
Beyond practicality, Emmy champions the role of gingerbread in festive traditions. "These are the kinds of bakes people remember," she remarks. They are perfect for involving children in cutting shapes and decorating, where the fun lies in the process, not perfection.
She also highlights their value as heartfelt, homemade gifts. "A small box of homemade gingerbread feels personal. It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate to mean something," she adds.
Emmy's Simple Gingerbread Biscuit Method:
- Combine honey (or agave) and vegan butter until creamy.
- Mix in ground almonds and spices to form a soft dough.
- Sandwich dough between baking parchment, flatten, and freeze for about 45 minutes until firm.
- Preheat oven to 180C (160C fan). Cut out shapes from the firm dough.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before decorating with simple white or chocolate icing.
Emmy stresses letting the biscuits cool fully to firm up. For the icing, she advises adjusting the consistency with tiny splashes of water until it's smooth enough to pipe but not so runny it slides off.
"These are the kinds of recipes that remind you Christmas baking doesn't need to be stressful," Emmy concludes. "With a little planning, you can enjoy the process just as much as the result."
