Halloween has come and gone and now the holidays are quickly moving in on us. Are you guys thinking ahead for the holidays yet? Or is it just me and my obsessive planning that is going there? I thought we could talk about how to freeze cookie dough today so that all my fellow planners out there can get a jump start on their holiday baking.

You can use any cookie recipe that you want with this process, like these holiday favorites pumpkin chocolate chip, white chocolate craisan oatmeal, eggnog M&M or pistachio. Or whatever floats your boat.

The first step in the process is to make the cookie dough just as you would if you were going to bake them right away. On a parchment, or silpat, lined cookie sheet scoop the cookie dough close together. It’s fine if they touch slightly. Place in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, this process is called flash freezing.

Once they have hardened, place them in a labeled freezer bag with the name of the cookie, baking time and temperature. Because the cookie dough is frozen, they will need to bake a few minutes longer than the original recipe states. Keep that in mind when labeling the bags.

Place in the freezer and bake as you need them. The frozen cookie dough will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

There are so many great reasons to have frozen cookie dough in your freezer. First and foremost, when that sweet tooth strikes you can simple preheat your oven and put just a few cookies in the oven. Almost instant gratification and they don’t have to come from a package. Plus, self control. There isn’t a whole batch of cookies calling your name from the counter.

If you’re the type that likes to give away loaded trays of goodies to your pals, this is a great way to get a jump start so that you aren’t overwhelmed at the last minute. Make a few batches here and there throughout the month then you’ll have a stockpile come December.

Because honestly, December is busy enough. Why not make life easier now with a little prep work?

Another awesome reason to get some cookie dough whipped up and frozen is for when those unexpected guests or plans pop up. You can throw some cookie dough in the oven right before they arrive and they will think you have all your stuff together and have time to make homemade cookies for them. Isn’t it awesome to fool the ones you love?

I also love the idea of giving frozen cookie dough to friends and family at Christmas rather than a cookie tray. We all know people get bombarded with treats at Christmas time so why not put together a few freezer baggies of cookie dough and gift those instead. Then once the holidays pass and they need a little sugar fix they can throw a couple in the oven and have fresh, homemade cookies in minutes. Just make sure you write the baking instructions on the bags.

Have I convinced you to come to the dark side of my type-A personality? Planning for the win.