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holidays
by Allison Day
updated February 9, 2022
With the holidays comes drop-in visits and sugar-hungry guests – and that means you’ll need dessert. Here, you’ll find a festive lineup of freezer-friendly treats to present in a pinch. From slice-and-bake cookie dough to crumble topping (just add fruit and bake!) to brownies to lemon squares, let these goodies inspire and sate your seasonal sweet tooth.
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1/18
Crackle Ginger Cookies
Spicy ginger cookies add a touch of sparkle to every holiday cookie tin. The moist and tender dough can be frozen with ease, as can the baked cookies. Serve them on top of vanilla ice cream for a fast and festive dessert guests will love.
Get the recipe for Crackle Ginger Cookies
2/18
Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle Cups
A homemade version of the nostalgic PB cup that you can stash in the freezer for chocolate emergencies. Speaking of, these chocolate recipes by Anna Olson are additional sweets you can rely on in a pinch.
Get the recipe
3/18
Lemon Bars
Zippy lemon bars freeze like a treat and defrost rapidly, so you don’t have to wait too long to dig in. After defrosting, apply a thin dusting of fresh icing sugar to the tops, which can dissolve in the freezer.
Get the recipe
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4/18
Peanut Butter Caramel Swirled Brownies
Fudgy brownies don’t need anything extra, but it’s hard to say no to one paired with peanut butter and caramel. A freezer full of these will be extremely handy and delicious this holiday season, appealing to both adults and kids.
Get the recipe
5/18
Fruitcake Cookies
Forget the fruitcake this year and make (more agreeable) fruitcake-inspired cookies. The cookie dough log can be frozen before slicing and baking, or you can bake then freeze the cookies. Serve a mountain of these jeweled sweets to guests with eggnog or hot chocolate.
Get the recipe
6/18
Make-Ahead Apple Crisp
Prepare a big batch of crisp topping and store in the freezer. When you’re in need of a fast and comforting dessert, add fruit (sliced apples, fresh or frozen berries, sliced pears, etc.) to a baking dish, top with the frozen crumble and bake.
Get the recipe
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7/18
Chocolate Truffles
Whether you stick to simple chocolate or jazz up your truffle mix with a hint of flavouring, these candies are a holiday staple that freeze like a dream. They’re the ultimate sweet treat to have after a large holiday meal, satisfying your sweet tooth in a dainty (but decadent) way.
Get the recipe
8/18
Chocolate Chunk Blondies
Brown sugar, chocolate and walnuts create a chocolate chip cookie-like bar that’s fudgy, rich and completely freezer-friendly. Cut and freeze in squares for a quicker defrosting (and devouring) time.
Get the recipe
Close-up of Glazed Mini Brownies, as seen on The Pioneer Woman, Season 19.
9/18
Glazed Mini Brownies
When unexpected company arrives, these petite brownie bites, adorned with chopped pistachios, will be your saving grace. Count on Ree Drummond to transform a small dessert into something this show-stopping.
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10/18
Vanilla Cream Cheese Pound Cake
A cream cheese-infused pound cake batter adds superior freezability, moisture and tanginess to classic vanilla pound cake. Once defrosted, griddle slices on the stovetop, dollop with whipped cream and tumble over raspberries or top with a spoonful of jam for a chic plated holiday dessert.
Get the recipe
11/18
Vanilla Bean Spritz Shortbread
Come December, no freezer is complete without a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread recipe. This classic take from Anna Olson is heightened with the addition of vanilla bean, along with that gorgeous flower-like piping detail.
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12/18
Chocolate-Coconut-Peanut Butter Layered Bites
Chocolate, coconut and peanut butter are a triple threat of rich and festive flavour. Prepare the bars, slice and store in the freezer for a month or more, reaching for them to add that hit of nostalgia to your seasonal sweets tray.
Get the recipe
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13/18
Icebox Jam Cookies
It’s a three-recipe deal with this icebox cookie dough. Enjoy Orange Marmalade Crumble Bars, Apricot Lemon Rugelach and Raspberry Linzer Cookies, all made using the same freezer-friendly base. Bake up the bars and cookies ahead of time and freeze, or simply stash the dough for later baking endeavours.
Get the recipe
14/18
Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge
Fudge is a freezer-friendly marvel that defrosts quickly for last-minute guests and gifts. This chocolate version is spiked with a hint of warming cinnamon, but you could use any other flavour you love – try orange zest, peppermint oil, vanilla bean or espresso.
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15/18
Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
Give vegans and the dairy-free crowd something to enjoy this holiday season with freezer-friendly “cheesecakes.” Possibly easier than the “real” deal and just as delicious.
Get the recipe
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16/18
Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies
Freeze a log of this slice-and-bake cookie dough or bake and freeze the cookies. The choice is yours. Peppermint and chocolate bring the holiday spirit out in guests of all ages.
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17/18
Nanaimo Bars
Slice and freeze nanaimo bars for a taste of Canadiana on your holiday cookie tray. These also make great hostess gifts – no one can resist the classic treat!
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18/18
Hot Chocolate Sugar Cookie Sandwiches
You don’t need baking chocolate to whip up these fudgy sandwich cookies. A little leftover hot chocolate mix will give you all the rich, sweet flavours you desire. Bonus: the dough freezes super well, for convenient slice-and-bake cookies in a snap.
Get the recipe
- baking
- chocolate
- cookies
- dessert
- freezer-friendly
