Stress-Free Christmas Baking: A Fun Guide to Festive Prep (Even If You’re Last-Minute!)

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy (and occasional chaos) of holiday baking. Whether you're someone who loves planning every detail or you find yourself scrambling at the last minute, Christmas baking doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With some clever preparation and a few helpful cheats, you can create delicious festive treats without the stress.

Step 1: Plan (Even If It's Last Minute!)

It’s never too late to organise your holiday bakes! Start by thinking about what you’d like to bake and how much time you have.

Here’s a simple timeline to get you started:

4 Weeks Before Christmas: 

•  Stock up on essentials like butter, sugar, flour, dried fruits, chocolate, and spices.
•  Make-ahead bakes cookie dough that can be frozen. 
  Shortbread biscuit recipe  (bottom of the blog) 
•  Meringues for pavlovas.  Bake, cool and freeze immediately.
•  Christmas fruit cake: My recipe can still be made this close to Christmas. Get the recipe here.

2 Weeks Before Christmas: 

•  Prep components like pastry or fillings (frangipane).
•  Start assembling desserts like mince pies that freeze well.

Christmas Week: 

•  Focus on fresh bakes and quick recipes.

Step 2: Last-Minute Festive Bakes That Wow

Running short on time? Here are some quick but impressive recipes:

•  Mini Tarts and Mince Pies: Use high-quality store-bought pastry to save time. Fill with a mix of your favourite preserves or a spiced mincemeat filling.
•  No-Bake Cheesecake Cups: Crush biscuits for the base, layer with cream cheese filling, and top with spiced fruit compote.
•  Festive Brownies: Dress up a simple brownie recipe with candy cane shards or edible gold dust.
•  Gingerbread Cookies: A classic that’s quick to bake and decorate.

Step 3: Cheat Without Compromise

Shortcuts don’t mean cutting corners! Stay true to your ethos of quality by using store-bought options thoughtfully:

•  All-Butter Pastry: Perfect for pies and tarts.
•  Premium Mince Pie Filling: Look for artisanal or organic brands.
•  Ready-to-Roll Fondant: Ideal for decorating cookies and cakes.

Step 4: Make Now, Freeze for Later

Baking ahead is a lifesaver during the holiday rush. Here are some bakes that freeze beautifully:

•  Cookie Dough: Portion and freeze to bake fresh whenever you need.
•  Bundt Cakes / travel cakes: Freeze undecorated
•  Shortcrust Pastry: Roll and freeze for later use in tarts or pies.
•  Unbaked Cinnamon Rolls: Thaw, bake, and glaze fresh.

Pro Tip: Label everything with the name and date to avoid freezer surprises!

Step 5: Easy Christmas Eve Bakes

For those last-minute additions or fresh treats, try these:

•  Scones: Quick to whip up and perfect for breakfast or tea. (They can also be made in advance and frozen unbaked)
•  Thumbprint Cookies: Roll basic cookie dough into balls, press a thumbprint into the centre, and fill with jam or Nutella.
•  Coconut Macaroons: These are great dipped in chocolate for a bit of an upgrade.

Step 7: Add a Personal Touch

Turn your bakes into thoughtful gifts by wrapping them beautifully. Use ribbons, handwritten tags, or festive tins for a memorable presentation.

Christmas baking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning, a few time-saving hacks, and the right mindset, you can enjoy the magic of creating festive treats without the stress. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!