It dawned on me today that I’ve heard “Feliz Navidad” at least 40 times so far this holiday season.

Know what else dawned on me?

The fact that Christmas is just over TWO. SHORT. WEEKS. AWAY.

There’s so much to do! So little time!

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be in the kitchen a lot in the next couple of weeks trying to crank out some good old fashioned holiday cheer in the form of cookies.

Sounds so fun, right? Right.

When you factor in decking the halls, working 8 hours a day (or more!), parties, school programs, shopping, gift wrapping and whatever else it is you get yourself into during the holidays. Just reading this list is causing my head to itch (something that always happens when my stress level rises,) so if it’s doing the same to you, don’t worry.

I get it.

I’ve got some ideas that may help… especially because ‘tis the season to enjoy yourself - not to stress out about a little bit of butter, sugar and flour.

Here’s 5 quick tips to help you bake a perfect holiday for your family and friends:

1. Decide the fate of your cookies

Are you baking simply to have treats around the house? To give as gifts? As party favors? As dessert for Christmas dinner?

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you plan your shopping list. If the cookies are staying around the house, great! You’ll throw them in your cookie jar and that’s that.

But, if you’re planning to give the cookies as gifts, then you’ve got some more thinking to do… and that means packaging!

Keep it simple and cute and you can’t go wrong.

True confession: I love packaging. I love designing it, thinking about it, using it and showing it off. This holiday season we’re using kraft paper boxes, cellophane bags and red & white bakery twine.

Simple, yes. Cute, yes! yes!

2. Gather your recipes into a single place

Dust off your favorite cookbooks and compile the recipes you’ll be using.

I suggest baking three to four types of cookies - five if you’re feeling crazy.

Given that time is precious during the holiday season and it’d be awful to have any disasters on your hands, I’d stick to recipes you’re familiar with. (Yes, this is okay. The professionals do it all the time!)

3. Make a short list of ingredients and attack your pantry

Checking your pantry first will ensure that you don’t spend your holiday cash on stuff you don’t need.

And, hey, while you’re in the pantry you might want to take a look at your baking powder and baking soda. If you can’t remember the last time you bought either, I’d suggest you put them on your list.

Fresh leavening will lead to superior baked goods - trust me.

What you don’t have in your pantry add to a shopping list.

4. Shop for your ingredients

I’ve got three key words for you here: Buy In Bulk.

If your local market has a bulk section, raid it! Nuts, dried fruit, flour, sugar, chocolate - everything you need will be right there!

Often times bulk prices are lower than packaged good prices. AND you only have to buy the amount you need. Perfect!

5. Your plan of attack

You’ve got your recipes. Your ingredients are in the kitchen waiting for you. Now all you need is a plan.

Try this:

- If you’re making drop cookies (chocolate chip, etc.) odds are you can mix your dough two to three days ahead of time and then refrigerate it.

To make things easier when you are ready to bake, scoop the dough while it’s fresh and refrigerate it on cookie sheets.

If you have the fridge space, this is pretty much the ultimate baking time saver. When baking day rolls around all you have to do is preheat the oven and bake. Almost like magic!

- If you’re rolling out sugar cookies for decorating you can also do some of the work ahead.

First, mix the dough. After it’s been refrigerated, roll it out and cut out your shapes. Store the cut out cookies on sheet trays in your freezer and bake when needed.

Seriously easy.

Want the easy way out?

Holiday baking still got you stressed?

Need to fill in a few missing pieces, or just forego holiday baking altogether?

Come see us at our SW or SE locations.

We’ve got sweet treats just waiting for you to pick up:

- decorate-your-own cookie kits
- holiday sprinkle selections
- hot chocolate kits
- signature sweet & spicy nuts

Happy holidays and always remember: Saint Cupcake loves you.

Jami Curl is proprietor of Saint Cupcake, and a holiday-crazed mom, wife, and friend trying to make it to January, just like you…