Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and of course, delicious treats. Among the many holiday traditions, baking Christmas cookies holds a special place in the hearts of families around the world. These sweet delights not only add a touch of warmth to the season but also make for wonderful gifts and party snacks. In this article, we will explore a wide variety of make - ahead Christmas cookies that are perfect for freezing and will surely tempt the whole family's sweet tooth.

### Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are a staple of the Christmas season. They are easy to make, and their simple flavor allows for endless decoration possibilities. To make these cookies, you will need flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out your favorite Christmas shapes using cookie cutters. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 - 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter.

### Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are another beloved Christmas cookie. Their spicy flavor and cute shape make them a hit with kids and adults alike. To make gingerbread men, you will need flour, brown sugar, molasses, butter, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda. In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and stir in the molasses. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Roll out the dough and cut out gingerbread man shapes. Use a toothpick to make eyes, buttons, and a mouth. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 - 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating them with icing.

### Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter blossoms are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a rich peanut butter flavor. To make peanut butter blossoms, you will need peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, butter, eggs, flour, baking soda, and chocolate kisses. Cream the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, and butter together until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well. Gradually add the flour and baking soda and mix until a dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls and roll them in granulated sugar. Place the balls on a baking sheet and flatten them slightly. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 - 10 minutes. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.

### Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite that never goes out of style. They are perfect for Christmas because they can be made in large batches and frozen for later. To make chocolate chip cookies, you will need butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, and chocolate chips. Cream the butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until a dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8 - 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

### Make - Ahead and Freezing Tips

One of the great things about these Christmas cookies is that they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. This is especially useful during the busy holiday season. To make ahead, you can prepare the cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply take the dough out of the refrigerator or freezer and let it come to room temperature. Roll out the dough and cut out the shapes as usual. If you want to freeze the baked cookies, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply take the cookies out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, these make - ahead Christmas cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you're looking for a classic cookie like sugar cookies or a more unique treat like peanut butter blossoms, there's a cookie on this list for everyone. So, gather your family and friends, put on some Christmas music, and start baking these delicious cookies. They will not only fill your home with the sweet aroma of the season but also create lasting memories for years to come.