8 amazingly delicious make-ahead holiday cookies and squares

Let the holiday fun begin!

It's that time of year again – when my kitchen turns into a cookie, bar and square factory. Although it can be a bit hectic when I'm trying to get all my holiday treats baked, there's no better feeling than having a freezer stocked with a variety of sweet edibles. It means I can pull out whatever I need in order to create an instant goodie tray or gift at a moment's notice.

Unexpected guests? No problem. Holiday potluck? I'm covered. Cookie exchange? Bring it on!

Favourite holiday cookie and square recipes
I tend to make the usual scrumptious suspects – a selection that covers a variety of techniques, tastes and textures, such as simple, old-fashioned roll 'n' press shortbread cookies, hand-rolled traditional gingerbread cookies, melt-in-your-mouth pecan crescents and a couple of tasty and freezable bars and squares like these minty Nanaimos, reverse Nanaimo bars (pictured above) and deliciously festive marzipan bars.

I also like to keep a little something on hand for a good friend of mine who has a sensitivity to wheat, like these gluten-free thumbprints. I also love these decadent, yet easy, slice-and-bake chocolate overload cookies.

Bonus: Check out this handy guide to making perfect cookies, bars and squares every time, plus some helpful tips on how to send goodies in the mail, in case you have loved ones who won't be sitting down at your table this year.

Looking for more freeze-ahead recipes? Check out our how-to video on how to make scoop and freeze double chocolate chip cookies.