Six tips for making holiday cookies
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Holiday baking is a tradition for many families, and cookies are one of the most popular treats to make. Whatever you bake, keep it safe by following these simple food safety tips:
- Clean and sanitize countertops and hands before preparing your recipe. Use only clean utensils, such as mixing bowls, baking pans and measuring spoons.
- Wash your hands before handling any food products.
- Don't sample the dough or lick the spoon. Uncooked cookie dough contains raw eggs and raw flour, and can cause a foodborne illness. Wait until the cookies are completely baked before consuming them.
- Keep ready-to-eat foods (like fruit, nuts, spices, and sugar) away from raw foods) like flour, eggs, poultry, and meat). Use separate cutting boards to chop nuts and fruits for baked goods that are not used for raw meat, poultry or seafood.
- Do not prepare baked goods when you are sick or experiencing any illness. Save the holiday baking until you are feeling better to avoid spreading germs to others.
- If you want cookies to taste fresh longer than a few days, freeze them until you are ready to use them. Package cookies in freezer quality bags, containers, etc. to preserve the quality of the cookies. Label and date the cookies so you know what is in each package. For specific information on making cookies ahead of time, check out the Michigan State University Extension news article: “Freezing Great Cookies.”
One way to share your favorite cookies is by making Cookie Gift Jars. Layer the dry ingredients one at a time in a clean quart jar. Print the recipe — including the wet ingredients the recipient will need to add and baking temperature and time — on a decorative card and attach the card to the jar with a ribbon. Mixes should be used within three months.
Holiday cookies are a special treat. Enjoy your baking traditions, but follow food safety recommendations to keep them free from foodborne illness.
