I have done a ton of reading but I find conflicting answers so I figured I would ask you kind ladies...

I'm going to attempt my first batch of cookies tomorrow. I don't have a silpat but I do have parchment paper I can bake them on.

1) Should I let the ingredients all come to room temp first or does it not matter?

2) Once cooled do they need to be decorated right away or can I wait a day?

3) If I wait a day do I need to freeze them in the interim? If I do freeze them what is the best way to defrost them before decorating?

Any other hints you can give a first timer would also be appreciated!!

TIA!! I'll post pictures on Friday or Saturday when I am done with my busy week (5 doz cookies, 50 cupcakes and a smash cake for three different ocassions).

parchment is excellent for baking cookies (reuse it)

Room temp is not required, but it helps if the butter is soft.

Once cooled, you can store them (airtight) or frozen. OR decorate and freeze.

If undecorated, just let them thaw in the package at room temp. If decorated, either leave them in the package so any condensationwill form on the wrapper. OR, separate them and let them thaw individually.

Thank you very much!