18 Make-Ahead Cookie Dough Recipes You Can Freeze For Later

Maggie McCracken
and
Meredith Holser
Mar 08, 2024
Make-Ahead Cookie Dough Recipes

Whipping up delicious, eye-pleasing, and creative cookie recipes is fun, but sometimes those cravings come on hard. When you’re jonesing for a sweet treat, you just want something as quickly as humanly possible! Luckily, these make-ahead cookie dough recipes have your future self covered. Since you can whip these up and stow 'em away in the freezer (to later bake or eat cold), make-ahead cookie dough recipes are the best dessert around. From chocolate chip cookies to more fruit-forward variations, these make-ahead cookie dough recipes will have you craving something sweet!

Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

This super yummy make-ahead cookie dough recipe combines the flavors of peanut butter with the chocolatey M&Ms we all know and love. If you only have unsalted butter on hand and the recipe calls for salted, just add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the recipe! (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

This make-ahead cookie dough recipe kind of borders brownie territory, which we are 100% here for. You'll get a mouthful of chocolate, with a fun hint of chili powder and cayenne that get at the real Mexican-inspired flavors. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Red Velvet Fudge Cookies

Chewy and gooey, and reminiscent of our fave cake flavor, these red velvet cookies can be frozen solid for up to 1 month. We could see them being even tastier with some white chocolate drizzle! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Matcha Cookies

Baking with matcha is so fun! You can prep this make-ahead cookie dough recipe a few weeks out if you're planning a party or have a bake sale on the calendar. It'll take you only 15 minutes of prep for a truly tasty payoff. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Thumbprint Cookies

This cookie dough recipe is fairly basic, taking on the flavors of whatever jam you choose. We'd recommend raspberry and peach! (via Culinary Hill)

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

The key to making freeze-able cookie dough is choosing a recipe that’s full of fatty ingredients. The fat will allow the dough to still taste fresh weeks down the line. Case in point is this delightful peanut butter cookie recipe! (via Rachel Schultz)

Kitchen Sink Cookies

Kitchen sink cookies are the best! You can basically throw whatever you want into the dough, but we prefer chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzel pieces, and nuts. This recipe leverages butterscotch, too, and finishes everything off with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Yummm. (via Completely Delicious)

Loaded Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sure, this freezable cookie dough is made with oatmeal, but don’t you dare call these rich, buttery cookies a health food! They’re far too yummy for that. And they happen to call for an entire stick of butter, so you know they’re going to be decadent. (via Averie Cooks)

Lemon Butter Cookies

Lemon lovers everywhere will appreciate the sweet, lemony goodness of these buttery make-ahead cookies. They also happen to only call for a few select ingredients for baking with ease: lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, sugar, eggs and flour! (via Simply Whisked)

Butter Pecan Cookies

Not only is this recipe totally okay to make ahead of time, but the recipe actually requires it. This cookie dough needs to chill for at least three days, so why not whip it up to have on-hand any time you’re feeling the need for cookies? (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Sometimes you're craving to go down the healthier route when it comes to cookie time, and these oatmeal + raisin-packed ones are the ultimate solution. This cookie dough recipe is make-ahead and freezer-friendly. When you're ready to bake them, let the dough thaw out at room temp for an hour, and you're ready to go! You can also freeze after baking, if you wish! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Disneyland’s Peanut Butter Cookies

This copycat recipe recreates the big, fluffy peanut butter cookies you can find on Main Street USA in Disneyland. Interspersed throughout the doughy, buttery cookies are peanut butter chips, which set them apart from your average peanut butter cookie. (via Six Sisters Stuff)

Butter Cookies

This butter cookie recipe is super soft and creamy, so it’s great for freezing ahead. Bonus: it’s also perfect for cutting into fun shapes, making it super appropriate for kids to make along. Don't forget to make some icing to decorate them! (via Life As Mama)

Perfect Sugar Cookies

These Lofthouse-like sugar cookies are sweet, soft, doughy and perfect for topping with frosting once they cool after baking. The freezable dough is just as good on it's own, if you catch our drift! (via Chef in Training)

Vanilla Bean Danish Butter Cookies

Vanilla bean is the star ingredient in these Danish cookies. Freeze the dough, let it thaw, and then use a piping bag to create pretty circle shapes before baking! (via Ashlee Marie)

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Make this make-ahead cookie dough recipe a few days in advance, but leave the chocolate kisses for adding in at the end. Hershey’s kisses, peanut butter, brown sugar, butter and vanilla extract comprise the flavors of these classic cookies! (via The Semi Sweet Sisters)

Gooey Butter Cookies

These doughy cookies pull gently apart in the oven, creating a crinkle-like texture on top. But inside? It’s pure softness. Be sure to lightly coat the cookies with powdered sugar before baking to create the crinkle effect. (via How to Nest for Less)

Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Finally, these chocolate chip cookies are the perfect perennial favorite to store in the fridge before baking! We’ll also leave you with one final tip: when freezing cookie dough, it’s best to shape the cookies into individual portions and pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to harden. Then, stack them on top of each other, with sheets of parchment paper between each level. Put them into a freezer-safe bag, and chill. (via Tastes of Lizzie T)

Sign up for our newsletter for more sweet recipes delivered right to your inbox!

Lead image via Completely Delicious.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

23 Easy Friendsgiving Appetizers To Share With Your Besties

Don’t tell the fam, but Friendsgiving may have topped Thanksgiving as your favorite holiday. There’s no feeling like you have to one-up your cousin, you can have that extra glass of affordable fall wine without judgment, and you get to eat food that you *actually* like (sorry, stuffing). Easy Friendsgiving recipes are easy to come by, so when you’re assigned the appetizer, there’s no excuse not to rock it.

Get the table set and throw your apron on, because these easy and elegant appetizers will be the talk of your squad until Friendsgiving 2025.

Brit + Co

Cantaloupe, Prosciutto and Rosemary on Triscuits

The combo of smooth fruit, salty prosciutto, and fresh herbs (plus the crunch of your favorite cracker) is literally mouth-watering. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Crescent Roll Cornucopia

This isn't your average cheese-board. The DIY cornucopia is easier than it looks and it's both delicious and Instagram-able. (via Brit + Co)

Ron Lach / PEXELS

The Easiest Baked Brie

Brie is a great app because it goes so well with so many other things: veggies, meat, fruit, crackers. You name it, this melty cheese will pair perfectly. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic

Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe a cinch, and there's nothing better than when it's wrapped around melted gruyere with honey, rosemary, and garlic and baked. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Feed Me Phoebe

Warm Butternut Squash Dip with Gruyère and Pistachios

Does anything sound more autumnal than butternut squash dip? Negative. Make it cheesy with gruyère and add a salty crunch with pistachios. (via Feed Me Phoebe)

Creme de la Crumb

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Salad is a necessity for your Friendsgiving meal, and this one makes a great first course. Good luck trying to keep everyone from filling up before dinner. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Reluctant Entertainer

Apricot Ricotta Honey Basil Bites

If you have other dishes to prepare, no-cook appetizers are a great way to keep your guests satisfied without having to make more room in the oven. These ripe apricots are stuffed with honey-sweetened ricotta and topped with basil and tangy balsamic. (via Reluctant Entertainer)

Fit Foodie Finds

Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are definitely a love-it-or-hate-it veggie. Pro tip: if you wrap it in bacon, people will be a lot more likely to love them. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

The Mediterranean Dish

French Baked Brie Recipe with Figs, Walnuts and Pistachios

When you’re planning out your perfect Friendsgiving menu, remember that you can’t go wrong with warmed brie. Serve with your favorite multigrain crackers and watch it disappear before your eyes. (via The Mediterranean Dish)

Happy Kitchen Rocks

Baked Figs with Goat Cheese

In just 15 minutes you could be serving your friends this luxurious hors d’oeuvre. Switch things up and stuff with your choice of blue cheese, goat cheese or ricotta. (via Happy Kitchen Rocks)

Macheesmo

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Cipollini onions make the perfect miniature alternative to a big ol’ blooming onion. This way, everyone can have as many as they want without having to share. (via Macheesmo)

Snixy Kitchen

Butternut Squash Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Give your traditional deviled eggs a fall twist by adding butternut squash to your filling. Top with crispy bacon to balance the sweetness and add a smokey quality. (via Snixy Kitchen)

Chef in Training

Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

This is *not* your grandma’s cheese ball. Cranberry and orange give it a seasonal flavor and sweetness that’ll rival the meal’s desserts. (via Chef in Training)

Reluctant Entertainer

Honey Crisp and Goat Cheese Ladyfinger Crostini Appetizer

Did you think ladyfingers were only for tiramisu? Think again! Switch from your usual baguette crostini and top the cookies with apples and goat cheese. (via Reluctant Entertainer)

The Pioneer Woman

Perfect Fall Cheese Board

Fruit, olives and gouda — oh my! Building the perfect cheese board is an art you can master. Hint: layering different textures and heights is key. (via The Pioneer Woman)

Parsnips and Pastries

Roasted Grape Crostini With Lemon Ricotta and Honey

Don’t underestimate the power of a honeyed crostini. When that warm grape pops in your mouth… pure bliss. (via Parsnips and Pastries)

Real Simple Good

Mashed Sweet Potato Bacon Cups

If you can boil potatoes, you can make these cups. They require only six ingredients, and your squad is sure to fall in love with them. Winning! (via Real Simple Good)

Neighbor Food

Parmesan Asparagus Tart

You *finally* have a reason to use that puff pastry in the freezer. Between the flaky crust and creamy Parmesan-ricotta topping, this may just be your new favorite starter. (via Neighbor Food)

Gimme Some Oven

Baked Samosas

Traditionally, samosas are made with sheet phyllo dough and folded into triangles. Opt for that if you have more time, or try a quick version using pre-made phyllo cups. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Nutmeg Nanny

Sausage, Spinach and Mushroom Phyllo Cups

These bite-size treats are as easy as sautéing the filling ingredients together and popping the filled cups in the oven to melt the cheese. They’re quick, foolproof and, most importantly, delicious. (via Nutmeg Nanny)

As Easy As Apple Pie

Savory Pumpkin Hummus

Okay, you’re most likely going to have pumpkin pie for dessert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have pumpkin in your appetizer too. This hummus is ultra savory, so even if you don’t like pie, you’ll love this. (via As Easy As Apple Pie)

Mom on Timeout

Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Maple Meatballs

Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker saves you a ton of time come party day. Don’t be afraid of them turning out bland, though. Apples, apple cider and maple syrup make that impossible. (via Mom on Timeout)

The View from Great Island

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Bread

You can’t go wrong with a classic flavor combination like spinach and artichoke. Stuff in a hollowed loaf of Italian bread and slice to serve. (via The View from Great Island)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy Friendsgiving appetizer recipe ideas.

This post has been updated.

appetizer recipesthanksgiving recipesfood

24 Cozy 'Gilmore Girls' Gifts For Anyone Who'd Rather Be In Stars Hollow

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!

Hot Topic

Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack

I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.

Sunday Best

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Amazon

Cotton Baseball Hat

For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month

Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.

Nordstrom

Espresso Martini Statement Earrings

It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.

Etsy

Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster

Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.

Etsy

Luke's Diner Mug

With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!

Etsy

Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup

If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!

Maisonette

Gina White Poodle

Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"

Handker Bandanas

Colorful Bandana

For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.

Etsy

Dragonfly Necklace

A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.

Etsy

Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt

Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.

Etsy

Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt

There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."

Walmart

Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection

One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook

Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide

Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow

TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!

Cande Craft Company

Stars Hollow Scented Candle

This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.

Amazon

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush

Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!

Rock Em Socks

Gilmore Girls Socks

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

gilmore girlsshoppingfashionhomepop cultureentertainmentgift guide

When Do Girl Scout Cookies Go On Sale? Everything To Know About The 2025 Season

The next best thing after Christmasis not New Year’s – it’s Girl Scout Cookie season! We just can’t resist stocking up on Thin Mints and Tagalongs every year. In the spirit of getting a taste as early as possible in 2025, we’ve already got our eye on the next season.

Get your cravings ready, because we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie season.

When will Girl Scout Cookie season be in 2025?

Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scout Cookie season typically runs from January to March, though the exact dates will depend on the region you live in.

Several Girl Scout regions have already announced the dates for their season, so you can likely anticipate similar dates for other parts of the country:

Last year, in-person cookie sales started as early as January 9 while online sales began on February 16.

Where do I buy Girl Scout cookies?

Girl Scouts of the USA

You can buy Girl Scout cookies in-person or online. Oftentimes, troops will set up shop in front of grocery stores or malls. Once the season starts, you can search for in-person booths here. Many troops also offer online ordering, so you don't even have to leave the house.

How much will Girl Scout Cookies be in 2025?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Girl Scouts (@girlscouts)

www.girlscouts.org

The cost of Girl Scout Cookies will vary based on the region you buy them in. In 2024, the price per box ranged from $5 to $7, amidreported price raisesdue to inflation.

Several regions have already addressed pricing ahead of the 2025 Girl Scout cookie season.

Girl Scouts of Arizona Cactus-Pine announced their first cost-per-box price bump in nearly a decade, citing rising production costs. All of their boxes will cost $6, but specialty cookie flavors like Girl Scout S'mores and Toffee-tastic will go for $7.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have all of their boxes priced at $6.

Meet The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Flavors

Girl Scouts of the USA

There are currently 12 Girl Scout cookie flavors, according to Girl Scouts. Their list includes the same cookies that were available in 2024. From Thin Mints to Samoas, we are so excited. Here’s the full list of cookies:

  • Adventurefuls
  • Caramel Chocolate Chips
  • Samoas (AKA Caramel deLites)
  • Do-si-dos (AKA Peanut Butter Sandwich)
  • Girl Scout S’mores
  • Lemonades
  • Lemon-Ups
  • Tagalongs (AKA Peanut Butter Patties)
  • Thin Mints
  • Toast-Yay!
  • Toffee-tastic
  • Trefoils

We’re also holding out hope that a new flavor will be announced ahead of the 2025 season (a la the famous Raspberry Rally)!

Can't wait for cookies? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest 2025 Girl Scout cookie season news!

food newsgirl scoutsgirl scout cookiescookiesfood

Angelina Jolie Finally Opened Up About Her "Extremely Private" Kids & Motherhood

Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

celebritiesentertainmentcelebrity news

New Mom Shares Exactly How Much It Cost To Have A Baby In 2024 – Spoiler Alert, It’s A LOT

Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Josephine Anderson (@fosterthevalley)

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

  • Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
  • Labs: $3,440.81
  • NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
  • Anatomy scan: $1,270
  • RhoGam: $360
  • Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
  • Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
  • OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
  • Epidural: $5,720
  • Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
  • Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

  • Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
    • Office visits
    • Lab work
    • Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
    • Hospital admissions
    • Specialist consultations during admission
    • Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
  • Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

Subscribe to our newsletter for more stories!

lifestylebabyparenting tipsfinancial advicehealthcaremoney