RALEIGH, N.C. – Calories don’t count during the holidays, right?

'Tis the season many ditch the scale and indulge in the sweet treats the holiday has to offer. If you’re venturing into the kitchen to try your hand at some recipes, we got some advice from a pro.

Spectrum News 1 spoke with Helen Pfann, the owner of Night Kitchen Bakehouse & Café in Raleigh.

Helen Pfann, owner of Night Kitchen Bakehouse & Café in Raleigh, left, shares baking advice for the holiday season with Spectrum News 1's Sarah Rudlang.

When asked about common mistakes made while baking, Pfann said careless measuring and overmixing doughs tend to be the top two suspects. She says it’s better to go with a light touch!

One of her pro tips is keeping staple ingredients out on the counter, to ensure the room-temperature status required in many recipes.

“We keep a whole pile of eggs and butter out on our table, ready to go,” Pfann said. “Especially this time of year, it’s not going to go bad, it’s cooler in the house. Then it’s ready when you have a bit of spare time.”

As for simple, no-fail recipes – she recommended holiday sugar cookies.

If you’re planning on ordering goodies from a local bakery this holiday season, Pfann advises getting those in by Monday, Dec. 20. That date varies shop to shop.