Drying first, yes. Paper -- no -- they'll pick up off odors and flavors from other things in the freezer. I triple wrap nuts and then put the whole thing into an outer container, and they keep for at least 10 years exactly like the day they were cracked.

You can also can nuts if you're short of freezer space. The method originally was developed at Oregon State Extension and is now posted on the NCHFP site. The method is quite different than the usual for canning, so read carefully if you decide to give it a shot. You might want to do a test batch to compare with frozen.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Canning Nut Meats

I second denninmi's post, except my harvest is macadamias. They drop from trees when ready to harvest with a hard, leather-like outer covering. This splits, and the nut needs further drying - to facilitate removal. After shelling, they are placed in plastic baggies - for ease of use, then into a marked freezer container.

When I make cookies - I toast them briefly in a toaster oven and add to favorite recipes - just like fresh cracked.

Bejay