Buzz
Image: Ingwervanille/Getty ImagesWhether you're preparing large batches of cookies for an event or simply want the convenience of having dough ready to bake anytime, we have great news: you can prepare and freeze cookie dough up to three months ahead of time. And if you're dealing with extra cookies, those can be frozen too.
Before you fill your freezer, check out our tips and techniques for properly freezing and thawing both cookies and cookie dough.
How to Freeze Cookies
While most cookies can last up to three months in the freezer, some varieties, if wrapped well, can stay frozen for up to a year.
Important Considerations
Freezing lets you enjoy the flavors of the holiday season all year long, but not all cookies are ideal for freezing. The best options include sturdy and simple treats like drop cookies, cutouts, and cookie bars.
Delicate cookies, such as light and airy meringue kisses, typically don't freeze well. Likewise, cookies made with jam, fresh citrus juice, or zest are not suitable for freezing.
It's best to avoid freezing cookies that are frosted or glazed, as the cookie itself tends to absorb moisture, causing the frosting to lose its fluffy texture. The solution? Bake these cookies first, freeze them uniced or unglazed, and then thaw and decorate them before serving.
Freezing
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place the sheet directly in the freezer.
- Once frozen, typically in 30 to 60 minutes, stack the cookies in an airtight container, with parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
For additional protection or to keep cookies fresh for up to a year, individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before stacking them in a container. Alternatively, you can store several cookies in a freezer storage bag and place it inside a container. The more layers between each cookie and the air, the better its protection from freezer burn.
Thawing
- Take the cookies out of the freezer a few hours ahead of time, allowing them to thaw at room temperature in their original container.
- Wait for the cookies to fully thaw before icing or drizzling with chocolate, then enjoy decorating!
Reheating
- To bring back that warm, just-baked feeling, reheat most thawed cookies by placing them on a baking sheet in a 325-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
- If you're in a hurry, popping the cookie in the microwave for a few seconds will give you a similar result.
How to Freeze Cookie Dough
Having extra cookie dough is hardly a problem—it's actually a good thing! Nearly any cookie dough can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
Considerations
The ideal cookie dough for freezing is a thick, sturdy dough, such as those used for drop cookies, cutouts, or even store-bought slice-and-bake dough that needs refrigeration.
For thin cookie doughs, it's generally better to bake the cookies first and then freeze them, rather than freezing the raw dough.
Freezing
Option 1
- Shape the dough into one or more logs, ensuring they will fit comfortably in your freezer bag.
- Wrap each log securely with plastic wrap, making sure it is tightly sealed.
- Store the wrapped logs inside a freezer bag to preserve freshness.
Option 2
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet and roll each portion into a ball or another desired cookie shape.
- Freeze the sheet with the dough portions.
- Once the individual cookies have frozen, layer them inside a freezer bag, placing parchment or wax paper between each layer.
- Keep them stored until you're ready to bake.
Be sure to label and date the logs, especially if you're preparing different kinds of dough.
Thawing
When you remove a log of dough from the freezer, it’s best to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for complete defrosting. You’ll know it’s ready when it can be easily sliced with a knife, and then you can proceed with baking as directed by the recipe.
If you're working with pre-portioned frozen cookie dough shapes, arrange them on a greased baking sheet and let them sit at room temperature for around 15 minutes before baking them in the oven.
Baking
It’s possible to bake cookies directly from frozen dough, but keep in mind that they might need an additional minute or two in the oven. Stay attentive to avoid overbaking and burning your cookies.
