Make-Ahead Cookie Baking Tips: Freezing Cookies (2024)

FAQs

Make-Ahead Cookie Baking Tips: Freezing Cookies? ›

Baked cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks. After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with the name and date.

Baked cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks. After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with the name and date.

In most cases, I prefer to freeze cookie dough over freezing baked cookies. That way, you still get the nice homemade smell and softness of the cookies when they come out of the oven. But if you want to get the whole job done, you can certainly bake the cookies, then freeze them later.

After they freeze, stack the cookies in an airtight container or re-sealable storage bag with a piece of parchment or wax paper between each layer. The baked, frozen cookies will last up to four months in the freezer.

Wait for the cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container lined with wax or parchment paper. I like to place them in a single layer to avoid any cookies breaking. Cookies will keep well for up to 2 months. Once ready to eat, simply thaw out at room temperature and enjoy.

Do not freeze frosted, glazed or drizzled cookies because they can become too moist under the frosting, glaze or drizzle. Thaw the cookies in the plastic food container at room temperature. Remove from container any cookies that should be crisp when thawed.

Place baked cookies in sealable plastic containers designed for the freezer. Freeze cookies for up to one year. Don't use themed tins (say, for Christmas cookies). Transfer cookies to such containers once you've removed them from the freezer.

Once they're baked, most cookies freeze very well. This can be especially if you're trying to prep cookies for Christmas, a bake sale, or a big party. From classic chocolate chip and snickerdoodle tocut-out sugar cookies, here's how to freeze cookies to enjoy later.

For frozen chocolate chip cookies, the recommended oven temperature is typically around 350°F (175°C). Baking time can vary depending on the cookie size and thickness, but a good starting point is 10-12 minutes.

Most cookie dough freezes well, particularly these kinds: Chocolate Chip Cookie dough is the cookie dough that I most often have in my freezer - I always have some of my perfect chocolate chip cookie dough, along with my small batch cookie dough or my brown butter chocolate chip cookie dough. They all freeze well.

What is the best baking to freeze? ›

Thaw the dough: Transfer the wrapped log or logs of cookie dough to the refrigerator the day before, or at least a couple of hours before you intend to bake the cookies. Slice and bake: Once the dough has thawed enough for you to cut with a knife, slice the cookies and bake according to your recipe's instructions.

If you prefer to fully decorate your cookies and then freeze so they are ready to go, that works too! For fully decorated cookies, I recommend heat sealing them individually before stacking vertically in an airtight container.

While you can freeze baked cookies already decorated with icing or filling with jam or ganache, those ingredients don't freeze incredibly well; you'll get better overall results if you add them after you've thawed the baked cookies.

This is because the texture will be hom*ogenized throughout during the storage process. This tends to mean that your cookies will be softer, and not stay crisp (if that's what you like). After your cookies have completely cooled, store batches of your baked cookies in either airtight containers or gallon freezer bags.

The key to keeping cookies fresh and soft is to seal them in an airtight container, like a resealable freezer bag. And here's a nifty little trick: add a piece of bread to the bag.

Chill in the fridge for at least two hours to allow the dough to firm up, and up to three days ahead.

Tips for Storing Cookies to Keep Them Soft

Avoid storing them in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause them to become hard and dry.

Thawing Frozen Cookies

When you're ready to thaw your baked cookies, let them sit at room temperature or heat them up in the oven for a couple of minutes. When it comes to thawing dough, baking the cookies an extra few minutes should do the trick to ensure they're completely defrosted and ready to eat.