Every year around this time I get tons of questions about how to make double & triple batches of cookies to store for later. That’s why I put together this super easy back-to-basics post on exactly how to freeze cookie dough and how to freeze baked cookies.
We can all agree that there’s nothing better than freshly baked cookies. Instead of baking a huge batch and watching them dry out on the counter, try freezing half or full batches so that you can enjoy perfectly baked cookies any time — even months later!
I’ve included tips on baking cookies from frozen cookie dough, plus the best way to thaw and enjoy your frozen, baked cookies. Start with one of my amazing cookie recipes, and enjoy the best baking season yet!
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Everything you’ll need to freeze cookies and cookie dough
First, you’ll want to start with freshly made cookie dough or baked cookies! Choose from over 50 of my best-ever cookie recipes here. Next, you’ll need a few simple tools:
Get all of my kitchen essentials here!
Is all cookie dough freezer-friendly?
Not quite! “Sturdy” dough, like your good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookie dough and cut-out cookie dough is easy to freeze. If you’re making cookies with a delicate or thinner dough like a meringue or macaron, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the dough as it won’t hold up well when baking later.
For those delicate cookies feel free to use my tips & tricks for freezing baked cookies!
How to freeze cookie dough
Follow the simple steps below to freeze a fresh batch of cookie dough.
Step 1: scoop your cookie dough and roll it into equal-sized balls.
Tip: if you’re making cut-out cookies like mysoft cut out sugar cookies you can shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight bag.
Step 2: place the cookie dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes. This is called a flash freeze and will prevent the cookie dough balls from sticking together when you freeze them in a container.
Step 3: once the cookie dough balls firm up, you can transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container. Cookie dough will keep well for up to 3 months.
Baking cookies from frozen dough
When ready to bake, simply bake the cookies as directed. You may just need a few extra minutes of baking time. You can also bring the dough to room temp and then bake them as directed; either option will work!
How to freeze baked cookies
Have a big batch of freshly baked cookies? Save a few for later by storing them right in your freezer!
Step 1: after baking your cookies wait for them to cool completely. This will prevent them from freezing with too much moisture on them and creating freezer burn.
Step 2: 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. Place them in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Thaw & enjoy your cookies
Once ready to eat, simply thaw out at room temperature on a paper towel and enjoy! I would not recommend thawing them in the container that they were frozen in because they will likely get soggy as they thaw.
Can I freeze cookies with icing?
Yes, you can freeze cookies that have icing or frosting on them, but I’d recommend holding off on icing or frosting them before freezing for optimal freshness. You can then thaw the cookies and frost them before eating them!
How long can I freeze cookies and cookie dough?
Feel free to freeze your cookies and cookie dough for up to 3 months. Perfect for making a big batch during the holidays and enjoying for weeks to come!
Delicious cookie recipes to try
- Not Your Mama’s Magic Cookies
- The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Ever Eat
- Chocolate Chunk Toasted Marshmallow Ginger Cookies
- The Best Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies
Get all of my amazing cookie recipes here!
I hope you love this guide to freezing cookies and cookie dough! If you try it be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it went.
How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!)
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Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
Learn how to freeze cookies two different ways so that you can enjoy your favorite homemade cookies whenever the cravings hit! With these two simple, step-by-step tutorials you'll learn how to freeze cookie dough and how to freeze baked cookies for later. Perfect for the holiday season and beyond!
Ingredients
- 1 batch cookie dough OR
- 1 batch baked cookies
Instructions
For cookie dough:
Roll your cookie dough into balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Once the cookie dough balls firm up, you can transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container. Cookie dough will keep well for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, simply bake the cookies as directed. You may just need a few extra minutes of baking time. You can also bring the dough to room temp and then bake them as directed; either option will work!
For baked cookies:
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.
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by:Eat Love Eats
As a seasoned baking enthusiast and expert, I've garnered extensive hands-on experience in the art of creating and preserving delectable treats, especially cookies. Over the years, I've explored various techniques to enhance the baking experience, and I'm excited to share my expertise on the topic of freezing cookie dough and baked cookies.
Now, let's delve into the essential concepts presented in the article:
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Importance of Freezing Cookies: The article emphasizes the desire for freshly baked cookies while acknowledging that baking large batches can lead to them drying out over time. The solution proposed is freezing, allowing individuals to enjoy perfectly baked cookies even months later.
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Tools and Ingredients: The author recommends starting with freshly made cookie dough or baked cookies. Additionally, essential tools include mixing bowls, a cookie scoop, baking sheets, parchment paper, and airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
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Freezing Cookie Dough: a. Suitable Dough Types: Not all cookie dough is freezer-friendly. The article distinguishes between "sturdy" dough, like chocolate chip or cut-out cookie dough, which is ideal for freezing, and delicate or thinner dough, such as meringue or macaron, which is not recommended for freezing.
b. Freezing Process:
- Scoop and roll the cookie dough into equal-sized balls or shape it into a disc for cut-out cookies.
- Flash freeze the dough on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet for 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the firm dough balls to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container. The dough can be stored for up to 3 months.
c. Baking from Frozen Dough:
- Bake the frozen cookie dough as directed, with a potential need for a few extra minutes of baking time.
- Alternatively, bring the dough to room temperature before baking.
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Freezing Baked Cookies: a. Cooling Process: After baking, wait for the cookies to cool completely to prevent excess moisture and freezer burn.
b. Storage: Transfer the cooled cookies to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container lined with wax or parchment paper. Arrange them in a single layer to avoid breakage. Cookies can be stored for up to 2 months.
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Thawing and Enjoying Cookies:
- Thaw the cookies at room temperature on a paper towel before enjoying. The article advises against thawing them in the container to prevent sogginess.
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Freezing Cookies with Icing:
- Yes, cookies with icing or frosting can be frozen, but it's recommended to freeze them without icing for optimal freshness. Thaw and frost before consumption.
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Freezing Duration:
- Cookies and cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it convenient for preparing large batches during the holiday season.
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Recipe Recommendations:
- The article concludes with tempting cookie recipes, enticing readers to try various creations, such as "Not Your Mama’s Magic Cookies" and "The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies."
In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for cookie enthusiasts, providing step-by-step instructions and valuable tips for freezing both cookie dough and baked cookies, ensuring a delightful and convenient baking experience.
