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.

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.

You can freeze already baked and unbaked cookies, as well as the dough itself, but there are a few things to consider before doing so—including the type of cookie you're trying to freeze and how to properly store them.

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.

If you are freezing bar cookies, wrap the entire slab of cookies in plastic wrap first and then freeze in an airtight container. I prefer to cut them into bars after freezing. If you are using a freezer bag to freeze your cookies, be sure and lay the cookies flat in the freezer.

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.

How do bakeries keep cookies fresh? ›

To extend the shelf life of products, many bakers use specially formulated enzymes for preservation. These naturally occurring protein compounds can keep baked goods soft while preventing crumbling and staling.

Test Kitchen Tip: If you can't keep your cookie bars in their original pan, slice them (here's how to cut dessert bars) and place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge—the cookie bars will stay fresh there for up to two weeks.

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.

Follow this tip: Freeze your baked cookies on baking sheets lined with wax or parchment paper first, until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or another airtight container.

You will need to add a few minutes onto the bake time to account for frozen dough. Bake frozen dough at the temperature specified in baking instructions, and add a few minutes onto the bake time. This may give you slightly crispier edges as the cookie is in the oven a little longer.

If the cookie dough is particularly sticky, it would be difficult to roll into balls AND also roll into balls that won't stick together in the freezer. I always suggest chilling if your cookie dough recipe calls for it, and then scooping and rolling into balls to freeze.

Cutout Cookie Dough:

Cover each disk in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable gallon freezer bag. Freeze the wrapped dough on a flat surface to help hold its shape (this makes it easier to roll out later). To thaw cookie-dough disks, unwrap one and place on a lightly floured surface to start rolling out.

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.