Before you go ...
Get 6 Easy Cookie Recipes from The Cookie Elf
Each one uses six ingredients or less – and you can make each one in 10 minutes or less!
Freezing cookies saves time when you’re planning ahead or when you end up with lots of extras from a big batch. These tips make it easy to freeze them to use later.
Freezing Cookies to Eat and Serve Later: FAQs
Q. Which cookies freeze best?
Drop cookies, bar cookies, shortbread, sugar cookies, and biscotti.
Q. Are there types of cookies I should not try to freeze?
Meringues are tricky. They can absorb moisture when they thaw, leaving droplets of moisture on the surface. Cookies with thin, liquid batter, fried cookies, and cake-like cookies don’t freeze particularly well, either.
Q. I’ve baked the cookies. Now what?
Let the cookies cool completely before you prepare them for the freezer.
Q. How do I freeze different types of cookies?
- Bar cookies: freeze them in slabs. Cut them after thawing.
- Drop cookies: freeze them flat with waxed paper, plastic wrap, or parchment paper in between layers.
- Frosted, decorated, or coated cookies: freeze them before decorating. Thaw cookies and then add icing and decorations.
- Jumbo cookies: wrap individually in plastic wrap. Freeze them flat.
Take special note of freezing cookies with chocolate coatings: when thawing, they may develop a white-colored haze, known as sugar bloom. Moisture collects on the surface, draws out the sugar, and leaves behind crystals.
Q. What containers should I use for storing cookies in thefreezer?
Your best choices are airtight containers(plastic or glass) because they protect the cookies from breaking. Choose shallow, square or rectangular containers with flat bottoms. (Rounded bottoms cause cookies to bend.) Place waxed paper or parchment paper in between layers. This way the cookies don’t get crushed. Seal the lids tightly.
You can also use freezer bags, which are especially useful for bar cookies, but be careful where you set filled bags in the freezer. Keep in mind that plastic bags keep away freezer burn but don’t prevent cookies from breaking. That’s why The Elf does not use bags for freezing drop cookies.
Make sure you label the containers or bags with the date!
Q. How do I thaw the frozen cookies?
Remove containers from the freezer. Take cookies out of the containers and let them sit on a wire rack or tray at room temperature. This way, condensation doesn't form and make them soggy.
If you want a fresh-baked cookie taste and texture, you can reheat the cookies. Set them on a cookie sheet in a slow oven (250F) for 10 to 15 minutes.
Q. How long can I store baked cookies in the freezer?
Up to two months.
More Baking Cookies How-Tos
How to read and follow a cookie recipe ...
How to modify cookie recipes ...
How to scoop cookie dough: 3 ways to try ...
How to measure dry ingredients ...
How to spread cookie dough for bar cookies and layer cookies ...
How to Make Christmas Cookie Icing (AKA Royal Icing) ...
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FAQs
Drop cookies: freeze them flat with waxed paper, plastic wrap, or parchment paper in between layers. Frosted, decorated, or coated cookies: freeze them before decorating. Thaw cookies and then add icing and decorations. Jumbo cookies: wrap individually in plastic wrap.
Is it better to freeze cookies with or without frosting? ›
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!
What is the best container to store cookies in the freezer? ›
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.
How long can you freeze cookies in Ziploc bags? ›
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.
Do cookies still taste good after freezing? ›
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.
Does freezing cookies keep them fresh? ›
Freezing is the best way to store cookies long term. Freezing a freshly baked cookie preserves that fresh flavor and texture so you can enjoy it any time. For best results, let your cookies cool completely, and then freeze right away. You'll need to make sure the cookies are well wrapped and protected from air.
How do you freeze cookies without freezer burn? ›
A: To prevent freezer burn on cookies, use airtight containers or freezer bags, remove excess air, separate layers with parchment paper, and consider flash freezing. In addition, label and date packages and maintain proper freezer temperature. These measures will help preserve the cookies' quality and taste.
Is it better to store cookies in tins or plastic containers? ›
Layer With Parchment
Layer cookies between waxed or parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking together or losing crispness. Metal tins keep cookies firmer than plastic bins. Let cookies cool before storing.
Is it better to put cookies in the fridge or freezer? ›
Information. Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature two to three weeks or two months in the refrigerator. Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for eight to 12 months. Moist bars, such as cheesecake and lemon bars, can be refrigerated for seven days.
How do you wrap cookies in the freezer? ›
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. Squeeze out extra air and place flat in the freezer. To save space, you can flat-stack freezer bags.
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.
Will cookies stay fresh in a ziplock bag? ›
Refrigerated: Use airtight containers or sealed plastic bags to store cookies in the fridge. Monitor the moisture level to avoid condensation. Frozen: Wrap cookies individually or in layers with wax paper and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags when storing in the freezer. This helps prevent freezer burn.
What is the best way to pack frozen cookies? ›
Use an airtight container for packing the cookies. Line the bottom of the container with a cushioning material, such as bubble wrap or Kraft paper. If shipping different types of cookies, stack bigger ones at the bottom, with smaller and lighter ones on top. Fill empty space with cushioning material.
Can cookies be refrozen after thawing? ›
You can safely refreeze breads, cookies and similar bakery items. However, the end product is likely to be a drier, lower quality product.
What is the best way to freeze baked goods? ›
* The freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less. * Use moisture-proof, vapor-proof wraps or containers such as plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, heavy duty foil and freezer-weight plastic bags and wraps. * Cool baked goods completely before preparing for the freezer.
What is the best way to freeze peanut butter cookies? ›
You can also freeze baked bar cookies like peanut butter blondies or homemade brownies. Cool them completely, cut into squares, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer container or zip-top bag.
