How to Freeze Cookie Dough

Few things can match the delight of the sweet and comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. However, as much as we love baking, sometimes we find ourselves short of time to prepare a batch of cookies from scratch. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution to this – freezing cookie dough!

It’s the perfect trick if you just want to have them once in a while. This means you can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to bake it.

It’s simple, convenient, and a great way to have fresh-baked cookies on demand. So, next time you’re pressed for time, whip up a batch of cookie dough, freeze it, and enjoy the goodness of freshly baked cookies anytime!

Here’s your ultimate guide to freezing, storing, and baking cookie dough.

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Why Freezing Cookie Dough is a Game Changer

• Convenient – Bake cookies whenever the craving hits without the prep work.
• Fresh – Enjoy freshly baked cookies without the hassle.
• Time-Saving – Prep for parties, holidays, or unexpected guests.

Cookie Recipes to Try Freezing:

• White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Christmas Shortbread Cookies

How to Store Frozen Cookie Dough

When storing cookie dough in the freezer, it’s important to choose the right kind of bag to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

For short-term storage, you can use freezer bags. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing them to prevent freezer burn.

For longer-term storage, vacuum-sealed bags are the way to go. Removing all the air from the bag will prevent any moisture from getting in and causing freezer burn.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough Balls & Cut-Outs

This method works well for any type of cookie that you bake in a ball form, such as chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, or a classic sugar cookie.

1. Portion out the cookie dough balls or cut-outs
   Cookie Dough Balls – Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto a baking sheet. I like to keep my cookies rustic, so I don’t roll them into smooth balls, but this depends on the cookie type.
   Dough cut-outs – If you’re making cookies that require cutting out into shapes like shortbread or sugar cookies cut these out according to the recipe instructions. Place them onto a baking sheet.
2. Flash freeze – Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-3 hours until the dough balls are firm. You can also leave them in the freezer overnight (I do this).
3. Transfer to storage bags – Once firm, transfer the dough balls to freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. This will help them last longer and avoid freezer burn. Label, date, and place them into the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough Disks & Logs

This method works best for cookie doughs shaped into disks to be rolled out or shaped into sliceable logs, such as shortbread cookies.

1. Form the dough disk or log – To make your dough, use your hands to shape it into a flat disc of the desired thickness. If your recipe calls for a log shape, form it into whatever size or shape it requires.
2. Freeze – Place it in the freezer for 3-4 hours until the dough is firm. You can also leave it in the freezer overnight.
3. Transfer to storage bags – Once firm, transfer the dough balls to freezer bags or vacuum-sealed bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. This will help them last longer and avoid freezer burn. Label and date them and place them into the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Cook Frozen Cookie Dough

Cooking frozen cookie dough is really simple:

• Preheat your oven as per your recipe’s instructions.
• Place the frozen cookie dough on a baking sheet. There is no need to thaw the cookie dough; you can bake it straight from the freezer.
• Bake for 1-2 minutes longer than the recipe suggests, as the dough will be cold. This will depend on the cookie type – I find an extra 2 minutes of baking time works best for most cookie recipes.

Types of Cookie Dough You Can/Can’t Freeze

When it comes to freezing cookie dough, not all types of dough are created equal. Delicate or less sturdy cookie doughs, such as those used to make meringue, macarons, or no-bake cookies, typically do not fare well in the freezer. Freezing these types of dough can result in a loss of texture, flavour, and overall quality.

Most cookies with butter do tend to freeze well.

Can Freeze: Most classic cookie doughs like chocolate chip, peanut butter, sugar, and oatmeal raisin. Basically any cookies with butter or a

Cannot Freeze: Delicate doughs with a lot of liquid or intricate mix-ins, such as madeleine batter.

How Long Can You Freeze Cookie Dough?

Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months if stored properly. Make sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply remove the dough from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can bake them according to your recipe’s instructions.

Expert Tips

• Label your bags with the date and type of cookie dough. Remember to include the baking instructions, such as the temperature, oven setting, and baking time.
• Flatten your dough balls slightly before freezing to make them easier to bake straight from the freezer. This isn’t always necessary. It just depends on the type of cookie. I don’t do this for my chocolate chip cookies.
• Freezer Organisation: Keep your frozen cookie dough organised by type and date. This helps in using the oldest batches first.
• Longevity: Properly stored, frozen cookie dough can last up to 3 months, maintaining its quality and taste.

Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic way to indulge in home-baked cookies without the mess and time of starting from scratch. It’s also a wonderful way to prepare for the holiday season, bake sales, or have a treat ready for your family. With these tips and tricks, you can transform your baking routine!

Related Recipes

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Jam Sandwich Cookies {homemade Shrewsberry biscuits}
• White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

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