How to Freeze Cookie Dough

Freezing cookie dough is a great idea if you have excess cookie dough or if you want to stash some cookie dough away so you can have a warm cookie at any moment. Here is the ONLY way I freeze cookie dough.

Benefits of Freezing Cookie Dough

There are many benefits to freezing cookie dough. For one, it’s a time-saver. You can make a large batch of dough, freeze it, and then have fresh-baked cookies whenever the craving strikes. It’s also convenient so you don’t have to keep all of the ingredients of your favorite cookie on hand all the time.

Another advantage of freezing cookie dough is that it gives you the freedom to bake bake only as many cookies as you need, rather than being stuck with a whole batch that you’ll end up eating all at once or letting them go stale.. but let’s be honest. We always end up eating them all whether or not we should.

I also love freezing cookie dough so it is easy to have a variety of cookies on hand for holiday gatherings or other special occasions. You can make a few different types of dough, freeze them, and then have a selection of cookies to offer your guests.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

Freezing cookie dough is actually extremely simple to do, but know there is a right way and a wrong way. Don’t even think about sticking it all in a huge baggie and freezing it in one giant block. That is just a nightmare waiting to happen. Follow these easy steps, it will make your life so much easier!

1. Shape the dough into balls or drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the dough balls are firm.
3. Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
4. Label the container or bag with the type of cookie and the date.
5. Freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

It’s important to note that some types of cookies freeze better than others. Drop cookies, such as chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, tend to freeze well because they don’t have a specific shape. On the other hand, shaped cookies, such as gingerbread men or sugar cookies I prefer freezing after I have baked them.

How long does cookie dough last in the freezer?

Cookie dough will stay fresh stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label your zip top freezer bag or air tight container with what kind of cookie dough it is and the date. You’d be surprised at how similar different cookie doughs can look alike once they are frozen.

Baking Frozen Cookie Dough

Baking cookies from frozen dough is easy and only requires a few adjustments. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and allow the cookies to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to the temperature specified in the recipe.
2. Bake the cookies until they’re golden brown and set in the middle.
3. It’s important to note that the texture of the baked cookies may be slightly different from those made with fresh dough. The frozen dough may take longer to bake and may result in a slightly denser cookie. However, the taste should be just as good.

Freezing cookie dough is a convenient and time-saving way to have fresh-baked cookies anytime you want them and now you know just how simple it is!

Great Cookie Recipes to Freeze:

• White Chocolate chip Cookies
• M&M Cookies
• Brookie Recipe