10 Best Tips: How to Freeze, Thaw and Bake Cookie Dough

Are you a cookie baker who wants to learn how to freeze cookie dough so that you can have freshly baked cookies at a moment’s notice? In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the top 10 tips for how to freeze and thaw cookie dough so that you can get a head start with your baking and have fresh cookies anytime, even with a busy schedule!

Top 10 hacks for freezing and thawing cookie dough.

If you love making cookies but don’t always have the time to bake them, freezing cookie dough can be a lifesaver. With a little bit of preparation, you can have freshly baked cookies whenever you want them. Here are the top 10 hacks for freezing cookie dough to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

1. Prevent freezer burn by double wrapping your frozen dough.
2. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time when baking frozen cookie dough.
3. Label and date everything you prepare. Your cookies will last up to 3 months frozen.
4. Use an ice cream scoop to portion the dough.
5. Most cookies freeze really well-baked. Not all cookies do though. Be sure to test each recipe!
6. Store your frozen cookies in Ziploc freezer bags, then place them inside a Rubbermaid-type bin with a lid. They keep perfectly for several weeks.
7. Want to get a head start on baking day? Measure and mix your dry ingredients early in the week.
8. Freezing already baked cookies? Heat seal to avoid condensation in the bag when you thaw them.
9. Want to work in batches? Mix a lot of different cookie batters and freeze them in half a dozen amounts. When someone is looking for an assortment you can bake a half dozen of a few different types of cookies and offer more variety.
10. Always use a new plastic zip-lock bag to avoid bacterial contamination from raw ingredients

How to freeze cookie dough

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that different types of cookies require different methods of freezing. For instance, drop cookies like chocolate chip cookies, and peanut butter cookies get frozen differently than cut-out cookies, shortbread cookies, and gingerbread cookies.

The right way to freeze each type of cookie dough

Let’s take a look at the best way to freeze every type of cookie.

Slice and bake cookies

One of the most common methods of freezing dough is to freeze a log of cookie dough. This method is suitable for cookies that are shaped like a cylinder, such as shortbread cookies.

To make a frozen log of cookie dough you just need to shape the dough after mixing and wrap it in plastic wrap. After the roll has frozen solid, place it inside a resealable plastic bag to prevent freezer burn.

Drop cookie dough

Another great method is to freeze cookie dough balls. This is ideal for cookies that are baked by dropping them onto the cookie sheet. Cookies such as chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, and sugar cookies can be frozen this way.

To freeze drop cookie dough: scoop the dough, place it on cookie sheets, freeze the dough balls, then place the frozen dough balls inside freezer bags and then place the bags inside a bin.

Rolled cookies

Many sugar cookie decorators need to prepare cookie dough in advance. This is a great time saver when you need extra time to decorate!

How to freeze sugar cookie cut-out dough:

Mix your cookie dough and roll it out to the desired thickness using a rolling pin.
Then, place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper.
Roll the dough to the desired thickness and stack it onto a tray lined with plastic wrap.
Repeat as needed until all the cookie dough is rolled.
Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for 1-2 days.
You can take out the packets as needed, cut your desired shapes, and bake.

Freezing Bar Cookies

When making bar cookies, it’s not advisable to freeze the dough prior to baking since they are baked in a pan. To freeze brownies or bar cookies, make sure they are baked and entirely cooled before wrapping them with plastic wrap and then foil. Avoid cutting them into individual servings. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. Before serving, let them thaw at room temperature, and then cut them into individual servings.

Nothing beats the taste of freshly baked cookies. And with proper packaging and storage in your freezer, you can enjoy that same delicious taste anytime. Baking from previously frozen cookie dough is a huge time saver for many bakers. It’s the fastest way to create perfect cookies in just a couple of minutes!

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