How to Freeze Cookie Dough: The Ultimate Guide for Every Cookie Lover. Freezing cookie dough is a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh-baked cookies without the hassle of mixing dough every time. Whether you’re planning ahead for the holidays, want to cut down on kitchen time, or simply love the convenience of ready-to-bake cookies, learning how to freeze cookie dough will save you time and effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through freezing different types of cookie dough—like roll-out, drop, and slice-and-bake—so you always have cookies at the ready.
This helpful tip comes in handy all-year long, but is especially nice around the holidays.
Why Freeze Cookie Dough?
Freezing cookie dough is a game-changer for any baking enthusiast. It lets you enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes without the hassle of starting from scratch. Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, hosting a last-minute gathering, or just want to treat yourself, having frozen cookie dough on hand saves time and effort.
Here are a few reasons to freeze cookie dough:
- Plan Ahead for Holidays: Get a jumpstart on your baking by preparing dough in advance.
- Bake in Small Batches: Perfect for when you only want a few cookies at a time.
- Preserve Freshness: Keeps your dough ready to go for weeks or even months.
Freezing cookie dough gives you the best of both worlds—convenience and the unbeatable taste of freshly baked cookies.
Types of Cookie Dough to Freeze
When it comes to freezing cookie dough, not all doughs are created equal! Here are three types that freeze beautifully and make baking a breeze:
- Roll-Out Dough: Perfect for cut-out cookies like sugar or gingerbread.
- Drop Cookie Dough: Think classic chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin.
- Slice-and-Bake Dough: Great for quick, uniform cookies anytime.
We’ll break down how to freeze and thaw each of these in the sections below!
1. Roll-Out Cookie Dough (e.g., Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread)
Roll-out cookie dough is perfect for shapes and designs, making it a favorite for holidays and special occasions. Freezing it ahead of time means you can skip the prep and go straight to rolling and cutting when you’re ready to bake.
Steps to Freeze Roll-Out Cookie Dough:
- Shape the Dough: Once your dough is mixed, form it into flat discs for easier rolling later.
- Wrap It Up: Tightly wrap each disc in plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn.
- Extra Protection: Place the wrapped discs in a freezer-safe bag or container to keep them fresh.
- Label and Store: Add a label with the type of dough and the date you froze it.
- Thaw Before Rolling: When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until it’s easy to work with.
Freezing roll-out cookie dough is a simple way to save time and keep your holiday baking stress-free. When it’s time to bake, you’ll be ready to roll (literally) with minimal effort!
Here are some classic and versatile recipes perfect for roll-out cookie dough: Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, Shortbread Cookies, Linzer Cookies, and Speculoos Cookies.
2. Drop Cookie Dough (e.g., Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter)
Drop cookies are some of the easiest and most versatile cookies to freeze. Pre-scooping the dough ensures you can bake just the right amount whenever you want freshly baked cookies.
Steps to Freeze Drop Cookie Dough:
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into individual balls.
- Flash Freeze: Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours).
- Transfer to a Bag or Container: Once frozen, place the dough balls in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
- Label and Store: Write the type of cookie and the freezing date on the bag or container.
- Bake from Frozen: When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw! Simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing drop cookie dough makes it easy to bake a batch of cookies anytime, whether it’s for an unexpected guest or a personal treat. It’s a simple way to always have cookies ready to go!
Here are some classic and crowd-pleasing examples of drop cookie dough recipes that are perfect for freezing: Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Snickerdoodles, and Hot Chocolate Cookies.
3. Slice-and-Bake Cookie Dough (e.g., Shortbread, Pinwheel)
Slice-and-bake cookies are a breeze to freeze, making them perfect for quick, elegant treats. Preparing the dough in advance lets you slice and bake whenever you need fresh cookies.
Steps to Freeze Slice-and-Bake Cookie Dough:
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into a log, ensuring it’s tightly packed and evenly shaped.
- Wrap the Log: Tightly wrap the dough log in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Extra Protection: Place the wrapped log into a freezer-safe bag or container for added freshness.
- Label and Store: Write the type of cookie and the freezing date on the bag or container.
- Thaw and Slice: When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before slicing. Then, bake as directed.
Freezing slice-and-bake cookie dough is a great way to prepare in advance for holidays, parties, or unexpected cravings. Simply slice, bake, and enjoy perfectly portioned cookies in minutes!
Here’s a list of delicious and versatile slice-and-bake cookie recipes that are perfect for freezing and baking as needed: Almond Biscotti, Pinwheel Cookies, Pecan Sandies.
Tips for Freezing Brownies and Bars
When it comes to brownies and bar cookies, it’s best to bake them first before freezing. This ensures they maintain their texture and flavor when reheated.
How to Freeze Brownies and Bars:
- Bake and Cool Completely: Allow the brownies or bars to cool completely in the pan after baking. This prevents condensation and freezer burn.
- Portion or Keep Whole: Either slice them into individual servings or leave them as a whole slab.
- Wrap Well: Wrap individual portions or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap. For extra protection, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label and Freeze: Add a label with the date and type of treat before freezing. This method will help prolong the life of your brownie for up to three months.
Reheating Tip: For the best results, let frozen brownies or bars thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave or oven for a freshly baked feel.
Freezing baked brownies and bars is an easy way to enjoy a ready-to-go treat that tastes just as delicious as the day you made it!
Best Practices for Freezing Cookie Dough:
Follow these tips to ensure your frozen cookie dough stays fresh and bakes up perfectly every time:
- Use Quality Storage: Always use freezer-safe bags or airtight containers to protect your dough from freezer burn.
- Pre-Portion When Possible: Scoop or shape the dough before freezing to make baking quick and easy.
- Label Everything: Write the type of dough, date frozen, and any baking instructions on the storage container for convenience.
- Avoid Freezing Delicate Ingredients: Doughs with fresh fruit or cream cheese fillings are best baked fresh, as freezing can affect their texture.
- Flash Freeze First: For cookies like drop or cut-out, freeze individual pieces on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking.
By following these best practices, you’ll always have fresh, ready-to-bake cookie dough on hand for any occasion!
How to Thaw Frozen Cookie Dough
Thawing frozen cookie dough is simple and depends on the type of dough you’re working with. Follow these methods to get your dough ready for baking:
Steps to Thaw Frozen Cookie Dough:
- Drop Cookie Dough: No need to thaw! Bake the dough balls directly from frozen and add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Roll-Out Cookie Dough: Transfer the dough discs to the fridge and let them thaw for 1-2 hours until soft enough to roll out.
- Slice-and-Bake Cookie Dough: Let the dough log sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to slightly soften before slicing.
Quick Tip: Always thaw cookie dough in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and prevent any risk of spoilage.
With these simple methods, you’ll have your frozen dough ready to bake in no time, making it easy to enjoy fresh, delicious cookies whenever you want!
FAQs About Freezing Cookie Dough
Cookie dough can typically be frozen for 3-6 months when stored properly. For the best flavor and texture, try to use it within three months.
Yes, most cookie doughs freeze well, including drop, roll-out, and slice-and-bake doughs. However, doughs with delicate ingredients like fresh fruit or cream cheese fillings may not freeze as effectively. These are better baked fresh.
Not always! Drop cookie dough and slice-and-bake dough can be baked directly from frozen; just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time. For roll-out dough, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to make it easier to work with.
Absolutely! Mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits freeze beautifully and won’t affect the texture or flavor during baking
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or store it in airtight freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible to minimize exposure to cold air.
Yes, you can! Place the cut-out shapes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen for the same time as fresh dough.
Freezing doesn’t usually affect how the cookies bake, but frozen dough may require an additional minute or two in the oven. The texture and flavor will remain just as delicious.
It’s best not to refreeze cookie dough, as this can affect its texture. Instead, only thaw as much as you need.
Yes! Baked cookies freeze well, too. Allow them to cool completely, wrap individually, and store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Bake Fresh Cookies Anytime
Freezing cookie dough is a simple and effective way to enjoy homemade cookies whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re baking for a party, preparing holiday treats, or just treating yourself, these methods will keep your cookie game strong and stress-free.
So, grab your favorite recipes, prep some dough, and stock your freezer—you’ll thank yourself later when the house smells like freshly baked cookies without the mess.
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Comments & Reviews
Jo says
can you add things to the dough after freezing and thawing? for example, if I wanted to make the dough and freeze it and then later take it out and add coloring or mix ins, could I do that?
Jesseca says
Hi Jo, I would recommend adding the colors before freezing, but you can definitely give it a try. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work if the dough is soft enough.
Adele Colombo-Toppan says
Fabulous cookies! Easy to freeze too. But, can I add choco chips to the dough and still freeze?
Jesseca says
I freeze chocolate chip cookies regularly.
Adele Colombo-Toppan says
Thanks. I recently doubled a batch. I ran out of flour and my dough was sticky but I froze it anyway. Can I add more flour when I thaw this sticky dough?
Jesseca says
Hi Adele, is it the sugar cookie dough that you froze? You can try adding a little after it thaws. Or you could use some flour to roll the dough out and it will help with the stickiness.
amber says
So if you use method 3 and cut out the cookies to freeze, do you thaw them first or throw them in the oven frozen?
Jesseca says
We have done it both ways. When I cooked them from frozen I added a minute or two to the baking time and they were perfect.
kat says
Hi Jessica,
I just finished making the dough but it is rather wet I measured exactly by the recipe! Common sense tells me to add more flour but I’m wondering why this happened ???
Jesseca says
By rather wet do you mean sticky? If so to rolling a little bit on a generously floured surface. I also sprinkle a heafty amount on top of the dough before applying the rolling pin. If you have any more questions or need a quicker response shoot me an email at [email protected]. I’m thinking I might need to make a video for this one to walk everyone through.
Katie says
We just made these last weekend and LOVED them. I didn’t read through the comments until after I had put the first sheet in the oven so I was a little nervous to see that someone hated the recipe. I’m baffled because we thought they were delicious! These will be replacing our regular sugar cookie recipe for Christmas this year. Thanks for sharing!
Baker says
Horrible!! Shortening did not help!!!!!!!!! Made my holiday party a disaster
Jesseca says
I’m sorry that you had problems with the recipe. Did you make any changes? I’d love to walk you through the process.
aimee @ like mother like daughter says
I definitely need to be better at planning ahead for christmas cookies to take to the neighbors! I dont have a set treat that I always make, cause I love making such a variety, but this is such a great idea! Maybe I’ll make a batch soon to be ready for christmas time!
Alicia Gonzalez says
Now I just want to to go bake and freeze, bake and freeze, bake and freeze! Thanks so much for those three methods. I love these gorgeous pictures! #client
Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says
Love the photos on here! Great post!
Jesseca says
You are so nice! This one was fun to shoot and make. We love christmas cookies.
Cindie Guillermo says
I read the recipe and reviews and figured maybe the cookies were too sticky for others because they didn’t follow the recipe exactly. So I was careful to. However, this dough is a sticky mess. I chilled it which marginally improved it. It’s so sticky that it sticks to the parchment paper too! At a time of year when there’s so much to do, this took hours of my time to try to get the sticky dough cut into shapes. I think the recipe could use a tweak? I saw another that added some cornstarch. Just thought this feedback might be valuable.
Jesseca says
I add quite a bit of flour to my surface while rolling out, that could be why I didn’t have this issue. I remade them this weekend with no issues, but will add a note to hopefully provide helpful tips.