Every year around this time I get tons of questions about how to make double & triple batches of cookies to store for later. That’s why I put together this super easy back-to-basics post on exactly how to freeze cookie dough and how to freeze baked cookies.
We can all agree that there’s nothing better than freshly baked cookies. Instead of baking a huge batch and watching them dry out on the counter, try freezing half or full batches so that you can enjoy perfectly baked cookies any time — even months later!
I’ve included tips on baking cookies from frozen cookie dough, plus the best way to thaw and enjoy your frozen, baked cookies. Start with one of my amazing cookie recipes, and enjoy the best baking season yet!
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![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (1) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Everything you’ll need to freeze cookies and cookie dough
First, you’ll want to start with freshly made cookie dough or baked cookies! Choose from over 50 of my best-ever cookie recipes here. Next, you’ll need a few simple tools:
Get all of my kitchen essentials here!
Is all cookie dough freezer-friendly?
Not quite! “Sturdy” dough, like your good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookie dough and cut-out cookie dough is easy to freeze. If you’re making cookies with a delicate or thinner dough like a meringue or macaron, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the dough as it won’t hold up well when baking later.
For those delicate cookies feel free to use my tips & tricks for freezing baked cookies!
How to freeze cookie dough
Follow the simple steps below to freeze a fresh batch of cookie dough.
![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (2) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (2)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Step 1: scoop your cookie dough and roll it into equal-sized balls.
Tip: if you’re making cut-out cookies like mysoft cut out sugar cookies you can shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight bag.
![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (3) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Step 2: place the cookie dough balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes. This is called a flash freeze and will prevent the cookie dough balls from sticking together when you freeze them in a container.
![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (4) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (4)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Step 3: once the cookie dough balls firm up, you can transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container. Cookie dough will keep well for up to 3 months.
Baking cookies from frozen dough
When ready to bake, simply bake the cookies as directed. You may just need a few extra minutes of baking time. You can also bring the dough to room temp and then bake them as directed; either option will work!
How to freeze baked cookies
Have a big batch of freshly baked cookies? Save a few for later by storing them right in your freezer!
![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (5) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (5)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Step 1: after baking your cookies wait for them to cool completely. This will prevent them from freezing with too much moisture on them and creating freezer burn.
![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (6) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (6)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Step 2: transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container lined with wax or parchment paper. I like to place them in a single layer to avoid any cookies breaking. Place them in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Thaw & enjoy your cookies
Once ready to eat, simply thaw out at room temperature on a paper towel and enjoy! I would not recommend thawing them in the container that they were frozen in because they will likely get soggy as they thaw.
![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (7) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (7)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Can I freeze cookies with icing?
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!
How long can I freeze cookies and cookie dough?
Feel free to freeze your cookies and cookie dough for up to 3 months. Perfect for making a big batch during the holidays and enjoying for weeks to come!
![How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (8) How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!) | Ambitious Kitchen (8)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Delicious cookie recipes to try
- Not Your Mama’s Magic Cookies
- The Best Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Ever Eat
- Chocolate Chunk Toasted Marshmallow Ginger Cookies
- The Best Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Cookies
Get all of my amazing cookie recipes here!
I hope you love this guide to freezing cookies and cookie dough! If you try it be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it went.
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How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!)
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Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
Learn how to freeze cookies two different ways so that you can enjoy your favorite homemade cookies whenever the cravings hit! With these two simple, step-by-step tutorials you'll learn how to freeze cookie dough and how to freeze baked cookies for later. Perfect for the holiday season and beyond!
Ingredients
- 1 batch cookie dough OR
- 1 batch baked cookies
Instructions
For cookie dough:
Roll your cookie dough into balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Once the cookie dough balls firm up, you can transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container. Cookie dough will keep well for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, simply bake the cookies as directed. You may just need a few extra minutes of baking time. You can also bring the dough to room temp and then bake them as directed; either option will work!
For baked cookies:
Wait for the cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container lined with wax or parchment paper. I like to place them in a single layer to avoid any cookies breaking. Cookies will keep well for up to 2 months.
Once ready to eat, simply thaw out at room temperature and enjoy.
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by:Eat Love Eats
FAQs
Wait for the cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container lined with wax or parchment paper. I like to place them in a single layer to avoid any cookies breaking. Cookies will keep well for up to 2 months. Once ready to eat, simply thaw out at room temperature and enjoy.
What is the best method for freezing cookies? ›
For cookies that are already baked, here's how to freeze them successfully for up to two months.
- Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before freezing.
- Place the cookies into an airtight container lined with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap.
- For best results, wrap the cookies individually in plastic food wrap.
How long can you freeze cookies in Ziploc bags? ›
Air in the freezer will cause the flavor and texture of the cookies to break down faster. Properly stored in an airtight container or bag, cookies can last in the freezer for up to six months.
Can you freeze all types of cookies? ›
The basic rule is that cookies with a liquidy batter don't hold up well in the freezer — these are usually thin, delicate cookies like tuiles, florentines and pizzelles. Very cakey “cookies” like madeleines also do not freeze well.
What is the best container to freeze cookies in? ›
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.
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!
How to 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.
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.
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.
Can you freeze cut out cookies before icing? ›
Additionally, undecorated sugar cookies and other cutout shape cookies can also be frozen. "Since shaped cookies are flat, they're easiest to stack so you can fit a lot in your freezer at once," Wenk says. Wait to add any decorations (like icing, powdered sugar, and sprinkles) to the cookies after thawing.
Cut outs, drop cookies and refrigerator cookies freeze well. Decorated, filled and cookies with a delicate texture such as meringues are more fragile. Although freezing won't change the flavor of decorated cookies, frosting may cause cookies to stick together.
What is the best baking to freeze? ›
10 Baked Goods I Love to Freeze
- Cinnamon Rolls. I know that it seems hard to believe that a full sheet pan of cinnamon rolls could ever be too many, but sometimes, you just need a few. ...
- Quick Breads. ...
- Hamburger Buns. ...
- Muffins (and Muffin Mix) ...
- Waffles. ...
- Scones. ...
- Pancakes. ...
- Focaccia.
How to unfreeze cookies? ›
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.
Is it better to store cookies in tins or plastic containers? ›
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.
How do you freeze cookies in a Ziplock bag? ›
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.
How do bakeries keep cookies fresh? ›
To extend the shelf life of products, many bakers use specially formulated enzymes for preservation. These naturally occurring protein compounds can keep baked goods soft while preventing crumbling and staling.
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.
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.
Can you freeze cookies with powdered sugar on them? ›
You can freeze filled cookies, such as thumbprint cookies and cookies that are coated in powdered sugar, such as Mexican wedding cookies either after they are baked or freeze the cookie dough. If you're freezing the baked cookies, wait to fill them or roll in powdered sugar until you're ready to serve.