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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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.
Step 1: scoop your cookie dough and roll it into equal-sized balls.
Tip: if you’re making cut-out cookies like my soft cut out sugar cookies you can shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight bag.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Delicious cookie recipes to try
- Not Your Mama’s Magic Cookies
- Pistachio, Coffee & Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk 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.
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
How to Freeze Cookies (2 different ways!)
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
