How to Freeze Cookie Dough (& bake from frozen)
Even though there are plenty of tricks for storing already-baked cookies, let’s be honest. Nothing competes with the goodness of a just-baked cookie.
That’s why I ALWAYS have frozen cookie dough in my freezer.
(Secret confession: I pretty much feel naked without cookie dough stashed somewhere in my freezer).
Having frozen cookie dough on hand means you can whip up a batch of homemade cookies any time in just minutes. This comes in handy when:
-You need to satisfy a cooking craving STAT and don’t want to make an entire batch
-Company stops by unexpectedly (like your mother-in-law…)
-It’s a busy season (holidays, back-to-school, etc.)
-You have an upcoming bake sale or party
-Homemade gifts are in order (for teachers, students, new parents, neighbors, etc.)
Steps for Freezing Cookie Dough
1. Make the cookie dough as the recipe instructs. Freezing works best with drop cookies (i.e. chocolate chip, peanut butter, etc.). Cut-out cookies actually freeze well after they’re baked!
2. Roll the cookie dough into even balls (I’m obsessed with my OXO cookie scoop) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet that fits in your freezer.
3. Freeze the balls for 1 hour, or until solid. This prevents the balls from sticking to each other.
4. Remove the balls to a ziptop bag. Be sure to label with the date, recipe name, baking temperature, and baking time.
5. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. You can get away with freezing for longer but the quality may start to lessen.
How to bake frozen cookie dough
Now, you can either let the dough completely defrost overnight in the fridge or for a couple hours at room temperature and bake just as the recipe originally instructed. OR, if you’re impatient like me, you can bake from frozen. Here are the steps…
1. Remove however many balls of dough you need from the freezer and place on a parchment-lined baking pan (these are my fave).
2. Let the dough sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven.
3. Bake the cookies for 1 to 2 minutes longer than the original recipe instructions. Note that the colder the dough, the thicker the cookies will be.
See how easy it is? Freezing cookie dough is the BEST. I hope you found this helpful.
My favorite cookie recipes to freeze:
- Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Giant Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookies
8 Responses to “How to Freeze Cookie Dough (& bake from frozen)”
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Love this! I used to do this all time when I worked at a bakery. It was like a “DUH” and an ‘A-HA” moment all at the same time. And glad to see I’m not alone on having frozen cookie dough in my freezer at all times! 🙂
Right!? It’s crazy how many things are made ahead of time in a professional kitchen that most of us don’t even realize!
I’ve never froze my cookie dough before.
I was wondering if by freezing the cookies, does it in any way change how they bake?
I.e. The softness of them or how fluffy they would typically bake without freezing them.
I guess what I’m asking is does the quality of the cookie change?
Thanks! ?
This is great! I like to freeze my chocolate chip cookie dough, but I’ve always done it in one ugly, messy lump! I will definitely be trying this method next time. Thanks!
This is awesome!
I don’t bother with the initial freezing stage, I use strips of grease proof paper to wrap the balls of dough in and drop them straight into a zip lock bag , there’s absolutely no sticking together. Thanks for the tips about cooking from frozen, when I’ve tried this in the past it didn’t do so well, now I’ll follow your tips!
Hi. You think the cookie dough can get spoiled if frozen for over 3 months? I just baked my chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and they smell a bit sour…
Thanks.
Wow, I think my life is changed. This makes everything so much easier. I actually did this yesterday and they taste good baked from frozen and they taste amazing just as frozen cookie dough balls. Great to make smaller balls and crumble them into some ice cream. Thanks for the tips!