Tips for Freezing Cookies and Dough for Hassle-Free Holiday Baking

Calling all cookie enthusiasts! Did you know your freezer can be your secret weapon during cookie-baking season? Here's why prepping cookies and dough in advance for the holidays is a game changer:

You'll free up more of your time to enjoy the holidays.
You'll always have a stash of ready-to-bake cookies on hand in case guests show up unexpectedly.
You'll save cookies from going stale by freezing them if they don't all get eaten right away.

Most cookies, whether baked or raw, freeze beautifully, helping them stay fresh longer. Here's how to freeze them the right way:

How to Properly Freeze Your Baked Cookies

Frozen baked cookies can stay fresh for up to 3-4 weeks in the freezer.

Meredith's Tips

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.
Most cookies can be frozen as-is, while decorated cookies may need to be individually wrapped or separated with waxed paper or parchment.
When you want to eat one, take it out and let it sit at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes. Or, if you are in a hurry, you can microwave it in 10 second intervals. Don't heat or microwave decorated cookies.

Freezing Your Cookie Dough the Right Way

Most cookie doughs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the package with the date, cookie type, and baking instructions for easy reference.

Meredith's Guide

Drop Cookies: Shape the cookie dough into balls as you would when preparing to bake them. Place them on a silicone- or parchment-lined sheet. Freeze for an hour (or until solid) and transfer to a freezer zip-top bag. Squeeze out the air and freeze.
Slice-and-Bake Cookies: Shape dough into one or two logs, double-wrap with plastic to prevent freezer burn and odor absorption from your freezer.
Cut-Out Cookies: Shape dough into one or two flat disks. Double-wrap in plastic and freeze flat.

Delicious round sugar cookies decorated with serene winter scenes: a starry night sky, falling snowflakes, and snow-covered pine trees.

Brielle Brauner's Tips

How to Bake Cookies from Frozen Dough

Drop Cookies: Set frozen cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet and let the dough defrost in the refrigerator. This will take several hours, so plan ahead. Or place frozen cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake following recipe directions. Give the cookies a couple of extra minutes in the oven to make up for their frozen start.
Slice-and Bake Cookies: Frozen cookie logs are easier to slice after they've defrosted for a few minutes. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake following recipe directions. Give the cookies a couple of extra minutes in the oven if necessary.
Cut-Out Cookies: Defrost the dough in the fridge before rolling out, cutting shapes, and baking as usual.