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By Pillsbury Kitchens
Updated November 5, 2021
With the holidays in sight, 'tis officially the season for baking cookies! We're so excited we can practically smell the warm aroma of vanilla and cookie dough filling the house. Perhaps the only thing better than baking said cookies is enjoying them with loved ones and a cold glass of milk. But then what? Preserve that irresistible, just-baked taste with these easy tips and tricks for freezing baked cookies! Plus, learn precisely how to store them and discover Christmas cookie inspiration to add to your baking day lineup!
How to Freeze Cookies
Freezing cookies surely sounds like a simple task, but knowing how to do it right truly offers up a trick. As a general rule of thumb, 'drop cookies,' which include oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, and 'cut-out cookies,' such as gingerbread and sugar cookies, are freezer-friendly. Frosted and unfrosted cookies also fall in this category, although we always recommend freezing cookies unfrosted and waiting until ready to serve to frost, if possible. If you're making a more delicate cookie, such as wafers or meringues, you'll want to eat those fresh and avoid the freezer altogether.
Want to know the best way to freeze cookies? Here are our three easy, foolproof steps:
Step 1: Freeze Cookies Individually
All cookies should be frozen individually to ensure they don’t stick together when stored. To do so, place baked, completely cooled cookies onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (so they have a little bit of friction for easy removal) being sure to arrange the cookies in a single layer. Then pop the cookie sheet in the freezer for about an hour.
Step 2: Store Cookies in Layers
Once they’ve been individually frozen, place the cookies into an airtight container. Stack your cookies in single layers with wax paper between each layer.
Step 3: Keep Cookies Separate
Be sure to separate types of cookies into individual containers to avoid flavors mingling. No one likes a minty gingerbread cookie! Label all containers with the date you froze them and be sure to add a note with the appropriate cookie name so you can easily keep track of all your baked goods.
How Long Can You Freeze Cookies?
If properly frozen, you can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 12 months. If cookies are frosted, they can be stored frozen for up to three months.
How to Freeze Cookie Dough
Want to stock up on Pillsbury™ refrigerated cookie dough before the holiday rush? We don’t blame you. The good news: You can freeze cookie dough rolls and Ready to Bake!™ cookies up to two months in advance! Take our place-and-bake cookies straight from the freezer to the oven and simply give them two to three minutes of additional cook time. For our cookie dough rolls, we recommend thawing in the refrigerator before using for recipes.
How to Thaw Frozen Cookies
Now that you know how to freeze cookies, here’s how to defrost them when it’s time to serve! Most cookies can be thawed, covered in their container at room temperature for one to two hours. For crisp cookies, it’s best to remove them from their container to thaw.
Cookies to Freeze Up to 12 Months
Here are some of our favorite cookies to make and freeze up to a year in advance!
Cookies to Freeze Up to 3 Months
Here are some of our most-loved cookie recipes that can be frozen up to three months ahead:
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As a baking enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the Pillsbury article about freezing cookies. I'll provide information and insights to demonstrate my expertise:
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Freezing Cookies: The article emphasizes the importance of freezing cookies properly to preserve their freshness. It distinguishes between different types of cookies that are freezer-friendly, such as 'drop cookies' (e.g., oatmeal, chocolate chip) and 'cut-out cookies' (e.g., gingerbread, sugar cookies). The recommendation to freeze cookies unfrosted and frost them when ready to serve is based on the desire to maintain the quality of the frosting.
- Expert Tip: Freezing cookies individually on a parchment paper-lined sheet ensures they don't stick together. Storing them in layers with wax paper between each layer and keeping different cookie types in separate containers helps prevent flavor mingling.
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Duration of Freezing: The article provides information on how long cookies can be frozen. Unfrosted cookies can be stored for up to 12 months, while frosted cookies have a shorter freezer life of up to three months. This information is crucial for planning ahead, especially during the holiday season.
- Expert Insight: Properly frozen cookies maintain their quality and taste, allowing for convenient preparation in advance.
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Freezing Cookie Dough: The article extends its advice to freezing Pillsbury™ refrigerated cookie dough. It suggests that both cookie dough rolls and Ready to Bake!™ cookies can be frozen up to two months before use. Thawing recommendations are also provided.
- Expert Recommendation: For Pillsbury™ cookie dough rolls, thawing in the refrigerator before use is suggested. This ensures the dough maintains its integrity and is ready for recipes.
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Thawing Frozen Cookies: The article guides readers on how to thaw frozen cookies when it's time to serve. Most cookies can be thawed at room temperature, covered in their container, for one to two hours. Crisp cookies benefit from being removed from their container during thawing.
- Expert Advice: Thawing cookies properly is essential to maintain their texture and flavor. The recommended methods align with best practices in baking.
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Favorite Cookies to Freeze: The article lists some favorite cookies that can be made and frozen up to a year in advance, providing readers with specific options for their baking endeavors.
- Expert Suggestion: Knowing which cookies freeze well allows for efficient planning and preparation, especially for busy holiday seasons.
By demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of these concepts, it's evident that freezing cookies involves a combination of techniques and considerations to ensure a delightful and convenient baking experience.
