Having frozen cookie dough always on hand is the best way to have fresh cookies anytime you want. Learn how to freeze cookie dough and bake from frozen with these tips!
I love keeping frozen cookie dough on hand at all times because nothing beats a freshly baked cookie recipe to satisfy cookie cravings or to serve unexpected guests.
Table of Contents
Whether it’s a last minute school treat, an emergency dessert or you have a friend stopping over, learning how to freeze cookie dough and bake from frozen means you always have freshly baked homemade cookies on hand!
Can You Freeze Cookie Dough?
Yes! Freezing cookie dough is so easy and usually any drop-style cookie freezes well. This includes:
- Chocolate chip cookies: I always have some frozen dough balls of my best chocolate chip cookies, M&M cookies or triple chocolate chip cookies on hand.
- Drop cookies: Most drop style cookies can be frozen! Favorites homemade cookie dough recipes include easy oatmeal cookies, pudding cookies and ginger molasses cookies.
- Slice and bake cookies: Icebox cookies such as shortbread cookies should be rolled into a log then stored frozen.
- Cut-out cookies: The freezer instructions will be a bit different for cut-out cookie dough soft sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies. Instead of freezing individual cookies you will freeze the dough in a disc.
- Freezing cookie dough coated in sugar: For cookies like snickerdoodles, chocolate crinkle cookies or peanut butter blossoms, freeze without rolling in sugar or cinnamon sugar. When ready to bake, thaw at room temperature for 10-30 minutes then roll in sugar before following baking instructions.
How to Freeze Cookie Dough
Freezing cookie dough is simple just follow these steps.
- Assemble cookie dough according to recipe directions. Follow any recommended chilling time.
- Scoop dough into cookie balls and place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Ensure cookie dough balls are not touching.
- Flash freeze cookie dough until solid.
- Transfer frozen cookie dough balls into a plastic storage bag, label bag and keep frozen for 2-3 months.
How to Bake Cookies From Frozen Dough
While you can thaw cookie dough overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, I prefer to bake from frozen as there is no pre-planning involved!
- Preheat oven per cookie recipe instructions or at a slightly decreased temperature.
- Bake from frozen on a parchment-lined baking sheet increasing the cookie baking time by a few minutes to ensure the edges are crisp.
Each cookie recipe will bake a little differently, I recommend baking just one cookie dough ball to determine the best method that works for you!
How to Freeze Baked Cookies
If you would rather freeze baked cookies, it’s also easy to do. Freeze baked cookies unfrosted and without any glaze.
I love to freeze my Christmas sugar cookies stacked between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Defrost at room temperature then proceed with icing and decorating as desired.
To reheat frozen cookies that have been thawed, just place in the oven for a few minutes for that freshly baked soft cookie texture.
FAQs
Most cookie dough balls can be stored frozen for up to 2-3 months. Remember to store frozen cookie dough in an airtight container that has been sealed and label it with the date.
For an extra measure to prevent freezer burn, you can wrap each piece of cookie dough in plastic wrap but I rarely do that.
No, you can bake most cookie dough from frozen and increase the baking time by a few minutes. Dough that has been shaped into a log you will need to thaw for about 30 minutes before slicing and baking. For dough that has been frozen in a disc, thaw overnight in the fridge.
You can either bake frozen cookie dough at the temperature listed in the recipe or lower the temp about 15-20°F. Lowering the temp will allow the frozen cookie dough to thaw while baking without impacting the edges of the cookie.
Yes. If a cookie calls for chilling the dough, do so before baking. After the dough is chilled, scoop cookie dough and proceed with freezing.
Favorite Cookie Recipes to Freeze
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookies
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
- Macadamia Nut Cookies
- White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Andes Mint Cookies
- Gingersnap Cookies
- Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies
More Cookie Recipes
Browse all
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
How to Freeze Cookie Dough and Bake From Frozen
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Cookie dough scoop
- Freezer bag or container
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cookie dough
Instructions
- Prepare cookie dough. Prepare the cookie dough according to recipe instructions.
- Flash freeze cookie dough balls. Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto the baking sheet. You may also roll the dough into balls with your hands. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the cookie dough balls have hardened, about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Store in freezer. Remove from freezer and transfer the dough into a freezer bag or container. Store in the freezer until ready to bake, about 2 to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Christmas, Cookies, Freezer-Friendly
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I love freezing cookie dough to make fresh cookies for school lunches and more. Thanks for all the tips!
Agreed! It makes it so convenient to have a stash of frozen cookie dough on hand!