Better Homes And Gardens Freeze Ahead Cookies

Must-Know Tips and Tricks to Freezing Cookies and Cookie Dough

Good news: Baked cookies and dough can last months in the freezer! Because you deserve to enjoy a cookie anytime you please, we're sharing our Test Kitchen's best methods for freezing cookies and cookie dough. Plus, get some new freezer-friendly cookie ideas to get your holiday baking done early!

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There are few things more satisfying than a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven. But sometimes there's just no time to break out the flour and sugar to bake a batch. Enter: frozen cookies to save the day. Baked or unbaked, freezing cookies is an easy way to get your comfort food fix stat. Keeping frozen cookie dough on hand also means easy entertaining treats for family and friends at a moment's notice. Read on for our Test Kitchen-approved tips on the best way to freeze cookies that are already baked as well as freezing cookie dough.

freezer bag of cookies

How to Freeze Baked Cookies

Homemade cookies will keep at room temperature for up to three days. If you don't think you'll be able to make those sweets disappear in three days or less, it's easy to freeze them. Pretty much all your favorite cookies and bar cookies will freeze well, just save the frosting and decorating until you're ready to serve (at eat) them.

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack ($15, Bed Bath & Beyond) before placing in freezer-safe bags ($4, Target). Alternatively, our Test Kitchen also recommends storing in an airtight container that has more rigid sides to prevent breaking. (This is especially useful for shaped cookies or if you keep a packed freezer.) Be sure to label them and freeze for up to three months.

When you're ready to eat, take them out of their bag or container to prevent moisture buildup (no one wants a soggy cookie). Let them thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. Decorate or frost, if needed, and enjoy!

Our Favorite Freezer-Friendly Holiday Cookie Recipes

round cookies in freezer bag

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

By freezing cookie dough, you can easily have a soft, fresh cookie whenever the sweet tooth strikes. After making your dough, here are some ways to freeze the cookie dough:

You can simply place all the cookie dough in an airtight container ($9, Bed Bath & Beyond) and freeze up to three months. Thaw in fridge, then shape and bake as directed.
For individual portions, shape dough balls with your cookie scoop ($13, Crate & Barrel) and place them on a baking sheet ($10, Target). Place in the freezer to allow the cookie dough to completely harden (aka flash freezing) before transferring them to a freezer bag. Store up to 3 months. You can bake frozen cookie dough balls without thawing, but you might need to add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time in the recipe.

Test Kitchen Tip: For cookies dipped in sugar or powdered sugar (we're looking at you, chocolate crinkles and sandies!), wait until the dough is thawed, then roll them in sugar just before baking.

frozen cookies wrapped in plastic and foil

Freezing Slice-and-Bake Cookie Dough

The beauty of icebox cookies and slice-and-bake cookies is that you can save freezer room tucking entire logs into the freezer! For perfect slice-and-bake cookies anytime, wrap the cookie dough logs tightly in plastic wrap ($4, Target) and then foil. This will keep the air out and avoid freezer burn. Freeze up to three months and thaw completely in the fridge before slicing and baking as directed in your recipe.

How Long to Store Cookies in the Freezer

With proper storage, most cookies can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. As long as you follow the above Test Kitchen tips on freezing your dough, you should be all set to enjoy those delicious cookies whenever a craving strikes.