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Freezing cookie dough is an excellent technique to ensure that you always have yummy cookies on hand when the mood strikes. It also simplifies last-minute desserts and mass baking. Even better, you can bake almost any cookie dough from frozen. Simply increase the oven time by a couple of minutes. It's so easy and convenient to keep your favourite dough in the freezer. There are numerous reasons why freezing cookie dough is a great idea.
Learn how to freeze cookie dough
Most cookie doughs can be frozen for up to three months. On the outside of the packaging, write the date, type of cookie, and baking directions.
• Form the cookie dough into balls as though you were going to bake them. Put them on a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for an hour (or until completely solid) before transferring to a freezer zip-top bag. Squeeze the air out and freeze.
• Form the dough into one or two logs and double-wrap with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and odour absorption.
• Make one or two flat discs of dough. Wrap in plastic twice and freeze flat.
How to freeze baked cookies?
Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 or 4 weeks.
• Allow cookies to cool completely after baking. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labelled with the name and date. Squeeze out any excess air before placing it flat in the freezer.
• Most cookies can be frozen as is, however, frosted cookies may need to be wrapped separately or separated with waxed paper or parchment.
• When you're ready to eat one, take it out and set it at room temperature for a few minutes, or warm it in the oven for a few minutes. If you're in a hurry, microwave it in 10-second increments. Decorated cookies should not be heated or microwaved.
How to bake frozen cookie dough?
Cookie dough can be baked frozen, partially frozen, or straight from the freezer. To thaw, place the dough in the refrigerator overnight (still wrapped). Then bake as usual, using the recommended oven time on the instructions. To bake from frozen, take out as many cookies as you need and bake at a 20°F lower temperature (this method is best for lighter cookies). They should bake in the allowed time, but they may need a few minutes longer. Alternatively, bake at the same temperature for an additional few minutes (this works well with chunky cookies, like chocolate chip).
