Can You Freeze Cookies? Tips and Tricks

Cookies are one of the most delicious, irresistible baked treats in every home. They come in various flavors and shapes and are easy to carry and eat on the go. You can bake cookies in large batches, so you don’t need to make the dough every time you want to eat some. But can you freeze cookies, and what is the best way to do so to retain their flavor and texture?

You can store your cookies in the freezer. Placing them in zip-lock bags or airtight containers before freezing them can help keep them fresh and safe to eat anytime you have those late-night cravings or when you need to entertain off the bat.

There are a few tricks to freezing cookies and some dos and don’ts that will help keep them fresh and safe for consumption.

Can You Refreeze Cookies After Thawing?

Unlike meat, you can freeze, thaw and even refreeze cookies. They can last months in the freezer. You will need to refreeze them properly to avoid freezer burn and retain their original texture and flavor. Eating or serving stale cookies is the last thing you want to do, so don’t refreeze too often.

Steps for Refreezing Cookies

Freezing cookies at the proper stages, both baking and decorating, will ensure they stay fresh for longer. It’s also important to know the best way to defrost them.

– First, separate your cookies in the quantities you will need to thaw them in later. This way, you only thaw the amount you need and cut down on the number of times you refreeze your cookies.

– Next, wrap your batches in plastic wrap as tight as you can. The tighter you wrap them, the more flavor they retain. It also prevents freezer burn.

– Finally, put the wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag and seal it, making sure to remove the excess air. Then, put this bag of cookies in another freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Seal the second bag and place them in the freezer.

Tip: Place the cookies all the way back in the freezer to prevent them from breaking when you take out other food from the freezer or thawing too soon whenever you open the freezer door.

How Many Times Can Cookies Be Frozen?

Cookies can be frozen up to three times without losing flavor and texture. You want to be able to freeze them without jeopardizing their original fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture. The more you refreeze them, the more likely they will lose their original texture and flavor.

How to Properly Freeze Cookies?

you and your family can finish in three days or less, then go on and freeze them. You can freeze almost any type of cookie, but you have to do it properly to retain the flavor.

Once baked, leave the cookies on a rack to cool completely. Then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and store them in freezer-safe zip-top storage bags. Date and name them and store them in the freezer for up to twelve months. Alternatively, you can use an airtight container to prevent breaking, especially in the case of shaped cookies.

It is advisable not to freeze decorated cookies as certain glazes can be flaky when frozen. However, wrap each cookie individually or use waxed paper or parchment to separate them, if you decide to.

Take them out of the freezer when it’s time to eat them and thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature. You can heat the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds or oven for a few minutes. Frost or decorate them to your liking and serve.

Note: Avoid thawing them in the freezer bag or container to prevent moisture buildup. Add the frosting and decorations later when you are ready to consume them, and do not heat or microwave decorated cookies.

How Long Do Cookies in the Freezer Last?

Cookies can maintain their original quality for six months to a year when properly stored. Even after a year in the freezer, they will still be safe to eat, but the quality will decline. Be sure to freeze them undecorated as some decorations can bleed in the freezer. Freezing cookies will keep them safe for consumption indefinitely.

How Long Does Cookie Dough Last in the Freezer?

u can freeze, thaw and refreeze cookie dough, just as you would cookies. Cookie dough can last at least three months in the freezer if frozen properly. The upside is that you get to enjoy freshly baked cookies in a fraction of the time it would take you to bake them from scratch.

Big chunks of dough can last longer in the freezer than cookie dough balls. You can still use your frozen cookie dough after three months, but it may dry out or lose its original flavor and, in some cases, acquire different odors present in the freezer, which may mess with its flavor.

Whether you suddenly have to host a tea party or your child needs cookies for a class project the following day, having frozen cookie dough is always a good idea.

Here are some tips to help you freeze it in the right way to prevent drying out and retain its original flavor.

– Once the cookie dough is ready, roll it into balls.

– Chill the cookie balls for about an hour in the fridge.

– Put the cookie balls inside a zip-lock bag

– Label the bag with information such as the date, type of cookie dough, and baking temperature.

– Place in the freezer for up to three months.

When you are ready to bake the cookies, just take the dough out of the freezer, pre-heat the oven about 15 degrees F lower than the temperature on the label and bake the cookies for an extra couple of minutes to ensure the frozen cookie dough bakes all the way.

How Long Does It Take for Cookies to Freeze?

Some cookies may take longer to freeze, but most cookies take about an hour to freeze solid. To effectively freeze your cookies, let them cool completely, line them up on a baking sheet in one layer without overlapping and place some parchment paper on top so you can add more layers on one baking sheet. Place the cookies inside a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove any excess air, and place them inside your freezer.