One of the best tricks for having a stash of cookies always on hand without the worry of them becoming stale or losing quality is to freeze them.
No matter if you are getting ready for the holidays, baking treats for a get-together, or simply want a selection available — finding out what cookies freeze well will make your baking efforts go smoothly.
This guide discusses what kinds of cookies can freeze perfectly and gives you the simple steps to make sure they stay fresh and wonderful.
Plus, you’ll get tips on how to freeze different kinds of cookies and which ones to avoid popping in the freezer.
So, if you want to load your freezer with cookie dough or freeze baked cookies that defrost perfectly, keep reading.
Freezing cookies can be a lifesaver, but not all cookies are made for the cold.
Some are perfect and come out of the freezer tasting like you just baked them, while others may suffer in texture or flavor.
Here is the lowdown on which cookies to freeze and why they stand up so well.
by sullmeister
Drop cookies, think chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, and freeze particularly well.
Their chewy texture holds up after the freezing and any nuts or chips retain their crispness.
Perfect for individually freezing these cookies or even the dough balls, so you can bake up fresh batches when desired.
All you need to do is freeze the balls of dough on a baking sheet and once they solidify transfer them into a bag.
by SantyRocky
Treats like brownies or blondies, aka bar cookies, also freeze great.
They hold up well in the freezer as they are quite dense and sturdy.
Freeze these cookies whole and cut them after thawing, or slice them up before freezing if you want to snag grab-and-go later on.
Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap then put them all in a larger bag to prevent freezer burn.
Biscotti
by SeaHorizon
Biscotti’s dry and crisp texture benefits from freezing, as it maintains the hard crunch that makes them unique.
Because they have a low moisture content, they’ll thaw out without losing their structure.
You can also freeze biscotti that were dipped in chocolate wrapped in wax paper so they don’t stick together and freeze them in an airtight container.
by vienila
Cookies like shortbread and butter cookies are particularly good candidates for freezing; their high-fat content helps them remain tender after thawing.
Perfect for baking and then freezing after cooling.
If you’re making cut-out shapes, you can even freeze the dough before baking.
Simply roll out the dough, cut out your shapes, place onto a lined baking tray, and pop in the freezer.
by CatfromLongIsland
Because they’re somewhat sturdier, molasses-based cookies like gingerbread or gingersnaps hold up beautifully in the freezer.
In fact, the flavors may even become slightly gelatinized after freezing, which makes them more flavorful.
If you know when you will be using them, bake em up and freeze fully baked or freeze as dough balls.
Simply be sure to allow them to completely cool down before you wrap and preserve.
by sarahfreia
Molasses-based cookies, like gingerbread or gingersnaps, freeze wonderfully thanks to their sturdy texture.
The spices even seem to intensify slightly after freezing, which can enhance their flavor.
Freeze them fully baked or as dough balls, depending on when you plan to enjoy them.
Just make sure they’re fully cooled before you wrap and store them.
by barkinglizards
Rich, crumbly peanut butter cookies also freeze very well.
The dough stores nicely rolled into balls or pressed into cookies to bake up fresh and fuss-free.
The natural oils contained in the peanut butter keep the cookies nice and pliable, so they won’t go dry.
by bRex0714
Here is a simple method for freezing cookies for perfect results every time.
- Cool Completely: Cookies should always be cooled before being placed in the freezer. Leftover heat can create condensation in your container, resulting in freezer burn.
- Use Airtight Containers: Definitely avoid freezer burn and bad smells with airtight bags or containers. When stacking cookies, use wax or parchment paper between layers to avoid having them stick together.
- Label and Date: Use a marker to label each bag or container with what type of cookie it is and the date on which you froze them. Helps you know what is in your freezer and how long it’s been there.
- Consider Portion Sizes: Put away cookies in meal-sized portions. This will prevent the need to defrost a full batch at once.
by electrocutions_
If your cookies are decorated (e.g. with icing or sprinkles), you can also freeze them, but take a few extra precautions to make sure that they survive the freezing process intact.
Here’s how to freeze decorated cookies without damaging their appearance.
- Freeze Flat First: Spread the cookies out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap to help keep any decorations intact. Add an additional layer of foil over the plastic wrap if necessary to stop freezer smells from entering.
- Store Carefully: Pop frozen cookies into a hard container so they do not break while in the freezer.
Other related questions about freezing decorated cookies:
- Can royal icing decorations be frozen?
The answer is yes, you can freeze royal icing decorations! Most of the time royal icing freezes well — just be sure to let the cookies thaw out at room temperature for melting proof and safety. - Do sprinkles hold up in the freezer?
Yes, sprinkles are definitely a little more freeze-thaw stable than some more delicate decorations, but it’s always best to test a batch first. - Can you freeze cookies with fondant?
Yes, but keep in mind that fondant might sweat a bit when thawing out so let the cookies thaw in a cool place which would prevent this.
by threadedbaker
If stored properly, most cookies will keep in the freezer for 3 months or so. Some cookies can become a little worse just after that time.
- Do drop cookies stay fresh longer than other types?
Drop cookies, such as chocolate chip or oatmeal basically anything not rolled and cut, would generally freeze quite well and will keep for up to four months without any change. - How long can you freeze sugar cookies?
Decorated or not, sugar cookies typically last two to three months. - Can bar cookies be frozen for longer than other types?
Yes, bar cookies (like brownies) are more dense and can last up to six months in the freezer if wrapped and stored properly.
With these tips, you can keep your favorite treats on hand, ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits.
Knowing what cookies freeze well can make a big difference, especially for busy times like the holiday season.