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    Home » Dessert » Cookies

    How to Make & Store Frozen Cookie Dough

    Published: Jul 7, 2021 · Modified: Dec 17, 2022 by Jessica Fisher

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    Home baked cookies can come together faster than you can chase an elf up a tree, when you keep a stash of baked cookies and frozen cookie dough in the freezer.

    Consider whipping up a batch of Oatmeal Strawberry Cookies or Breakfast Cookies to keep on ice. Learn how to make frozen cookie dough and cookie dough balls as well as how to freeze baked cookies to enjoy later.

    platter of strawberry cookies with fresh strawberries next to stack of teacups and a teapot. this …

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    Jump to:
    • Why Do This
    • Ways to Freeze
    • FAQs
    • Tips for Success
    • Easy Cookie Recipes
    • Tell us what you think!
    • How to Make & Store Frozen Cookie Dough

    Don’t you love cookies? They are super portable — and their portions are easily controlled. If you can stop eating them, that is.

    However, you can put your cookie fix on ice with a stash of frozen cookie dough in the freezer. These simple methods for freezing cookie dough and baked cookies make it easy to bake your kids happy or to sneak a cookie fix when you really, really need one.

    And sometimes ya just really, really need one.

    Why Do This

    It’s quick. Mixing up cookie dough really doesn’t take much time. If you have a stand mixer, the process goes super quick. Use a quick-release cookie scoop, and dishing them out happens in a flash.

    It’s inexpensive. Homemade cookies are so much more affordable than commercial cookie dough. Save your money from those school fundraisers that charge $20 a tub and make your own!

    It’s delicious! Who doesn’t love cookies? Stashing baked cookies and frozen cookie dough in the freezer will make for many happy people at your house. Enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you want!

    baked cookies in containers ready to freeze.

    Ways to Freeze

    There are three basic methods to freezing cookies that work super well and will save you time when you want to satisfy that cookie craving.

    Frozen cookie dough

    • sugar cookie dough in bowl next to mixer.
    • sugar cookie dough wrapped in plastic and then tucked into ziptop freezer bag.

    Just mix up a batch or two of cookie dough and freeze it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in plastic wrap and tuck into a ziptop freezer bag. Be sure to label the package with the date, name of the recipe, and baking instructions.

    To bake: Thaw the cookie dough in the wrappings in the refrigerator until ready to scoop. Portion and bake according to the recipe instructions.

    Frozen cookie dough balls

    • chocolate cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined tray.
    • frozen cookie dough balls in a ziptop freezer bag.

    Freezing cookie dough balls takes you one step closer to finished cookies. Once you mix the dough, scoop out round tablespoonfuls onto a lined tray and place it in the freezer.

    Once the balls of dough are firm, toss them in a ziploc bag and store it in the freezer.

    I’ve even skipped the “quick freeze” step and just lined up 6 to 12 cookie balls on a sheet of plastic wrap. Just wrap them tightly in plastic, like a caterpillar and freeze. Take care not to smoosh them together too much. The dough balls break apart pretty easily even when frozen.

    To bake: When you want freshly baked cookies, just pull out as many as you need. You can bake from frozen; just add a minute or two to the bake time.

    Baked cookies

    • magic bars baked in glass pan lined with parchment.
    • magic bars cut into pieces in a plastic container with a red lid.

    Clearly, freezing baked cookies takes more time on the front end but results in instant cookie satisfaction after freezing.

    Bake your cookies and cool them completely on a rack. Before you eat them all, store them in a freezer-safe container and put them in the freezer.

    For easier lunch packing, divide them into portions and package them in sandwich bags. Collect all the bags in a larger bag or container and store in the freezer.

    There you have it! Three easy ways to have cookies anytime of day.

    FAQs

    How long is frozen cookie dough good for?

    Frozen food is good indefinitely, provided that it remains frozen below 0 degrees. Unfortunately, home freezers aren’t always that consistent with the opening and shutting of daily use. The USDA recommends that cookie dough be baked within 2 months of freezing.

    What temp to bake frozen cookie dough?

    While it’s best to follow the recipe or package of cookie dough, most cookie recipes bake at 350 to 375 degrees. Depending on the size of the cookie, cooking time will range from 5 to 10 minutes.

    How to thaw frozen cookie dough?

    If you’ve formed the cookie dough into balls, you don’t need to thaw; just bake from frozen. If your frozen cookie dough is in one big package, thaw it overnight or for several hours in the refrigerator.

    Can you eat raw cookie dough?

    Raw cookie dough may be subject to salmonella bacteria from the raw eggs as well as possible salmonella or E. coli bacterium from the uncooked flour. It’s best to enjoy your cookies baked for best safety.

    Tips for Success

    You can store different types of frozen cookie dough in the same freezer container, however, be sure not to store heavily scented doughs, such as peppermint together. Everything will taste like peppermint if you do!

    Likewise, you can store different types of baked cookies together in the same container, separating them with layers of parchment paper or deli wrap, however, do not combine very crispy cookies with soft as their textures will change when stored together. And again, store peppermint cookies separately.

    cookies in plastic containers stored on a freezer shelf.

    Easy Cookie Recipes

    • peppermint chocolate chip cookies in a red Christmas tin with white tissue paper.
      Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • array of glazed blueberry cookies with fresh berries and lemon rounds interspersed on the parchment.
      Lemon Blueberry Cookies
    • closeup of an easter oreo with crosses piped over a blue sky.
      Easter Oreos
    • close up of coffee cookie on red plate with espresso beans.
      Coffee Cookies
    white spoon and fork on a teal plate logo.

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    frozen cookie dough balls in ziptop freezer bag.

    How to Make & Store Frozen Cookie Dough

    Knowing all the different ways to make and store frozen cookie dough means you can enjoy cookies whenever you want.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 165kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $2.66

    Equipment

    • parchment paper
    • ziptop freezer bags
    • large airtight container

    Ingredients

    • ingredients for your favorite cookies

    Instructions

    To make frozen cookie dough

    • Prepare the cookie dough according to recipe instructions, but do not bake. Pack it into an airtight freezer container or wrap well in plastic wrap and place in a ziptop freezer bag.

    To make frozen cookie dough balls.

    • Prepare the cookie dough according to recipe instructions, but do not bake. Line a baking sheet that fits your freezer with parchment paper. Form the dough into balls and place on the tray.
    • Place the tray in the freezer for several hours until the dough balls are firm. Transfer the balls to an airtight freezer container or place them in a ziptop freezer bag.

    To freeze baked cookies

    • Prepare the cookie dough and bake according to recipe instructions. Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack.
    • Transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer container, separating layers with parchment paper, or place them in a ziptop freezer bag.

    For all types of frozen cookie dough and baked cookies:

    • Label the package well with the date and the name of the recipe. For frozen cookie dough, include baking temp and time. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Notes

    Nutritional values will vary widely based on the cookie recipe you use.
    Tips for success: You can store different types of frozen cookie dough in the same freezer container, however, be sure not to store heavily scented doughs, such as peppermint together. Everything will taste like peppermint if you do!
    Likewise, you can store different types of baked cookies together in the same container, separating them with layers of parchment paper or deli wrap, however, do not combine very crispy cookies with soft as their textures will change when stored together. And again, store peppermint cookies separately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tell us what you think! Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.

    This post was originally published on October 7, 2012. It has been updated for content and clarity.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Renee

      October 10, 2012 at 8:01 pm

      Using the freezer revolutionized my Christmas cookie baking last year! I started making dough at the end of October, stashing it in the freezer (in balls or cut-out shapes), and then in December I could just make fresh cookies whenever I needed them. It worked so wonderfully – I could give just a few each of different kinds of fresh-baked cookies to my neighbors instead of trying to give away a whole bunch of them. No more marathon, all-day Christmas cookie baking sessions for me! Now I just need to get on it and start making this year’s dough!

      Reply
    2. Kristen @ Joyfullythriving

      October 09, 2012 at 3:20 pm

      I love freezing cookies…because then I always (and I do mean, always) have dessert on hand! For surprise company or just because, I love using my freezer for this purpose.

      Reply
    3. cherie

      October 08, 2012 at 8:53 am

      I also like the dough logs for some cookies – easier for chip/nut free doughs – sugar cookies here usually wind up as logs in the freezer

      Reply
    4. Sharon

      October 08, 2012 at 8:35 am

      Freezing cookie dough balls has revolutionized my cookie baking. It is my favorite is freezing method. Being able to pull a few balls out of the freezer makes cookie baking soooooo much easier. I can simply bake one tray just before they come home, and they’ve got a wonderful after school treat, with some leftover for lunch treats the next day. And we don’t have a full batch sitting around smelling scrumptious and crying my name while the kids are at school, so I don’t eat as many – which is a good thing. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessica

        October 10, 2012 at 9:07 am

        @Sharon, exactly. If I bake them all, I want to eat them.

        Reply
    5. Melissa

      October 08, 2012 at 5:53 am

      I freeze meals and meal components a lot, but I haven’t tried cookies. I’ll have to try that on my next freezer cooking session.

      Reply
    6. Carla

      October 07, 2012 at 10:19 pm

      I don’t usually have room for the batch of frozen dough but definitely do the dough balls and baked cookies. I especially like to do dough balls when I know I don’t have time to bake a full double or triple batch of dough. I still get the volume, just in different stages.

      Reply
    7. Sandi

      October 07, 2012 at 6:07 pm

      Thanks a lot, Jessica, now I’m craving cookie dough! Not baked cookies, just the raw dough. Argh!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        October 07, 2012 at 8:39 pm

        @Sandi, my job is done here. 😉

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

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