How to Freeze Cookies and Cookie Dough for Easy Holiday Baking (2024)

Your future self will thank you.

How to Freeze Baked Cookies

Baked cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks.

After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with the name and date. Squeeze out extra air and place flat in the freezer. To save space, you can flat-stack freezer bags.
Most cookies can be frozen as-is, while decorated cookies may need to be individually wrapped or separated with waxed paper or parchment.
When you want to eat one, take it out and let it sit at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes. Or, if you are in a hurry, you can microwave it in 10 second intervals. Don't heat or microwave decorated cookies.

Most cookie doughs freeze well for up to 3 months. Remember to write the date, type of cookie, and baking instructions on the outside of the package.

Drop Cookies: Shape the cookie dough into balls as you would when preparing to bake them. Place them on a silicone- or parchment-lined sheet. Freeze for an hour (or until solid) and transfer to a freezer zip-top bag. Squeeze out the air and freeze.
Slice-and-Bake Cookies: Shape dough into one or two logs, double-wrap with plastic to prevent freezer burn and odor absorption from your freezer.
Cut-Out Cookies: Shape dough into one or two flat disks. Double-wrap in plastic and freeze flat.

Drop Cookies: Set frozen cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet and let the dough defrost in the refrigerator. This will take several hours, so plan ahead. Or place frozen cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake following recipe directions. Give the cookies a couple of extra minutes in the oven to make up for their frozen start.
Slice-and Bake Cookies: Frozen cookie logs are easier to slice after they've defrosted for a few minutes. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake following recipe directions. Give the cookies a couple of extra minutes in the oven if necessary.
Cut-Out Cookies: Defrost the dough in the fridge before rolling out, cutting shapes, and baking as usual.

Avoid freezing cake-like cookies and cookies with a very liquidy batter, such as madeleines and tuiles.

Get tips for freezing holiday cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and more.
Brush up on your cookie-baking skills with these smart tips for baking perfect cookies.
If you want tips for decorating cookies, we've got you covered.
You can share the fun with a cookie decorating party and/or a cookie exchange.

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