Cookies
How To Freeze Cookie Dough
October 9, 2025
Let’s be honest, sometimes the craving for a warm, gooey cookie just can’t wait. The good news is that you […]
Let’s be honest, sometimes the craving for a warm, gooey cookie just can’t wait. The good news is that you don’t have to start from scratch every time! Freezing cookie dough is my favorite hack for enjoying freshly baked treats on demand. Whether you’re prepping for a party, planning ahead for a rainy day or getting a head start on your holiday baking, this easy guide will show you how to freeze cookie dough so it tastes just as good as the day you mixed it!
Why I love freezing cookie dough
If you’ve ever wished warm from the oven cookies could just appear when you want them, this one’s for you. Frozen cookie dough is my favorite baking shortcut. Here’s a few reasons why you’ll love it too:
Fresh cookies when the craving strikes! Warm, gooey, freshly baked cookies anytime you want one. Just reach for your freezer stash and hello, midnight snack!
Get a head start on your holiday baking. Many cookie doughs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months!
Perfect for last minute house guests and care packages. When life gets busy, frozen cookie dough comes to the rescue! Frozen cookie dough means your always ready for a dessert emergency.
Perfect for portion control. Don’t bake the whole batch of dough at once. Instead, bake 1 or 2 cookies from frozen ready-made cookie dough for a quick last minute dessert.
How to freeze cookie dough
Follow these steps to freeze your favorite cookie dough. It’s so easy!
Step 1: Make the cookie dough according to recipe directions. If the recipe calls for chilling the dough before scooping and baking, then chill the dough as directed.
Step 2: Scoop the cookie dough into balls and place flat on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer. Note: If freezing cookies that call for rolling in sugar like Pumpkin Snickerdoodles or Chocolate Sugar Cookies, freeze the cookie dough without the sugar coating and then defrost for 20-30 minutes and roll in sugar just before baking.
Step 3: Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for one hour or until the cookie dough is frozen and firm.
Step 4: Remove the frozen cookie dough balls from the baking sheet and place in a freezer bag or airtight storage container.
Step 5: Label with the type of cookie, date and baking temperature and time for easy reference when ready to bake. Add to your freezer stash!
Equipment you need to freeze cookie dough
Freezing cookie dough is quick and easy. You’ll need just a few simple tools to freeze your favorite cookie dough.
- Cookie scoops – spring loaded cookie scoops in a variety of sizes are perfect for portioning out dough.
- Rimmed baking sheets – stock up on a variety of sizes.
- Parchment paper – use parchment paper to line the baking sheets for easy removal and clean up once the dough is frozen.
- Large freezer bags – a simple and inexpensive way to freeze cookie dough, freezer bags are easy to arrange and stack in the freezer.
- Labels or permanent marker – label the bag with the type of cookie, date, temperature and baking time for easy reference when the cookie craving strikes! Love this label maker!
How to bake cookies from frozen
Baking cookie dough from frozen is as easy as 1, 2, 3. For best results, follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven according to recipe directions. Some recipes may suggest lowering the original temperature by 25° if baking frozen cookie dough.
Step 2: Place the frozen cookie dough balls on a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving space between as directed in the recipe.
Step 3: Bake the cookies according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a minute or two to the bake time for best results.
Note: If baking cookies that are rolled in sugar or cinnamon sugar, defrost the dough for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the dough to soften slightly so that the sugar will stick. Roll in sugar just before baking. Because the cookies are partially defrosted, you will not need to add additional minutes to the baking time.
FAQ’s
Chilling cookie dough just after it’s made serves several purposes. It helps to hydrate the flour, firm up the fat and and creates a more defined shape. Often, cookie dough requires chilling to make it less sticky. If dough is too sticky it will be difficult to scoop into balls. I suggest not skipping this step if a recipe calls for it. Chill the dough as instructed and then scoop and freeze in balls.
Cookie dough that is relatively soft does not freeze well. Avoid freezing the dough for crinkle cookies, madeleines, macarons or brownie cookies. Because the dough does not hold up well in the freezer, the results will not be the same once baked. Be sure to read freezing instructions on each recipe card for best results.
If you do not have parchment paper on hand, you can use wax paper or a silpat mat instead to line the cookie sheet for freezing. Do not use wax paper in the oven to bake the cookies.
Yes. Generally speaking, the colder the cookie at the start of baking, the thicker the cookie will be. To maintain the intended thickness of a cookie, defrost the cookie dough in the refrigerator before baking rather than baking directly from the freezer.
Most cookie dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, sometimes longer. Be sure the ziploc bag or container is well sealed to prevent freezer burn and odors.
Baked cookies freeze beautifully and defrost quickly at room temperature. To freeze cookies, cool completely and then place in a freezer bag or container, being sure to keep the cookies flat. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! Cool the bars or brownies completely and then slice into squares. Stack the squares between layers of parchment paper and place in a large freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost at room temperature.
Happy baking!
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