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How to Freeze Cookie Dough

By Jenn Segal
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Bag of dough balls labeled "Peanut Butter Cookies 12/16."

One of the benefits of baking cookies (besides cookies, obviously!) is that they are a dessert option that can often be prepared ahead of time, frozen, and then popped in the oven when you need them. This makes holiday prep, Christmas cookie exchanges, last-minute sleepovers, and bake sales a lot less stressful. Another benefit of freezing cookie dough is that it can provide built-in portion control. If you have a hard time stopping at one (or three), you can freeze the dough and then just take enough for one or two portions out of the freezer.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

After you have prepared the cookie dough and rolled it into balls or used a cookie scoop to create balls, put the dough balls on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for one hour. This helps the cookie dough get firm enough so that the balls won’t stick together when put in a container. (Note: if you need to roll the dough balls in sugar, press them down, or create a crisscross pattern, do it before freezing.)

Dough balls on a lined baking sheet.

Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and put all of the dough balls in a sealable bag and press out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date you made the dough and the type of cookie they are (if you’re freezing multiple batches of cookies).

Bag of dough balls labeled \"Peanut Butter Cookies 12/16.\"

Put the bags in the freezer (the back of the freezer is best as that’s where it’s coldest). The cookie dough will last for up to 3 months. Bake as needed directly from the freezer (no need to defrost). Allow an additional 1 or 2 minutes in the oven.

baked peanut butter blossoms

Ready to Bake cookies? Try this easy freezing method with any of these cookies

Comments

  • Very informative website! I have a drop cookie recipe from my grandmother. The dough consistency is too wet to roll into balls. Do you think I could just drop onto parchment and freeze?

    • — Dawn on January 4, 2024
    • Reply

    • Yes, I think that would work (and glad you found the tips helpful)!

      • — Jenn on January 4, 2024
      • Reply

  • Soooo helpful! Thanks! Question: I have my grandmother’s recipe for “Ice Box Cookies” from the Fanny Farmer Boston Cooking School cookbook. I put them in the refrigerator and slice off cookies when needed. Do you think I could put them in the freezer instead? Guess they’d need to be sliced first. Best regards!

    • — Susan on July 10, 2022
    • Reply

    • Sure, Susan, I think you could do that. 🙂

      • — Jenn on July 11, 2022
      • Reply

  • LOVE this website!!!!!!!!!!

    Your cookies and their recipes are soooo great!!! Keep them coming.

    Do you have any cookie recipes for diabetics???

    • — Rosemary Habek
    • Reply

    • So glad you like the website, Rosemary!! I don’t have recipes that are specifically for diabetics, but I believe some of my recipes might work with some tweaks. I don’t know enough about the restrictions necessary for them to be diabetic-friendly though. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful!

  • Jean, love your recipes. The pecan bars are a favorite at my house. Is there a cookie scoop you recommend? The ones I’ve tried dont last very long.
    Keep sending recipes.
    Thanks.

    • Hi Becky, So glad you like the recipes! Oxo is my favorite brand for cookie scoops. 🙂

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