How to Freeze Cookies
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Can you freeze cookie dough? How about baked cookies? We answer these questions and more in our guide to freezing cookies.
On those days when you need a homemade treat ASAP, put away the stand mixer and sticks of butter. Instead, reach for cookies from your freezer. Yes, you heard me right. You can actually freeze cookies—and they taste just as good weeks later as they did the day they came out of the oven. Here’s how to do it.
How to Freeze Cookies
Step 1: Make Sure Your Cookies are Suitable for Freezing
Theoretically, you can put any type of cookies in the freezer, but some varieties hold up better than others. One of our best tips for freezing cookies is to avoid any overly delicate treats (like these meringue hearts) or any decorated cookies as the frosting will lose its fluffy texture.
The best cookies to freeze are sturdy and simple—think drop cookies (like these chocolate chip beauties), cutouts (you can decorate them after they thaw!) or cookie bars (like these snickerdoodle blondies). Learn more about the different types of cookies.
Step 2: Freeze in a Single Layer
To freeze cookies, start by baking them. Then, once they’ve cooled, arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop the sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes or until the cookies are frozen solid.
Step 3: Place in Desired Container
Then, layer frozen cookies in airtight containers, with a piece of parchment paper separating each layer. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking to one another.
Repeat until all of the cookies are packed, then freeze containers for up to three months. Thaw (or pop in the microwave for a few seconds—we won’t tell) before serving.
Can You Freeze Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! If you’re still craving a fresh-from-the-oven cookie, freezing cookie dough works, too. Just whip up your favorite dough—again, hefty recipes work best—and freeze. You can either freeze the entire quantity of dough or individual portions.
For the entire batch: Wrap the finished dough in parchment paper, flatten into a circle shape and place in a freezer bag. Thaw dough overnight in the fridge before shaping into cookies and baking.
For individual cookies: Scoop dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment. Place the sheet in the freezer for 30-45 minutes or until the dough balls are frozen. Place frozen balls in a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge. Or, bake from frozen—just increase the recipe’s cook time by 3-4 minutes.
Keep these cookies in the freezer for craving emergencies.
Cinnamon-Candy CookiesI was trying to make a unique Christmas cookie inspired by my brother's love of Red Hots, so I used the candies for cinnamon flavor in these lacelike cookies. —Wendy Rusch, Cameron, Wisconsin
Lemon SnowdropsI save my snowdrop cookies for special occasions. The crunchy, buttery sandwich cookie has a puckery lemon filling. —Bernice Martinoni, Petaluma, California
Honey-Lime Almond CookiesDecades ago my grandmother passed this buttery lime cookie recipe to me. Through years of baking, our cookie memories keep the family connected, although we’re miles apart. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Frosted Eggnog Cutout CookiesMy husband loves the creamy richness of eggnog, so I add it to the dough and buttercream icing in these cookies. Top each one with a sprinkle of nutmeg. —Joan Sarge, Asheville, North Carolina
Hungarian Walnut CookiesAs a child, I always looked forward to eating these goodies at Christmastime. Now I make them for my own family. —Sharon Kurtz, Emmaus, Pennsylvania
Red Velvet Whoopie PiesEveryone gets a kick out of this fun take on the popular red velvet cake. Take a shortcut and use packaged cream cheese frosting for the filling. —Judi Dexheimer, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
These Ree Drummond red velvet cake cookies offer another alternative recipe of the delicious treat.
Banana Cream Sandwich CookiesPeople go bananas for these! These rich little sandwiches are a nice change of pace on a Christmas platter, and they ship well, too. —Elaine Owens, Dubuque, Iowa
Mexican Chocolate Sugar CrispsMy grandma loved these so much, she would hide them from my grandpa! I think of her every time I make a batch. Like Mexican spice? Try stirring in a little chili powder. —Michele Lovio, Thousand Oaks, California
Grandma Krause's Coconut CookiesWhen my two daughters were young, their great-grandma made them coconut cookies with oats. Thankfully, she shared the recipe. —Debra Dorn, Dunnellon, Florida
Cranberry Orange Sandwich CookiesMy sweet-tart cookies make a terrific addition to a holiday dessert tray. I love the creamy orange filling.—Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Chocolate-Glazed Doughnut CookiesMy little nieces love to help decorate these doughnut-shaped cookies. They top them with sprinkles, chopped pecans or crushed candy canes. —Jolie Stinson, Marion, Indiana
Berry-Filled Butter RibbonsTangy boysenberry is an unusual for a cookie, but it goes well with chocolate. I change the sprinkles and even the type of chocolate to suit the season.—Amy Sauerwalt, Columbia, Maryland
Nutty Pie-Crust CookiesI like Italian cream cake, so I used it as inspiration for this cookie recipe. The splash of orange liqueur in the filling is my special touch. —Sonji McCarty-Onezine, Beaumont, Texas
Mint-Filled CookiesI tuck a peppermint patty inside these treats for a fun surprise. The bites will melt in your mouth. —Karen Nielson, St. George, Utah
Almond Chocolate BiscottiThese white chocolate-drizzled cookies are a cinch to make, so I’m always happy to whip up a batch. This is good because my neighbors always look forward to them! —Ginger Chatfield, Muscatine, Iowa
White Chocolate-Cappuccino CookiesThese adorable cookies shaped like coffee cups don't last long with my friends and family. For an even richer flavor, I use a mocha latte coffee mix. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Glazed Strawberry CookiesI learned to bake with my grandmother and mother. I knew I was giving them a sweet new family tradition when I shared this recipe with them. —Andrea Zulauf, Livonia, New York
Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream SandwichesIf you’re tight on time, you can use store-bought cookies, but I highly recommend making these oatmeal chocolate cookies from scratch. The dessert sandwiches are pure fun. Sometimes I decorate the sides of the sandwiches with colorful jimmies, too. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Chai Tea Sandwich CookiesYou’ll love these cookies filled with a dreamy chai-infused ganache. They’re perfect after a meal, with a cup of tea, as a breakfast treat—or anytime at all. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Ultimate Candy Bar CookiesI created these after Halloween, when I had way too much candy left over. You can make them with any mini chocolate candy, but if you use peanut butter cups, throw them in the freezer just before unwrapping so the chocolate won’t stick to the paper. —Tara John, Plymouth, Minnesota
Mini Peanut Butter Sandwich CookiesPeanut butter lovers go nuts for these rich little sandwich cookies. On a hot day, sandwich ice cream between the cookies instead of frosting. It cools you right down. —Keri Wolfe, Nappanee, Indiana
Originally Published: February 27, 2019
