For me, my mom makes the best cookies ever! That is why I always request her to bake me lots of cookies every time I am home from boarding school. I would even bring some with me when I go back to school. I wish I could store them longer so I can bring much more every time I come home for vacation. Can cookies be frozen for longer storing? Please tell me how to. Thank you!
How sweet of your mom to bake you the cookies you always love. You must be a very lucky child to have such a wonderful mom. Kudos to you and your mom!
Freezing cookies is such a brilliant idea so to extend their shelf life. Just make sure to put them in rigid containers and arranged them in layers lined with parchment or freezer paper or foil to prevent them from crushing and sticking together respectively. Always remember also to ensure that the cookies are cooled before freezing them to avoid moisture accumulation that would make them soggy upon thawing later.
Can You Freeze Cookies?
Almost all types of cookies, baked or unbaked, even still in their dough form, are basically up for freezing. Although there are just some which do not hold up well in the freezer like the mostly cakey ones or those with liquidly batters.
The very basic rule for freezing cookies and cookie dough is to avoid freezing those that have liquid batters. These are the likes of the thin and delicate tiles and Florentines along with the ones which are very cakey-like madeleines for they do not freeze well.
Freezing cookie dough can be done flash freeze method by arranging them in a single layer with spaces between on a baking pan or sheet. It should be lined with baking paper or foil then wrapping it thoroughly with plastic cling wrap before stacking them inside the freezer. They may or may not be thawed before popping them in the oven for baking.
You may also freeze them by forming a log-like shape out of your dough which will then be sliced whenever you want to bake it. Frozen cookies are as quality and nutritious as non-frozen ones. Even the taste does not vary at all. They usually can stay up to 12 months or so in the freezer and are still consumable.
On the other hand, baked cookies will have a prolonged shelf life if frozen after being cooled completely. The quality and taste as well as its nutrients are the same as long as it is reheated in the oven after being thawed to regain its crispiness and freshly baked taste and texture.
Baked cookies should be kept in airtight and rigid freezer containers or bags to prevent them from getting crushed or getting damaged. Don’t forget to label the dates on the containers even though you might have consumed it all before you know it.
How to Freeze Cookies?
Freezing cookie dough and baked cookies is the only way to prolong their shelf life other than the no-freeze storing process. The following are the steps on how to freeze cookies, baked or not.
- For the cookie dough, in the flash freeze method, scoop the batter and arrange each, and spread in one layer with spaces apart on a baking sheet. Wrap the baking sheet tightly with plastic cling wrap and store it in the freezer.
- When fully frozen, you may transfer them into airtight rigid containers or freezer bags all labeled with dates for further storing up to 12 months or more.
- When you are ready to bake it, just pop them out from the freezer and bake according to recipe instructions. Be sure to thaw it first before baking or you will have to add about 25% more baking time for it to get done.
- Another method is by forming your cookie dough into a log and wrapping it tightly in plastic food wrap to prevent oxidation as this may affect the texture or may cause freezer burns. Just slice and bake them whenever you want some cookie serving to satisfy your craving.
- As for the baked cookies, pack them in rigid airtight containers or freezer bags, arranged in layers lined with baking paper or foil especially if they are decorated or iced cookies. Vacuum as much air as possible before sealing the packaging.
- Always see to it that baked cookies are thoroughly cooled before freezing to prevent condensation and from getting mushy when thawed.
- Label each pack of cookie dough or baked cookies with the date when you packed them for freezing for easy tracking on their ages while in the freezer.
- Stack them inside the freezer and these should be good for consumption for up to an average of 8 to 12 months.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cookies?
Cookies are a delicious and easy treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra cookies? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover cookies:
1. Make a cookie crust – Cookie crumbs can be used to make a delicious and easy crust for pies and other desserts. Just combine the crumbs with some melted butter and sugar, and press into the bottom of a pie plate. Bake according to your recipe.
2. Make ice cream sandwiches – This is a great way to use up any extra cookies you have on hand. Just sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies, and you’ve got a delicious and easy treat.
3. Crumble them over yogurt – This is a great way to add some extra sweetness and flavor to your yogurt. Just crumble up some cookies and sprinkle them over the top of your yogurt.
4. Use them as a topping for cheesecake – This is a great way to use up any extra cookies you have on hand. Just crumble them up and sprinkle them over the top of your favorite cheesecake recipe.
5. Make cookie butter – Cookie butter is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the taste of cookies all year round. To make cookie butter, you will need 1 cup of ground cookies, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Simply combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Pour into a jar and store in the fridge for up to 6 months. This recipe makes about 2 cups of cookie butter.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cookies. Next time you find yourself with extra cookies, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cookies Recipes
Save & Bake Cookie Dough
This is a delicious and classic chocolate chip cookie dough made, shown, and demonstrated here with the options of flash freezing or baking directly into a delectable snack.
Cookies 4 Ways: Oreo Stuffed Cookies, S’mores Cookies, Nutella Stuffed Cookies, Red Velvet Cookies
This basic yet delicious cookie dough is prepared with exciting twists and turns into an enticing four-way delish and snack. These are the oreo stuffed cookies, s’mores cookies, Nutella stuffed cookies and the red velvet cookies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6AE7eXw6T8
Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites
It is a yummy and sweet indulgence of chocolate chip cookie dough layered on top with vanilla ice cream. It is frozen then sliced into bite-sized portions and eventually dipped in chocolate ganache.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cookies. Frozen cookies will last for 3-6 months. Here is how to properly seal the cookie dough so that it doesn’t dry out in the freezer: Place the cooled cookie dough on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer for an hour. Transfer the frozen dough to a freezer bag; make sure you push out all of the air before sealing. Date and label it so that you don’t forget when you placed it in the freezer.
Let me know your experience with freezing cookie dough or if you have any questions about it by leaving a comment below.
