You can freeze filled cookies, such as thumbprint cookies and cookies that are coated in
powdered sugar
, such as Mexican wedding cookies either after they are baked or freeze the cookie dough. If you’re freezing the baked cookies, wait to fill them or roll in powdered sugar until you’re ready to serve.
For cookies that are already baked, here’s how to freeze them successfully for
up to two months
. Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before freezing. Place the cookies into an airtight container lined with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap. For best results, wrap the cookies individually in plastic food wrap.
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.
Arrange the cooled cookies in airtight containers. Line bottom with
aluminum foil
, plastic wrap, or wax paper. Separate each layer of cookies with aluminum foil or wax paper. Seal the container, and label it with the contents and date before freezing.
Typically, drop cookies (including oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip cookies) and
cut-out cookies (such as sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies)
freeze well. Delicate cookies, on the other hand, such as wafers and meringues, will not freeze well—so we recommend making those just before serving.
You can prepare the dough and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for
3 to 5 days
. When you are ready to bake, roll the dough to the desired thickness and follow the recipe instructions. Freezing Rolled Cookie Dough – Divide your dough into 2 equal-size balls.
Typically,
drop cookies (including oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip cookies)
and cut-out cookies (such as sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies) freeze well. Delicate cookies, on the other hand, such as wafers and meringues, will not freeze well—so we recommend making those just before serving.
You can freeze classic Christmas cookies that get coated in powdered sugar (like Russian Tea Cakes) but it is
best to freeze them before baking and coating
. Form the cookies and then place on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. … When ready to bake, thaw the unbaked cookies on the counter.
Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for
eight to 12 months
. Moist bars, such as cheesecake and lemon bars, can be refrigerated for seven days. For best quality, store bars in the freezer for two to three months.
You’ll find that most of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes can be made ahead anywhere from
a month to six months before the 25th of December
. (Consult this handy how-to guide to the matter!) Generally, most recipes will be best if baked then frozen.
Store them
flat in a ziptop freezer bag
, with layers of parchment paper between them. That will make it easy to separate them for serving, with minimal breakage. It also makes for more organized storing in the freezer. Cookies should thaw at room temperature outside of the bag for 10-15 minutes.
- Cooling—Cool your cookies completely before freezing. …
- Container—To keep your cookies safe in the freezer, be sure to place them in a sturdy plastic container. …
- Layering—Cover the bottom of the container with cookies. …
- Plastic Wrap—Preventing freezer burn is all about keeping the air out.
Dry cookies, like
shortbread cookies
, gingersnaps, and Danish butter cookies, will stay fresher for longer because they have very little moisture. Dry cookies become stale when they suck up moisture from the air – causing them to become soft and lose their snap.
How far in advance can you bake the cookies? I bake the cookies
up to a week ahead of time
and store them in an airtight container until ready for use.
Do you have leftover cookies? … Lay the cookies out in a single layer, not touching, and cover it with plastic wrap. Then freeze the baking sheet for at least 4 hours (overnight if you can). Once the cookies are frozen,
you can stack them in a gallon-sized Ziploc freezer bag
.
