When you think of the holiday season a few things come to mind: family gatherings, presents, and, of course, cookies. The holidays are closer than you think, and planning ahead always makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable celebration. When loved ones are visiting, the last thing you want to do is spend all your time in the kitchen. Luckily, when it comes to making cookies, you don’t have to. If you’re ready to start preparing your sweet treats for the holidays, consider saving time by freezing your cookie dough. It’s easier than you might think.
WHICH TYPES OF COOKIE DOUGH CAN BE FROZEN?
When it comes to selecting which type of cookie dough to freeze, opt for dough that is more on the firm and chunky side like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. Drop cookies, cutout cookies, and slice-and-bake cookies are all varieties that can be frozen successfully. While the majority of cookie dough varieties can be frozen, freezing dough for more delicate cookies like meringues is not recommended.
HOW TO FREEZE COOKIE DOUGH
When frozen properly, cookie dough can last for nearly three months. For drop cookies, the process is simple. Once you’ve made the cookie dough, create portions using a cookie scoop and roll them into balls. Next, you will want to place the dough balls on a baking sheet. The sheet can be lined with either parchment or wax paper. Place the sheet into the freezer for four hours or until the dough becomes frozen solid. Once the dough is hard, transfer the balls into a freezer bag or an airtight container.
Slice-and-bake cookie dough requires a different but similarly simple process. Roll the dough into a log and wrap it in wax paper, and then place the log inside of an empty paper towel roll. Next, freeze the log until it becomes hard. Once frozen, remove the dough from the freezer and discard the cardboard. Place the log in an air-tight container or freezer bag and place it back in the freezer.
No matter which method you choose, it is essential to use an air-tight container to avoid freezer burn. It is also wise to label your containers with the date to ensure you are baking the dough within the three-month window.
HOW TO BAKE FROZEN COOKIE DOUGH
Once you’re ready to bake the cookies, the process couldn’t be easier. For drop cookie dough, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, space out the dough balls, and bake. While there is no need to thaw the dough, it is recommended that you add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen. Slice-and-bake cookie dough should be thawed before baking to ensure safe and proper slicing. Dough for cutout cookies should also be thawed to ensure the dough is soft enough to cut.
If you’re looking for a delicious new cookie recipe to try this holiday season, you’ll love these Iced Sugar Cookies from GE. To get a head start on these delicious holiday sweet treats, simply prepare the dough and then freeze it via the steps above.
