Easy Freezer Cookie Dough Hack!
Discover the ultimate cookie dough hack for fresh, warm treats anytime! This guide shows you how to prepare and flash freeze your favorite cookie dough, ensuring you always have delicious, portion-controlled cookies ready to bake.
Equipment
- Spring-Loaded Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper
- Rimmed Baking Sheets
- Large Freezer-Safe Bags or Airtight Containers
- Labels or Permanent Marker
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Base
- Prepared Cookie Dough any favorite recipe!
Freezing Supplies
- Spring-Loaded Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper or wax paper/Silpat mat
- Rimmed Baking Sheets
- Large Freezer-Safe Bags or Airtight Containers
- Labels or Permanent Marker
Instructions
- Whip Up Your Dough: Start by making your favorite cookie dough recipe. If the recipe suggests chilling the dough before scooping, go ahead and do that first. This step makes the dough easier to handle and helps maintain a lovely shape, contributing to a healthier, more consistent cookie!
- Scoop & Flash Freeze: Use a cookie scoop to portion your dough into even balls. Place these dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If your cookies usually get rolled in sugar (like snickerdoodles), freeze them plain for now; you'll add the sugar later!
- Firm Up in the Freezer: Pop the entire baking sheet into your freezer for about one hour, or until the cookie dough balls are completely firm and frozen solid. This crucial step prevents them from clumping together in the storage bag.
- Store Smartly: Once your dough balls are firm, transfer them from the baking sheet into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to protect against freezer burn and keep your cookies tasting fresh for up to three months.
- Label for Convenience: Don't forget to label your bag or container clearly! Write down the type of cookie, the date you froze them, and the recommended baking temperature and time. This way, you're always ready for a quick, healthy treat!
- How to Bake Your Frozen Cookies for a Fresh Treat: Preheat & Place: Preheat your oven according to your cookie recipe's instructions. Some recipes might suggest lowering the temperature by 25°F when baking from frozen. Arrange your frozen dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them enough space to spread.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies as directed by your recipe. You might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time to ensure they're perfectly done. Healthy Tip: Baking just one or two cookies at a time from your frozen stash is a fantastic way to enjoy a fresh, warm treat without baking a whole batch, helping with portion control!
- Sugar Coating (if applicable): If your cookie dough needs to be rolled in sugar, let the frozen dough balls sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until they soften slightly. Then, roll them in sugar just before baking. Since they're partially defrosted, you likely won't need to add extra baking time.
Notes
This freezer hack makes it easy to enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever you crave them, offering a great way to manage portions. For baking frozen cookies, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time. If your cookie dough needs to be rolled in sugar, let the frozen dough balls soften slightly at room temperature before rolling and baking. Nutrition information for this recipe varies greatly depending on the specific cookie dough recipe used: Calories, Total Carbs, Net Carbs, Fats, and Protein will all differ.
