One of the biggest mistakes I made when I started out as a young baker, was to freeze my holiday cookies together in one container. The cookies kind of took on each other’s flavors; the Chocolate Mint Brownies really shared their aromatic flavor. The goodies didn’t go to waste because family and friends devoured them cheerfully. But that incident taught me a lesson I would never forget. If you want to bake and store holiday cookies ahead of time, or store leftover goodies, read this informative article first and find out how to properly freeze cookie dough and holiday cookies so they stay fresh and delicious!
How to Freeze Cookie Dough
Many doughs, such as for Sugar, Gingerbread, Shortbread, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal and Peanut Butter cookies freeze well. However, cookie dough that contains a lot of liquid doesn’t store as well. To properly freeze cookie dough until you’re ready to bake it into delicious treats, you’ll need plenty of good-quality plastic wrap and a permanent marker.
Wrap each loaf of dough not once- but twice- in plastic wrap. Make sure you press and seal the seams, especially the ends, securely. Use the permanent marker to carefully write the name of the type of cookie dough on each wrapper. Then, place each loaf in your freezer.
The plastic wrap will help seal in the flavors of the cookie dough and keep it fresh. It will also help prevent freezer burn and keep the dough from absorbing other food odors in your freezer. You can store cookie dough for four to six weeks in your freezer.
Then, right before you’re ready to start baking, remove the cookie dough loaves from your freezer and place them in your refrigerator. Allow them to thaw several hours before using them.
How to Freeze Cookies Before the Holidays
Many bakers start making their delicious holiday goodies a month or two ahead of time. When I used to bake dozens and dozens of cookies for Christmas, I always started in November.
To properly freeze holiday cookies so they stay fresh and delicious, you’ll need to keep each type of goody separate from other types. If they are freshly baked, let them cool completely before you store them. You can freeze frosted and/or decorated cookies, brownies, et cetera, but it’s really better if you leave them plain for now. If you must frost and/or decorate them first before you freeze them, then place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer for an hour or so. This will harden the frosting so the decorations won’t fall off easily. Then, remove them from the freezer and proceed with the next steps.
You’ll then need individual plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and plenty of freezer paper. You can use wax paper, but freezer paper really works the best. To properly freeze holiday cookies, start with one type. Place a piece of freezer paper in the bottom of a plastic container. It should completely cover the bottom. Carefully place a layer of the goodies on the paper. Cover that layer with more freezer paper, then add another layer. Repeat this process until the container is full, leaving a space between the cookies and the top, then place another piece of paper over the top layer. Put the lid on the container, making sure it’s completely sealed. Use a permanent marker to write the name of the goody on the lid, as well as the date. Or, put a piece of tape on the lid and write on that. Then, place the container in your freezer so it sets flat and won’t be jarred around. The plastic containers will help keep your Holiday cookies fresh and delicious, and protect them from freezer burn and breakage.
Most types of holiday cookies, including ice box, rolled and drop, will stay fresh and delicious- if they are properly frozen- for up to three months. Soft cookies, or filled ones can be frozen for up to a month.
You can freeze cookies that are leftover from the Holidays in the same way to keep them fresh and delicious.
How to Thaw Holiday Cookies
When you want to eat the cookies you have frozen, simply remove them from the freezer. Set them on a counter and allow them to come to room temperature.
Or, if you’re in a hurry, you can place a single layer of Holiday cookies on a microwave-safe plate. Place them in your microwave oven for about thirty seconds. If they’re still hard, microwave them for another ten to fifteen seconds until they are edible. The cooking times will depend on the type and size of the cookies.
