One of the best ways to store cookie dough for later use is in the freezer.
But it’s not suitable for all varieties of cookies.
It would depend on the sugar and dairy content of a particular type of dough.
So, can you freeze sugar cookie dough?
4 Ways to Store Sugar Cookie Dough
Sugar cookies are made from sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and baking powder or baking soda.
These cookies don’t use as much butter as other cookies.
So they are easy to roll out and generally hold their shape.
They also hold up well in the freezer.
Here is how to store the raw dough for later use.
1. Freeze the Dough as A Whole
One of the easiest ways to store sugar cookie dough for later use is by preparing the dough and freezing it.
Follow these steps for proper storage.
- Prepare the sugar cookie dough as per the recipe.
- Roll it into a ball and flatten it slightly. A disc of 1.5 to 2″ thickness would be just right.
- Wrap the disc in plastic.
- Place the disc inside an airtight bag or container. Expel any excess air and seal it tightly.
- Freeze the disc flat for two to three hours until it’s hard and firm.
- Once frozen, you can store it vertically or horizontally in the freezer.
2. Cut out Cookies and Freeze Them
You can also store sugar cookie dough after cutting out the cookies from the dough.
With this method, the dough is already rolled out and cut into the desired shape.
So you are all set to bake the cookies whenever you desire. Just thaw the cookies and bake them.
Follow these steps:
- Prepare the cookie dough as per the recipe.
- Roll it out into discs of the required thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes you like.
- Place all the raw cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Flash-freeze them for two to three hours till all the cookies are hard and cold.
- Remove the cookies from the tray and transfer them into an airtight container.
- Place parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking to each other.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container or bag in the freezer.
Related: How to Store Cookie Dough? | Cookie Dough is Crumbly?
3. Make a Cookie Dough Log and Freeze
Instead of storing the cookie dough as a disc or in the shape of cookies, you can also store it as a log.
In this case, you can easily cut the cookies out of the log to the desired thickness.
Follow these steps:
- Prepare the cookie dough as per the recipe.
- Chill it in the refrigerator for fifteen to twenty minutes. This will help the dough hold its shape better.
- Knead the dough and roll it between your palms and a flat surface.
- Shape the dough into a log.
- Wrap the cookie dough in plastic.
- Fold over the edges or twist the excess plastic on either side so there is no air between the plastic and the dough.
- Place the cookie dough inside an airtight cover or bag and seal the top.
- Place the log in the freezer in an upright or flat position based on the space available.
4. Bake the Cookies and Freeze
If you bake more cookies than you need or wish to get all the prep work out of the way, bake the cookies beforehand and freeze them.
In this case, you would bake the cookies as usual. Wait for the cookies to cool down completely.
Then, directly pack them in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers. Take care to expel any excess air.
The packaging should also be free from moisture.
Baked and frozen cookies hold up for several weeks in the freezer.
You can just thaw them, and they will be ready for use when you choose.
You can add frosting and decorations to the frozen cookies, and they will look fresh.
How to Use Frozen Sugar Cookie Dough?
One of the best things about having sugar dough in the freezer is that you can make cookies whenever you desire.
When stored properly, sugar cookie dough retains its original texture.
So the cookies will be just like when you make them with fresh dough.
Here are the important things to remember when you use frozen sugar cookie dough.
1. Frozen Sugar Cookie Dough Doesn’t Need Thawing
Most of the things stored in the freezer need thawing. However, sugar cookie dough is an exception.
There is no need to thaw sugar cookie dough.
You can directly transfer it from the freezer to the oven and bake cookies.
2. Thaw the Cookie Dough if You Stored It Whole
If you used the first method of freezing the entire dough, you would have to thaw it for baking.
In this case, transfer the cookie dough to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
You can also thaw the dough on the countertop at room temperature. It would thaw faster.
However, thawing it in the refrigerator ensures that the dough has no frozen bits.
When the sugar cookie dough reaches room temperature, you can roll it out to the desired thickness, cut the cookies, and bake them.
3. Preheat the Oven to A Slightly Lower Temperature
When working with frozen sugar cookie dough, preheat the oven to a slightly lower temperature than the recipe requires.
We recommend reducing the temperature by 15 degrees. This will allow the cold dough to adjust to the oven easier.
The cookies will bake better than if you cook them at the temperature in the recipe.
4. Bake for A Longer Time
When baking frozen sugar cookie dough, you would have to bake it for longer than mentioned in the recipe.
Since you start with frozen dough, you will need a few extra minutes for it to adjust to the required temperature.
So set the oven for three to five extra minutes than in the recipe.
Check on the cookies mid-way to ensure that they are cooking properly.
You can take them out when they develop a golden color, and the base is brown.
How to Freeze Baked Sugar Cookies?
The fastest way to have sugar cookies is to bake them and freeze them.
Follow these steps to freeze different types of baked sugar cookies.
Unfrosted Sugar Cookies
To freeze unfrosted sugar cookies, spread a layer of cookies inside an airtight freezer-safe box or container.
Place a parchment sheet over the cookies and spread another layer of cookies over it.
Repeat the same process till you use up all the cookie dough. Seal the bag or cover the box with a lid.
Place the container in the freezer.
You can either thaw it in the refrigerator or on the countertop when it’s time to use it.
Buttercream and Cheese Cream Frosted Sugar Cookies
If you have already decorated the cookies with buttercream or cream cheese, the freezing method differs slightly.
In this case, spread the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Place it in the freezer for a few hours till the frosting hardens completely.
Next, layer the cookies in a box and separate each layer with baking or parchment paper.
When the container is full, place the lid or seal the cover. Place it in the freezer.
Thaw it completely in the refrigerator when you wish to use it.
Related: Can Cookie Dough Sit Out?
Royal Icing Frosted Sugar Cookies
Cookies decorated with royal icing should harden completely for proper freezing.
In this case, place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place it uncovered in the freezer for a few hours. The icing should harden properly.
Then, transfer the cookies to a container or bag with a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies.
Seal the container or bag and place it in the freezer.
You can thaw these cookies at room temperature for a few hours to make them soft and edible.
