The Best Way To Refrigerate Or Freeze (Most) Cookie Doughs

The Best Way to Refrigerate or Freeze (Most) Cookie Doughs

When it comes to making cookies, sometimes the need arises to refrigerate or freeze the dough for later use. Whether you want to prep ahead for a big event, or simply have fresh homemade cookies ready whenever you crave them, knowing the best way to store your cookie dough is essential. Fortunately, we have some tips and tricks to help you do just that!

Refrigerating Cookie Dough

Refrigerating cookie dough can be a great option if you want to make the dough in advance and bake it within a few days. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Wrap it up: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
2. Chill it properly: Place the wrapped or containerized dough in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour or up to 72 hours. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and enhances the texture of the cookies.

When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the refrigerator, let it soften slightly at room temperature, and proceed with shaping and baking as usual. Refrigerated cookie dough can typically be stored for up to a week in the fridge.

Freezing Cookie Dough

Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic way to have freshly baked cookies on demand. Whether you want to freeze the dough in individual portions or as a whole batch, follow these steps:

1. Portion it out: Divide the cookie dough into individual portions using a cookie scoop or by shaping it into balls. This allows you to freeze only the amount you need at a time.
2. Flash freeze: Place the portioned cookie dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put it in the freezer. This will help the dough hold its shape and prevent the portions from sticking together.
3. Package it properly: Once the portions are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out excess air before sealing. Be sure to label the bag with the type of dough and the date of freezing.

When you’re craving fresh-baked cookies, simply take out the desired number of dough portions from the freezer, let them thaw on a baking sheet for a few minutes, and then proceed with baking as usual. Frozen cookie dough can be stored for up to 3 months.

Exceptions to the Rule

While refrigerating or freezing most cookie doughs works well, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.:

• Meringue-based doughs: Cookie doughs that are primarily made from meringue, such as macarons, should not be refrigerated or frozen. They are best baked immediately for optimal results.
• Filled or sandwich cookies: Doughs that contain fillings like jam, ganache, or cream should be assembled and stored as finished cookies rather than in dough form. The fillings can become watery or lose their texture when frozen.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your refrigerated or frozen cookie dough maintains its quality and produces delicious, fresh-baked cookies whenever you desire. So go ahead and whip up a batch of your favorite cookie dough, and enjoy the convenience of having homemade cookies in an instant!

Happy baking!