How to Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies

How to Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Hey Y’all.  By Popular demand, here’s how I stock my freezer with cookie dough.  Because really, a girl can’t be without a warm chocolate chip cookie. 

DISCLAIMER: 

Warm fresh from the oven cookies on demand is a dangerous precedent.  There’s just something cozy and warm about a cookie that is all melty and gooey whenever you want.  So govern yourselves accordingly.  

My go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe is the New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookie. This recipe is kind of complicated– because you need two types of flour and you must chill the dough for at least 48 hours.  I figure if I am putting that much effort into making a cookie, I might as well double the recipe and create a little freezer stash.  But sometimes I venture out and try new Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes and I always add them to the collection. 

Every couple of months, I make a double batch of chocolate chip cookies and freeze the dough in individual scoops ready to be baked. The upside is that I can almost always produce a couple dozen cookies on short notice. Friends, Neighbors, meetings at work. I’m always ready.   The most common use though is Mila asking me for a “cookie from the oven”.  This girl lives a life I could never imagine. 

Supplies

1. A batch of your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe
2. This Oxo cookie scoop
3. Freezer safe Gallon Ziploc bags OR an airtight reusable container
4. Sharpie or label to mark the date
5. Parchment Paper
6. A large cookie sheet

Instructions

1. Line a large cookie sheet with Parchment Paper. 
2. Scoop the cookie dough into roughly identical sized balls onto the parchment paper. A cookie scoop makes this a breeze, but alternatively you can use a tablespoon. Make sure the cookies aren’t touching. 
3. Set the cookie sheet in the freezer uncovered for about 5 minutes.  This step allows the dough to firm up so that the dough balls don’t freeze together.  If your dough was chilling in the fridge for a significant period of time, you can skip this step.  
4. Label the ziploc bag/ airtight container with the name of the cookies and the date.  Sometimes I add baking instructions on bag too. 
5. Place the dough balls in the freezer bag or airtight container, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. 
6. Place the Bags in the Freezer

When you’re ready to Bake: 

1. Bake the Cookies directly from frozen
2. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time, but adjust according to your oven and preferences. 

FAQs

Do I have to defrost the cookies when I want to bake them?

No! I bake the chocolate chip cookies directly from frozen. I don’t even pull the cookies out of the freezer until the oven is ready. 

Can you bake the cookies and then freeze them?

Yes.  Several people on Instagram shared that they bake the entire batch of cookies, freeze them and then pop them in the microwave when they want one.  I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s possible.

What size cookie scoop is that?

I use  the OXO medium cookie scoop.  The size is technically a #40 and holds 1.5 tablespoons.  

How long do you have to bake a frozen cookie?

I add two to three minutes to the normal baking time. The amount of time will depend on how hot your oven runs and how firm you like your chocolate chip cookies.  My advice would be to watch the timer closely the first couple of batches until you get the hang of it. 

Do you really only make a couple cookies at a time?

Yes!  We do this all of the time because we have this Breville Toaster Oven.  THis might be the best Christmas Present ever because it’s basically an adult Easy Bake oven but with so much more power. I can preheat the toaster oven in  5 minutes and I don’t waste energy warming up my regular oven. 

How long do the cookies last in the freezer?

I am ashamed to say that I don’t know from experience,  because cookies don’t last that long in my house.  According to Google frozen raw cookie dough can last six to 12 months.

Print