Do you ever get an urge for cookies late at night? In the middle of the day? I seriously. do. all the time. That's why I always have frozen cookie dough in my freezer. When I make cookies, I usually freeze the cookie dough already portioned out…
Because a long time ago, I broke my cookie scoop. I made some cookie dough, placed it in the refrigerator to chill according to the recipe instructions. After time was up, I was ready to scoop the dough. It was rock hard and I broke my cookie scoop on it. Major sadface.
Nutella & Peanut Butter Swirled Chocolate Chip Cookies
From then on, I always scoop out the dough like you see above before chilling them. And no I don't bake them this close together, I always get that question when I post photos like this on instagram. 馃檪 But if I did, it make would make a major cookie cake bar…now that's not a bad idea! ha
Since the dough is portioned out, once the dough has chilled (in the freezer), it's super easy to bake them! And no more broken cookie scoops and dealing with rock hard cookie dough!
Another note, when I make cookies now, I don't even bother chilling them in the refrigerator, they go straight into the freezer for chilling.
I often do a double batch in my KitchenAid stand mixer too…because I'm making cookie dough like a squirrel hoarding acorns, why not make a double batch? Right? I know you agree with me right now!
Use cookie scoops. Why? You get a uniform size, it's easier to organize and they bake evenly. I love the OXO ones, they have small, medium & large. The large ones are perfect for scooping and portioning out cupcake batter too!
Portion out cookie dough by scooping it out and laying them on…
a parchment paper lined cookie sheet (you can use a silicon baking mat too). I love these small baking sheets for this because they fit in my freezer!
See? Just let these freeze for at least 30 minutes, I sometimes leave them in there for an entire day because I forget about them.
Once they are completely frozen, put them into zippered plastic bags that are labeled with the date, oven temperature and baking time.
Just a note about baking times, since your dough is frozen, it might require 1 to 2 minutes or even longer for baking. It really depends on the recipe. I usually go by the original instructions and set the timer that way and then watch it. I like chewy cookies so I tend to under bake them too.
It's super simple and super rewarding. For that late night craving…or when you need to go to a party and need to make something really quick! Just bake, let them cool and go! You'll be the most appreciated one with freshly baked cookies.
I will admit, the only sad part is when you run out of cookie dough!
Another tip: gift frozen cookie dough. I have been known to bring over a bag or to over to neighbors just because or when someone is sick. They can make it whenever they want to. It's a great way to show your love.
Here are some of the products I use all the time when making cookies!
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. At no cost to you, if you click on any of the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!
Donna says
My grocery store used plastic egg flats for their 30 count eggs. Perfect for portioning cookie dough (and homemade meatballs) and put the lid on them to freeze by stacking the containers!
Caroline Meister says
Anyone else left-handed and have trouble using cookie scoopers?
Joanne (Inspired Taste) says
This is great, Julie and so helpful! Having a batch or two of cookies in the freezer makes so much sense. Not only can we bake just one or two ourselves, but now we’ll be ready for when our cookie-loving friends come over!
Aggie @ Aggie's Kitchen says
This is SO smart. Like really really smart. Next time I make any kind of cookie dough I am doing this and my family is going to LOVE me for it 馃檪
Jacqui says
What is your recommendation for freezing kolachky’s? I’ve had some people tell me to bake and freeze and others say to freeze before baking. Thanks so much!!!
Carol Yarborough says
I just want to share a similar idea that I use all the time.
I make my own homemade hotdog chili (I live in the South where it is a sin to have a hotdog without chili…without beans, of course…lol) so when I make it, I make a lot. I put it in muffin pans and place it in the freezer until frozen enough to pop them out and into a zip lock freezer bag. When we have the urge to eat a really good hotdog I take a couple of the frozen “chili’s” out and put them in a microwave safe covered dish and zap them until heated. Dadahhh……..homemade and better than bought hotdogs!
wendy lange says
i always make extra hd chili to freeze but i didnt think about freezing chili freezbies ill have to try next time. i freeze mine in small baby food jars
christine j says
Thank you. I have never thought of freezing dough. I love the gift Idea also!
Sarah says
I, too, like to freeze cookie dough, so I can make homemade cookies at the drop of a hat. When my scoop broke recently, I put my dough in a mini muffin tin that a I sprayed with a little cooking spray. It works well in a pinch. 馃檪
Julie says
I have tried freezing cookie dough before but with mixed results. Question.. When you bake straight from the freezer, do your cookies turn out as flat as when the dough is freshly made? Mine end up more of a ball shape instead of flattening out and the texture is a bit off. I think I need to experiment again with these recipes. A tasty experiment 馃檪
Gen says
I found the same thing (cookies not flattening as nicely), so after scooping, and befo freezing I gently press the tops down and end up with a more disc shape similar to what they sell in the freezer section of the grocery store. I find they bake up very well this way and flatten ‘as advertised’ like a non frozen cookie dough cookie would. I hope this helps. Happy baking!
Candi says
You are a genius! What a smart idea.
And yes,,,, if I’m makin cookies, let’s double it so I can have cookies anytime I need to feed my fat roll. 鈽猴笍
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Yes!! I do the very same thing, scooping before refrigerating or freezing. I almost broke my cookie scoop and that was enough to scare me into changing.
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Love freezing cookie dough, perfect for when last minute guests come over too 馃檪 Your cookies look perfect!
Vanessa says
I have a question, if i am not going yo eat them right away, when they will expire? A month later?
Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch says
This is one of those great ideas and time savers that I absolutely love!
Jenny Flake says
I love freezing cookie dough! So convenient 馃榾
Karla says
What a fabulous idea! I freeze plenty of already baked cookies but I have never tried freezing the dough like this. Thanks, Julie.
The Suzzzz says
I’ve been freezing cookie dough for years and I can attest that this method really is the best way to do it. The cookies tend to bake better from frozen for me, and I love that I can grab just one or two pre-formed dough balls and bake them in my toaster oven for a quick snack without having to bake an entire batch.
Cheryl T says
I first tried this many years ago, after my mom suggested it. Imagine my surprise when I went back to the freezer 2 weeks later, and nearly all of the frozen cookie dough was gone! Turns out, DH just LOVES frozen cookie dough, and has passed it on to our son as well. So I always use Egg Beaters (they’re pasteurized) if I’m going to freeze the dough. Of course, I try to hide it, too, but that seldom works for long!
Emily @ Life on Food says
Frozen cookies are the way to go. Whenever I make cookies I bake off 12 and then freeze the rest. I am 36 weeks pregnant and my freezer is stocked with cookie dough. No real food yet, just cookies!
Sammie says
Hi, your cookie dough & cookies look scrumptious. I would like to try the peanut butter/Nutella swirl version. I lost my favourite cookie dough scoop – it was Pampered chef, so not cheap! I’ve replaced it but my new one is too large for cookies 馃檨 if you look at my site you’ll see I love, love, absolutely cannot live without cookies!! I bake all the time, but only ever half a batch. The other half gets rolled into a log shape, chilled and wrapped in cling film. It then can be kept in the fridge for a few days or put in the freezer. I defrost over night then slice the cookies and bake – but that means WAITING!!!!
Your idea is much more practical – I need to get me a medium sized scoop! I love OXO grips, but as I’m in the UK I can’t order through your site – I’m so sorry cos I really would. Baking & blogging takes time & money. Us bloggers should support each other as much as we can.
I’m going to learn how to link your idea to my next Cookie blog, so hopefully you may get some extra clicks on Amazon (my go-to for baking supplies).
Gosh I’ve waffled on a lot – love your site and thank you for posting.
Sammie