Freeze Christmas Cookies Early: When And How To Do It

Freezing Christmas cookies is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season. By preparing cookie dough or baking cookies in advance, you can ensure fresh and delicious treats for all your festive gatherings. So, how early can you start freezing those Christmas cookies?

Choosing which cookies to freeze

Type of Cookie

Some types of cookies freeze better than others. Slice-and-bake, cut-outs, drop, bar, and some shaped cookies (like thumbprints) are all good choices for freezing. Avoid delicate cookies like tuiles, Florentines, meringues, and wafer cookies, as they may not hold up well in the freezer. Cookies with a high moisture content or a very thin batter are also best avoided for freezing.

Decoration

While you can freeze decorated cookies, it's important to consider the type of decoration used. Cookies with sprinkles, icing, and other fancy finishes may not look as perfect once they're defrosted. It's recommended to decorate the cookies after they've been thawed to ensure the best results. Simple decorations, like coarse crystal sugar or sanding sugar, can be added before freezing without much risk of damage.

Timing

The timing of when you plan to bake and freeze your cookies is also a factor to consider. Some sources suggest that summer is a great time to make and freeze cookies, as you may have more time for baking projects. This also ensures that you have a stock of cookies ready for the busy holiday season. However, keep in mind that the recommended freezing window for cookies is around 3 months for the best flavour and texture. So, if you're freezing in advance, choose a recipe with a long freezer life.

Quantity

Consider the quantity of cookies you need and the yield of your chosen recipe. If you plan to make multiple varieties of cookies, choose recipes that yield a good number of cookies to ensure you have enough for your needs. You can also choose recipes that are easy to scale up or down, depending on your requirements.

Personal Preference

Lastly, don't forget to consider your personal preferences and the tastes of those who will be enjoying the cookies. Choose a variety of cookie types, flavours, and decorations to suit everyone's tastes. Include some classic favourites and perhaps experiment with some new recipes to keep things interesting!

Freezing cookie dough

Choosing the Right Cookie Dough

Not all cookie doughs are suitable for freezing. Thick, robust doughs like drop, cut-out, and icebox cookies freeze well. In contrast, thinner batters and cake-like cookies, such as madeleines, tuiles, wafer cookies, and pizzelles, are not ideal for freezing.

Preparing the Cookie Dough for Freezing

There are different ways to prepare the dough depending on the type of cookie:

• For drop cookies, you can freeze the dough in a solid lump or portion it into balls. To freeze as balls, scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag or storage container.
• For slice-and-bake cookies, shape the dough into one or two logs, double-wrap them in plastic to prevent freezer burn and odour absorption, and place them in a freezer bag.
• For cut-out cookies, shape the dough into one or two flat discs, wrap them tightly in plastic, and place them in a freezer bag. Alternatively, you can cut out the desired shapes, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to an airtight container.

Storing the Cookie Dough in the Freezer

When storing cookie dough in the freezer, remember to label the package with the date, type of cookie, and baking instructions. This is especially important if you are freezing multiple types of dough to avoid confusion.

Thawing the Cookie Dough

To thaw frozen cookie dough, the best method is to let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can place the frozen dough balls or discs on a lined baking sheet and bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For slice-and-bake cookies, it is best to let the dough defrost for a few minutes before slicing and baking.

Freezing baked cookies

To freeze baked cookies, first, let them cool completely. This is important because any trapped steam could affect the shape and texture of the cookies when they are thawed. It can also cause freezer burn. Once cooled, place the cookies on a baking sheet or something large and flat, making sure they are not touching. Put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container, separating each layer with aluminium foil, wax paper, or parchment paper. You can also wrap each cookie individually in plastic food wrap before placing them in a container.

When you are ready to enjoy your cookies, take them out of the container and let them thaw at room temperature. Do not thaw them in the container, as condensation may form and make the cookies soggy. Once they are thawed, you can refresh them in a low oven (300°F to 325°F) for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size and type of cookie.

Baked cookies can be frozen for up to two months if wrapped properly. However, some sources say they can last up to six months in the freezer.

How long can you freeze cookies for?

Freezing cookies is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season. You can freeze cookies for up to three months for the best flavor, texture, and freshness. However, if they are handled properly and wrapped well, cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

When freezing baked cookies, it is important to ensure that they are completely cooled before placing them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. This will prevent moisture buildup and keep the cookies from becoming soggy. It is also recommended to line the containers with aluminum foil or wax paper and to separate each layer of cookies with foil or paper to prevent sticking and breaking.

For decorated cookies, it is best to freeze them before adding sprinkles, icing, or other toppings, as these may not look perfect once thawed. Cookies with a high moisture content or a very thin batter, such as wafer cookies, meringues, and Florentines, are not suitable for freezing.

When it comes to freezing cookie dough, it can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. For individual portions, shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake the cookies directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Overall, freezing cookies and cookie dough is a convenient way to enjoy fresh-baked treats during the holidays or whenever a craving strikes. With proper storage and handling, you can have delicious, homemade cookies all year round.

Defrosting and serving frozen cookies

When you're ready to defrost and serve your Christmas cookies, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they taste their best. Firstly, it's important to thaw the cookies before serving. You can do this by simply leaving them at room temperature for 1-2 hours, which will give them a softer texture. If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but you'll need to be careful and monitor the process closely. Don't use the cook function, as this will cook the cookies further.

Another option is to thaw the cookies in the refrigerator. This is the best method if your cookies have icing or sprinkles, as it prevents the icing from melting and the sprinkles from bleeding. Place the frozen cookies in the fridge 1-4 hours before serving, depending on how many cookies you have. This slow thawing method helps preserve the cookie's texture and flavour.

Once your cookies are thawed, you might like to warm them briefly in a preheated oven to give them that freshly baked aroma. This can also help to crisp them up if they've become a little soft. A low temperature of around 300°F for 5-10 minutes should do the trick, depending on the size and type of cookie. If you prefer a doughier texture, a few seconds in the microwave will do the job.

If your cookies have frosting or cream fillings, it's best to avoid warming them up, as this can cause the filling to melt or become watery. Instead, simply leave them to defrost at room temperature for a few hours.

To prevent your cookies from becoming soggy, it's important to remove them from their packaging before thawing. Don't defrost them in the container they were stored in, as condensation can make them soggy. It's also a good idea to place them on a serving dish or cooling rack so that air can circulate and they can come to room temperature evenly.

Frequently asked questions