Did you ever freeze your favorite cookie dough ahead of time? I try to freeze several batches before the holidays because you never know when you’re going to need them and you can make cookies any time you’d like without all the mess!

The smart way to freeze cookie dough.

To get started, follow your favorite cookie recipe and prepare the dough as instructed.

Form the cookies: Instead of baking, roll the dough into individual cookie-sized balls. For a more uniform shape, you can also use a scoop.
Flash freeze: Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. Place the sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the dough is frozen solid.
Store properly: Once solid, transfer the dough balls into a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label it with the cookie type and the date. The frozen dough can be stored for up to three months.

How to bake perfect frozen cookies every time.

Baking cookies from frozen dough is surprisingly easy. You don’t even need to thaw them first. The key is to slightly adjust your baking method for delicious results every time.

Skip the preheat: Place your desired number of frozen cookie dough balls directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and place it in a cold oven.
Start baking: Turn the oven on to 375°F. This allows the cookies to thaw gently as the oven heats up, promoting a more even bake.
Adjust the time: After the initial 10-minute bake time, start checking on your cookies. Since they are baking from a frozen state, they will likely need an extra few minutes. Keep a close eye on them for another 1 to 4 minutes.
Know when they’re done: Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly soft. The total cooking time will typically range from 11 to 14 minutes, depending on the cookie size.

This smart freezer method gives you the gift of homemade cookies on demand, making you the hero of any impromptu gathering or late-night craving.

FREEZER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients

2 cups plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
12 tbsp. unsalted butter melted and cooled until warm
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chocolate chips

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Adjust oven racks to upper and lower-middle positions. Preheat oven 325°. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl; set aside.
With electric mixer, or by hand, mix butter and sugars until thoroughly combined.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.
Add dry ingredients and beat at low-speed just until combined.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Roll 1/4 cup of dough into balls and place onto cookie sheet, leaving room between each ball.
Bake for 11-14 minutes; reversing position of cookie sheets halfway through baking.
Cool cookies then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Take a bite and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from here