5 Freezer-Friendly Cookie Recipes to Bake Anytime

There's something truly comforting about the scent of cookies baking in the oven, especially during the cozy months. However, who has time to bake cookies from scratch on a busy day? With these freezer-friendly cookie dough recipes, you can have your baking fix ready to go at a moment's notice. Whether you're an avid baker or a baking newbie, these recipes will ensure that freshly baked cookies are always within reach.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Nothing beats the timeless appeal of chocolate chip cookies. Here’s how you can make and freeze this delicious dough:

• 2 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ³⁄₄ cup white sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preparation:

1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat butter with sugars until creamy. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing until combined.
3. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just blended. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment, leaving enough space for freezing.
5. Freeze until solid, then transfer cookies into a freezer-safe bag or container.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), arrange frozen cookies on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden.

💡 Note: Labeling your frozen cookie dough with the baking time and temperature can save you from having to look up the recipe again.

2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Dough

Oatmeal raisin cookies offer a heartier alternative with a satisfying chewiness. Here’s the recipe:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ³⁄₄ cup packed brown sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins

Preparation:

1. Mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
3. Stir in flour mixture, followed by oats and raisins.
4. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, and freeze. Once solid, transfer to freezer storage.

To bake from frozen, set your oven to 350°F (175°C), bake for 12-15 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.

3. Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

For peanut butter lovers, these cookies are a must-have:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¹⁄₂ cup white sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour

Preparation:

1. Cream peanut butter, butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
2. Combine flour and baking powder, then stir into the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, and transfer to freezer-safe containers.

To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges start to brown.

4. Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough

With their unique crackled top and cinnamon-sugar coating, snickerdoodles are a favorite:

• 2 ³⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp sugar (for rolling)
• 2 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)

Preparation:

1. Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Chill the dough if it’s too soft.
4. Roll dough into balls, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Freeze on a baking sheet.

To bake from frozen, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

5. Lemon Cookie Dough

These lemon cookies are perfect for when you want something lighter and zestier:

• 2 ³⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups white sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¹⁄₂ tsp vanilla extract
• Zest from 2 lemons
• 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Preparation:

1. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cream butter and sugar, then beat in egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
4. Form dough into balls, roll in sugar, then freeze on a baking sheet.

To bake from frozen, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges start to turn golden.

In conclusion, having freezer-friendly cookie dough prepped and ready means you can enjoy homemade cookies with minimal effort. Each of these recipes provides a unique taste, ensuring there's something for everyone in your household. Whether you're planning for a quick treat, an impromptu gathering, or just a personal indulgence, these cookie dough recipes are your ticket to fresh, baked cookies whenever you want them. By freezing cookie dough, you not only save time but also capture the essence of homemade baked goods with every batch.

How long can I keep cookie dough in the freezer?

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Most cookie doughs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the date on the container for reference.

Do I need to thaw the dough before baking?

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Generally, no, you can bake from frozen. However, if you want to control the spread of the cookie more, you might let them sit out for 15 minutes to soften slightly.

Can I double or halve these cookie dough recipes?

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Absolutely! Baking is a flexible art, so feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your needs or the size of your freezer.