How To Freeze and Thaw Cookies: Top Tips
It is a common misconception that you cannot freeze cookies – of course, you can!
If you want to freeze cookies successfully, you must ensure that you have frozen them at the right stage of baking and icing. Also, you need to know how to defrost them, or you may find they are slightly sludgy.
It’s important to note that this may not be cut and dry. You should experiment a bit, as your freezer temperature may differ from someone else’s, so some batches may need to be sacrificed! However, our top tips should provide all the insight you need into being able to freeze and thaw as many cookies as you need.
How To Freeze Cookies
After you have baked your cookies and applied royal icing (or not), you can freeze them.
- Once the cookies have cooled, place them in an airtight container. This can be Tupperware or a plastic freezer bag.
- Avoid freezing cookies if they are decorated with colored sugars or sprinkles unless you are SURE they are freezer safe. TEST FIRST.
- If they are frozen with color on them, the color may bleed. If this happened, know that the cookies are technically still good to eat, just less attractive. Proceed with caution when freezing cookies with bright or strong colored icing, as colors may bleed. Experimenting ahead of time is your friend.
- If you want to store layers of cookies, take a piece of wax paper and place this between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Date the container with a label or write directly onto the container.
- Keep your cookies frozen for up to 45 days.
How To Thaw Cookies
Thawing cookies is rather simple, but you must ensure that once you have thawed them, they are dry before consumption.
- When you remove the cookies from the freezer, keep them in their container. This will ensure condensation forms on the outside of the container and prevents it from forming on the cookies, meaning they will keep dry.
- Defrosting can take 1-3 hours – do not put the cookies in direct sunlight to speed up the process.
- Once they are fully dry, you can begin painting, icing, or whatever else you have in mind.
Cookies That You Shouldn’t Freeze
There are some cookies that you shouldn’t freeze. So, take notes!
- Avoid freezing cookies that you have decorated with colored sugar. This is because the colors may bleed.
- Avoid freezing cookies with sprinkles or icing, as the colors may bleed.
Both cookies are still edible but won’t look as appetizing.
Freezing Airbrushed Cookies
If you want to freeze airbrushed cookies, just dust them with a light layer of corn starch using a fine mesh sieve. Then freeze and defrost using the process as above. If you remove them from the container when defrosting, condensation will rehydrate the airbrushing and smudge if you touch them. So leaving them in the container is best. Again, testing ahead of time may help determine how well this works.