Take out the mystery of finding the best way for how to thaw frozen cookies (proper storage and freezing method) with this guide on how to bring frozen cookies back to life and look great too!
You know the whole “Encino Man” thawing process can be a bit mysterious. How will the cookies look and taste when they thaw? Will they know how to acclimate to their new warm and possibly humid environment? How do you freeze them properly to begin with?
I’m going to delve into the whole process below so you will feel confident when you do it. But remember, this is a guide and if it’s your first time, it’s o.k. to make mistakes. Nothing replaces the experience of doing it yourself.
Who doesn’t like a fresh cookie to bite into? I sure prefer them to be served fresh than old and stale. I just can’t burn enough calories to waste them on stale cookies like some people I know and wish I had that problem!
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links which means, if you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but, the price you pay is the same.
You will definietly want to freeze cookies if you’re making many kinds of cookies and want to gift them in a few weeks because they’ll be stale even if you store them properly because air will get into the containers and they’ll become lackluster the longer they sit.
Remember, homemade cookies don’t have preservatives. There’s no botox for homemade cookies!
The Best Way for How to Thaw Frozen Cookies
Who can resist the allure of a freshly baked cookie? Sometimes, though, life gets busy, and we find ourselves with a stash of frozen cookies and a little anxiety about serving them to people other than your furry friends who never seem to mind what they look or taste like.
In this post, we’ll unravel the secrets of reviving your frozen cookie treasures.
Proper Storage of Baked Cookies
First, before we dive into the thawing process, let’s talk about proper storage. To freeze cookies successfully, ensure they are completely cooled before packing them.
Use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the cookie layers to prevent sticking, and seal them in an airtight container or a freezer bags.
You may also use plastic wrap to separate the cookies but don’t use it for cookies that contain jam or or icing because the plastic wrap will stick to it and make the cookies look messy when you remove it.
Use air tight plastic containers or cookie tins with tight fitting lids. Air is not your friend when trying to keep cookies fresh.
We all like fresh-baked cookies!
Proper storage is the foundation for maintaining that fresh-baked taste and to avoid freezer burn which develops when the cookies are exposed to air for a long period of time in your freezer. Be careul when freezing cookies.
Another good idea is to freeze the cookie dough and bake them closer to when you want to serve them.
You can bake, cool and freeze the cookies one weekend and then thaw and decorate them another day.
What I don’t like is when the non-pareils or sprinkles bleed onto the icing. It can happen easily but, if you’re thawing them properly, it is less likely to happen.
Cookies That are Perfect for Freezing:
- butter cookies
- shortbread
- sugar cookies (not iced cookies but, it can be done after if done carefully)
- biscotti
- molasses cookies
- gingerbread cookies
- undecorated cookies- i.e. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
- most bar cookies
- chocolate chip cookies
- peanut butter cookies
- oatmeal cookies
Many types of cookie doughs freeze well. For example chocolate chip cookie (obviously, It’s became an ice cream flavor,) butter, shortbread, and peanut butter doughs freeze well, just to name a few of the popular ones.
TIP: Save the parchment paper in which you baked your cookies to freeze them. Parchment paper isn’t cheap so, why not reuse it before tossing it? Did you know parchment paper comes in sheets? That makes it easier to use for baking and freezing.
How to Thaw Frozen Cookies
Choose Your Defrosting Process
Cookies can be thawed in a few different ways, depending on your time and patience:
Refrigerator thawing is the best way and recommended way to thaw cookies because it allows them to thaw in a cold enviroment where the icing doesn’t get to room temperature and potentially melt with sprinkles or non-pareils on top that bleed on the icing, as I’ve metioned above.
Overnight in the Fridge (I personally recommend this method)
- Place your frozen cookies in the refrigerator the 1-4 hours before serving them. The more cookies you have layered, the longer it will take. If they’re frozen is small batches, then they’ll take closer to the one hour mark to thaw in the refrigerator.
- This slow thawing method helps preserve the cookie’s texture and flavor. It’s good for cookies that were frozen with icing and non-pareils or sprinkles such as Italian Anise Cookies or Italian Ricotta Cookies.
Room Temperature Thawing
- Place the frozen cookies on a plate at room temperature.
- Let them sit for 1-2 hours, allowing them to thaw gradually.
- This method is ideal if you have a bit of time and want a softer texture.
- Good method for chocolate chip, peanut butter, shortbread, undecorated sugar cookies, molasses and gingerbread cookies, etc.
Microwave Magic (Only use if you’re in a pinch)
Although this method can be done on a moment’s notice, it must be done carefully and monitored. Don’t walk away from the microwave so you don’t get distracted. Plus, not all cookies can be successfully defrosted in the microwave so, use this method with extreme caution.
You must use the “defrost” function on your microwave, NOT the cook function. The defrost function simply lowers the power of the microwave so it doesn’t cook them. However, it too will thaw them from the outside in so, you may end up with a very cold (or even frozen) inside of the cookie.
Do not thaw the following cookies in the microwave:
- Delicate cookies such as lace cookies and meringue cookies
- Jam-filled cookies: thumbprint, sandwich cookies, etc.
- Chocolate dipped cookies: chocolate chip cookies, dipped, sandwich-style, etc. because the chocolate can melt if not done cautiously.
French Macaron Cookies
These are best defrosted in the refrigerator or at room temperature because of the filling but, try 5-10 seconds in the microwave to thaw.
To freeze macaron cookies, bake the shells first, cool and wrap them in plastic wrap or air tight containers. Then, defrost them at room temperature (or refrigerator) and put the filling in them before serving.
Again, not all cookies should be defrosted in the microwave.
Again, sugar cookies (such as undecorated cut-out cookies) or molasses cookies are an example of cookies that can be. Any cookies that contain chocolate chips or chocolate coatings should not be defrosted in the microwave because the chocolate can easily melt.
Remember, the microwave cooks from the outside in. It would be very easy for the chocolate to melt.
For a quick fix, use the microwave with caution.
- Put cookies on a microwave safe plate and carefully transfer them to the plate.
- Set the microwave to low power or use the defrost setting.
- Set the time for one minute or let the microwave run for one minute and then open the door to check them.
- Microwave in short bursts, checking the cookies frequently to avoid overheating.
For best results, patience is the key to resist the temptation to rush the process. Thawing cookies slowly allows them to regain their moisture without compromising texture and taste. Patience will be rewarded with cookies that taste just as delicious as the day they were baked.
Presentation Matters
Let’s be honest, no one likes looking or eating a mess. Once your cookies have thawed, take a moment to enhance their presentation.
Consider warming them briefly in a preheated oven for that freshly baked aroma. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Thawing homemade cookies is a simple, yet crucial step in preserving the magic of homemade treats. By following these steps and showing a little patience, you can bring your frozen cookies back to life, ready to delight your taste buds once again.
So, the next time you find yourself with a craving for something sweet, don’t hesitate to thaw those frozen treasures and enjoy the comforting taste of freshly baked cookies.
Happy baking, freezing and thawing!
You may also like:
Traditional Italian Butter Cookies Recipe
Best and Easy Christmas Butter Cookie Recipe
Raspberry Almond Butter Cookies
Old Fashioned Chewy Molasses Cookies
See all of my COOKIE recipes!
It sounds like the order was for raw cookie dough. Yes, throw them away.
I didn`t put them in the fridge. I was going to throw them away. Can I get sick
I ordered cookies twice and when they came they were thawed out. The dry ice melted. Can I bake them and eat them or will I get some type of poisoning like salmonella or something. it breaks my heart to throw them away. Can you help please Thank you Virginia M DiNello
Yes. It’s best if the air circulation in the refrigerator doesn’t get to them.
do you cover the cookies while thawing them in the fridge?