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Can you freeze cut out sugar cookies?

Freezing cut out sugar cookies is a great way to have tasty cookies available any time. With some simple preparation, cut out sugar cookies freeze beautifully for weeks or even months.

Should You Freeze Cut Out Sugar Cookies?

Freezing cut out sugar cookies before baking is a convenient technique for having fresh, homemade cookies whenever you want them. Here are some of the benefits of freezing unbaked cut out sugar cookies:

  • Make ahead – Prepare cookies in advance and freeze for holidays, parties, or gifting.
  • Time saver – Cutting out and freezing dough ahead saves time when you need cookies.
  • Customize later – Freeze basic dough and decorate after thawing.
  • Inventory – Keep a variety of pre-cut dough on hand for instant cookies.
  • Avoid waste – Freeze extra dough instead of it going bad.

The only downside is a slight loss of texture, but properly frozen cut out cookies are still delicious. Overall, freezing is ideal for sugar cookie dough.

How to Freeze Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Follow these simple steps for freeze perfect sugar cookies every time:

  1. Prepare dough – Make your favorite sugar cookie dough and chill it thoroughly. Chilled dough rolls and cuts better.
  2. Cut shapes – On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
  3. Place on pan – Arrange cut out dough pieces an inch apart on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  4. Freeze – Place pan in freezer and freeze until dough is firm, at least 2 hours.
  5. Remove from pan – Lift frozen dough off pan and place pieces in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container with layers of parchment between.
  6. Freeze for up to 4 months.

Tips

  • Add 1/2 tsp baking powder per cup of flour to help maintain texture.
  • Cut chilled dough only, don’t try to cut room temperature dough before freezing.
  • If dough becomes too firm during cutting, allow it to rest at room temperature briefly.
  • Use parchment between dough layers so pieces don’t stick together.
  • Squeeze out excess air before sealing storage container.

Thawing and Baking Frozen Cut Out Cookies

Baking perfect cookies from frozen dough is easy. Just follow these instructions:

  1. Thaw dough – Place frozen dough pieces on a parchment lined pan and allow to thaw completely, 1-2 hours.
  2. Decorate as desired – Once thawed, decorate with icing, sprinkles or other toppings.
  3. Bake – Bake at 375°F for 8-12 minutes until lightly golden at edges.
  4. Cool and enjoy!

Tips

  • For best results, decorate cookies while still slightly cool after thawing.
  • Adjust bake time as needed based on size of cookies.
  • If dough becomes too soft while thawing, return to freezer briefly to re-firm.

How Long Do Frozen Cut Out Sugar Cookies Last?

Properly frozen, cut out sugar cookie dough will keep for:

Freezer Temperature Shelf Life
0°F (-18°C) or below 4 months
0°F to 10°F (-18°C to -12°C) 2-3 months

For best quality and texture, use frozen cookie dough within the recommended time. Freeze in an airtight container with as little air as possible.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Cookie Dough?

Refreezing thawed sugar cookie dough is not recommended. When thawed, moisture forms on the dough affecting texture. Refreezing will damage the dough structure leading dense, tough cookies. For best results, thaw only what you plan to bake and use within a day or two.

Conclusion

Freezing cut out sugar cookie dough makes enjoying fresh baked cookies easy any time. With proper freezing methods, cut out cookie dough keeps for months in the freezer. Thaw, decorate, and bake as needed so you always have cookies ready when you want them. With a little planning, you can enjoy hassle-free homemade sugar cookies all year long.