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How to Bake and Freeze Christmas Cookies

Updated November 5, 2021
Labeled plastic containers with cookies
With the holidays in sight, 'tis officially the season for baking cookies! We're so excited we can practically smell the warm aroma of vanilla and cookie dough filling the house. Perhaps the only thing better than baking said cookies is enjoying them with loved ones and a cold glass of milk. But then what? Preserve that irresistible, just-baked taste with these easy tips and tricks for freezing baked cookies! Plus, learn precisely how to store them and discover Christmas cookie inspiration to add to your baking day lineup!

How to Freeze Cookies

Freezing cookies surely sounds like a simple task, but knowing how to do it right truly offers up a trick. As a general rule of thumb, 'drop cookies,' which include oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, and 'cut-out cookies,' such as gingerbread and sugar cookies, are freezer-friendly. Frosted and unfrosted cookies also fall in this category, although we always recommend freezing cookies unfrosted and waiting until ready to serve to frost, if possible. If you're making a more delicate cookie, such as wafers or meringues, you'll want to eat those fresh and avoid the freezer altogether.

Want to know the best way to freeze cookies? Here are our three easy, foolproof steps:

Step 1: Freeze Cookies Individually

Peanut Butter Blossoms on a baking sheet

All cookies should be frozen individually to ensure they don’t stick together when stored. To do so, place baked, completely cooled cookies onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (so they have a little bit of friction for easy removal) being sure to arrange the cookies in a single layer. Then pop the cookie sheet in the freezer for about an hour.

Step 2: Store Cookies in Layers

Peanut Butter Blossoms on a baking sheet and in a plastic container

Once they’ve been individually frozen, place the cookies into an airtight container. Stack your cookies in single layers with wax paper between each layer.

Step 3: Keep Cookies Separate

Labeled plastic containers with cookies

Be sure to separate types of cookies into individual containers to avoid flavors mingling. No one likes a minty gingerbread cookie! Label all containers with the date you froze them and be sure to add a note with the appropriate cookie name so you can easily keep track of all your baked goods.

How Long Can You Freeze Cookies?

If properly frozen, you can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 12 months. If cookies are frosted, they can be stored frozen for up to three months.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

Want to stock up on Pillsbury™ refrigerated cookie dough before the holiday rush? We don’t blame you. The good news: You can freeze cookie dough rolls and Ready to Bake!™ cookies up to two months in advance! Take our place-and-bake cookies straight from the freezer to the oven and simply give them two to three minutes of additional cook time. For our cookie dough rolls, we recommend thawing in the refrigerator before using for recipes.

How to Thaw Frozen Cookies

Now that you know how to freeze cookies, here’s how to defrost them when it’s time to serve! Most cookies can be thawed, covered in their container at room temperature for one to two hours. For crisp cookies, it’s best to remove them from their container to thaw.

Cookies to Freeze Up to 12 Months

Here are some of our favorite cookies to make and freeze up to a year in advance!

Cookies to Freeze Up to 3 Months

Here are some of our most-loved cookie recipes that can be frozen up to three months ahead: