Iced cookies might be delicious but a few too many of them can be sickly. If you’ve baked a few too many and don’t want them to go to waste then have you considered whether or not you can freeze them?
Can You Freeze Iced Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze iced cookies for up to 6 months, though it is best to freeze them only if you have used royal icing as the decoration. Cookies that have been iced with fondant will not preserve well as the moisture from the freezer will affect the quality.
How to Freeze Iced Cookies
It is best to freeze cookies that have been decorated with royal icing. Fondant icing tends to get wet and go soft when placed in a moist environment such as the freezer, which would then damage the structure of the cookie.Ā
If you follow the steps below, you will have perfectly preserved iced cookies that can be enjoyed at any time.
- Let them Dry Completely
Once you have iced your cookies, allow them to dry completely.Ā - Bag
Individually bag the cookies in freezer-safe bags, making sure that the top is completely sealed and airtight. - Place in a Container
Now place the freezer bags into a sturdy, freezer-safe container and seal. - Freeze
Place the container into the freezer, finding a safe spot where the box will not get damaged. Freeze for between 3-6 months!
Yes, you can freeze frosted sugar cookies. Ensure the frosting is completely dry before wrapping the cookies individually and then storing in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Yes, you can freeze fondant cookies. Once the fondant has hardened on the cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper.
Freezer-Friendly Cookie Recipes
Try out one of these delicious recipes that are perfect for freezing:
How Long Can You Freeze Iced Cookies?
Frozen iced cookies, as long as they are kept in an airtight container, will keep well for between 3 and 6 months.
As mentioned above, they can be kept for much longer, but to ensure that your cookies are at their best when you thaw and eat them, 3-6 months is the best timeframe.Ā
Iced cookies, stored properly in an airtight container, can last for about 1 to 2 weeks in the cupboard. Make sure the icing is completely set before storing.
How Do You Defrost Iced Cookies?
Defrosting and thawing iced cookies is very simple! All you need to do is remove the iced cookies from the freezer, place them on a plate and leave to thaw out at room temperature for a few hours.
You can either leave them in their freezer bags or take them out. The key thing is not to place them in the freezer as moisture will kill the texture of the cookies, causing them to go soft or even soggy.
Thawing them out on the countertop in just a few hours means that you can make a huge batch of cookies ahead of time, freeze them and then simply get them out of the freezer a few hours before the party.
Can You Refreeze Iced Cookies?
Ideally not, as the fluctuations in temperatures could cause the cookies to go soft.
Likewise, the icing is likely to start to run if it is thawed and then refrozen, meaning that the colours could run and bleed which would ruin the overall look and aesthetic of the cookies.
Do Iced Cookies Freeze Well?
Yes, iced cookies will freeze well and it will preserve the beautiful iced patterns and decorations you have put on perfectly.
Providing you have the space, and enough freezer bags, you can freeze a large batch of cookies and get them all out ahead of a party, or you can freeze leftovers for a handy treat whenever you need a sugar rush.
You can also usually freeze the cookies without icing, though you will need to check the recipe to make sure it is freezable.Ā
Sources
We have verified the information on this page using the following resources:
