Your freezer is often used for savoury, slow-cooked meals, right? But you don’t have to limit yourself when freezing things. I’m about to prove to you that you can freeze sweet treats too! Here’s my delicious freezer-friendly cookies recipe:
How to Freeze Them
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze the baked cookies:
- Cool
Allow the baked cookies to cool completely at room temperature. It’s important for them to cool down to prevent condensation and maintain their texture. - Prepare
Once the cookies have cooled, prepare them for freezing. You have a couple of options:- Individually Wrap: Wrap each cookie with plastic wrap or place them in small, airtight freezer bags. This method is useful if you want to have the flexibility to thaw only a few cookies at a time.
- Stack and Wrap: If you prefer to freeze the cookies in larger batches, you can stack them in layers separated by parchment or wax paper. Wrap the stack tightly with plastic wrap or place them in a large, airtight container.
- Check Seal
Ensure the cookies are well-protected from air and moisture to prevent freezer burn. Ensure the wrapping is tight and secure to maintain the quality of the cookies during freezing. - Label
Label the wrapped cookies with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of their freshness and ensure you use the oldest cookies first. - Freeze
Place the wrapped cookies in the freezer. Try to keep them in a flat position to avoid any deformation.
Need More Info?
We have a dedicated guide to freezing cookies, outlining the best ways to freeze them, how long they can be frozen and how to defrost them:
How to Use Them
You’ve got frozen cookies, in the freezer, waiting to be eaten. But, do you know how to use them?
- Remove
Remove the desired number of frozen cookies from the freezer. Keep in mind the quantity you need and how many cookies you plan to serve. - Unwrap
If the cookies were individually wrapped, you can simply unwrap the desired amount. If they were stacked and wrapped together, carefully separate the desired number of cookies from the stack. - Thaw
Place the frozen cookies on a plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to thaw at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. Thawing times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. - Warm
Once the cookies have thawed, they are ready to be enjoyed! You can serve them as is, or if you prefer warm cookies, you have a couple of options:- Oven method: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 150Ā°C (300Ā°F). Place the thawed cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking.
- Microwave method: If you prefer a quicker option, you can microwave the thawed cookies for 10-20 seconds on low power. Be cautious not to overheat them, as cookies can become too soft or melt in the microwave.
- Enjoy!
Once warmed, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately and savour their deliciousness.
Remember, the texture and taste of frozen and thawed cookies may differ slightly from freshly baked ones, but they should still be enjoyable. It’s always a good idea to experiment with a small batch of frozen cookies first to determine the ideal thawing and warming times for your preference.
Enjoy your freezer-friendly chocolate cookies!
How to Tweak It
Don’t limit yourself to the recipe above; there are a number of changes you can make:
Mint Chocolate Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough along with the vanilla extract. This addition will infuse the cookies with a refreshing mint flavour, creating a delicious combination with the chocolate. It’s a classic flavour pairing that many people enjoy.
Nutty Chocolate Cookies
Mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cookie dough before adding the chocolate chips. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavour to the cookies, complementing the rich chocolate taste. You can experiment with different nuts based on your preference.
Chocolate Orange Cookies
Incorporate the zest of one orange into the cookie dough along with the dry ingredients. The citrusy aroma and flavour of the orange zest will provide a pleasant contrast to the chocolate. This combination is reminiscent of popular chocolate orange treats and can add a unique twist to your cookies.
Salted Chocolate Cookies
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. The salt crystals will enhance the overall flavour profile by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate taste. The combination of sweet and salty is often a winning combination in desserts.
Double Chocolate Cookies
Increase the amount of chocolate by adding 50-100g of chopped dark or semisweet chocolate to the dough, in addition to the chocolate chips. The extra chocolate chunks will create pockets of rich, gooey chocolate throughout the cookies, giving them an extra indulgent touch for chocolate lovers.
Spicy Chocolate Cookies
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients. These spices will provide a subtle kick and warmth to the cookies, elevating the flavour profile and adding an interesting twist to traditional chocolate cookies.
Almond Butter Cookies
Substitute 100g of the butter with almond butter. The almond butter will infuse the cookies with a rich, nutty flavour. You can also add a handful of chopped almonds for extra crunch and almond goodness.
Coconut Lime Cookies
Omit the chocolate elements and then add 50g of shredded coconut and the zest of one lime to the dough along with the vanilla extract. These cookies will have a tropical twist with a combination of coconut and zesty lime.