Freezing Wedding Cookies: A How-To Guide

Wedding cookies can be frozen, and it's a great way to save time if you're preparing for a wedding. Most cookies can be frozen without affecting their flavour or texture, but softer or gooey cookies are best avoided. Freezing wedding cookies is similar to freezing regular cookies, but there are a few extra steps to ensure they stay fresh. Firstly, allow the cookies to cool completely after baking, then freeze them individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer the cookies to an airtight container with wax paper between the layers. Alternatively, use a freezer bag, but be aware that cookies may break more easily this way. Don't forget to label the container or bag! For bar cookies, wrap the slab in plastic before freezing and cutting into bars. If you're short on time, you can always opt for a cookie delivery service instead.

Freezing wedding cookies: step-by-step

Freezing Cookie Dough

If you want to freeze your wedding cookies, it's best to freeze the dough. Here's how to do it:

• Prepare the cookie dough according to your recipe.
• Shape the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.
• Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour or until they are solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a sealed container or a freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the type of cookie and the date.
• Cookie dough balls can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.

Freezing Baked Cookies

If you want to freeze your wedding cookies after baking, follow these steps:

• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack before freezing.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
• Cover the cookies with wax paper or parchment paper and add another layer or two on the same sheet.
• Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the cookies are frozen solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container, placing wax paper between the layers to prevent breakage. Alternatively, you can use a freezer bag, but there is a higher risk of breakage.
• Label the container or bag with the type of cookie and the date, then place it in the freezer.
• Baked cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Serving

• To thaw the frozen cookie dough, remove it from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator before baking.
• For baked cookies, take them out of the freezer and place them on a wire rack to defrost. If necessary, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on them before serving.

Tips:

• Most types of cookies can be frozen, but robust cookies with a sturdy texture, such as chocolate chip or oatmeal, freeze better than softer or gooey cookies.
• Avoid freezing delicate cookies like tuiles, florentines, lace, and pizzelles, as they don't freeze well in either dough or baked form.
• If you are freezing decorated cookies, it is best to add the decorations after thawing the cookies, as icing and fillings don't freeze well.
• Always freeze cookies individually first before transferring them to a container or bag to avoid them sticking together.

Cookie types that freeze well

Cookies can be frozen either as dough or as baked cookies. Freezing cookies is a great way to always have homemade treats on hand and to save time. However, not all cookies are suitable for freezing. Thin, delicate cookies with liquidy batters, such as tuiles, florentines, lace cookies, and pizzelles, do not freeze well. Cakey cookies like madeleines are also not ideal for freezing.

Sturdy Cookies

Sturdy cookies are ideal for freezing. Examples include shortbread, biscotti, gingerbread, and drop cookies like chocolate chip, oatmeal, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter. These cookies can withstand cold temperatures and won't be damaged by rummaging through your freezer.

Shaped Cookies

Shaped or flat cookies, such as undecorated sugar cookies and other cutout shape cookies, are good options for freezing. Their flat shape makes them easy to stack and store in your freezer.

Sandwich Cookies

Sandwich cookies, such as thumbprints and Linzer cookies, can be frozen. However, it is best to fill them with jam or ganache after they have been thawed and are ready to be served.

Slice-and-Bake Cookies

Slice-and-bake cookies, such as shortbread, freeze well. It is recommended to wrap the dough in logs before freezing.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican wedding cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, can be frozen as dough or baked cookies. The dough can be formed into a disk, wrapped, and placed in a freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen in a zip-top bag and will stay fresh for up to three months.

Other Cookie Types

Other cookie types that freeze well include oatmeal coconut cookies, chocolate sugar cookies, chocolate biscotti, lemon snowdrops, and chocolate-strawberry pretzel cookies.

How to freeze cookie dough

Cookie dough freezes well and can be a great way to get ahead for the holidays or other busy times. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to freeze cookie dough:

How to Freeze Drop Cookie Dough:

"Drop cookies" refer to cookie doughs that you scoop and drop onto a baking sheet, like oatmeal raisin cookies. The process for freezing this type of cookie dough is as follows:

• Chill the dough: If your cookie recipe requires chilling the dough before scooping and rolling, make sure to do that.
• Shape the cookies: After the cookie dough has chilled, scoop and roll it into balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet or plate, ensuring they don't touch.
• Chill the cookie dough balls: Cover and chill the shaped dough in the refrigerator for about an hour to set their shape and prevent sticking during freezing.
• Transfer the cookie dough balls to a container or bag: Place the cold dough balls into a freezer-friendly container; it's okay if they touch now.
• Label the container: Label the bag or container with the recipe name, date, baking temperature, and bake time. Add an extra minute or two if baking from frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Bake the cookies: When ready to bake, preheat the oven and place the frozen dough balls on a lined baking sheet per your recipe's instructions, adding a bit of extra time.

How to Freeze Cut-Out Cookie Dough:

Cut-out cookie dough, such as sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies, requires a slightly different process:

• Divide the dough: After making the dough, divide it into halves or smaller portions to make it more manageable.
• Flatten the dough: Flatten each portion into a disc about 1 inch thick.
• Wrap and label: Tightly wrap each disc in plastic wrap and label with the recipe name and date.
• Freeze the dough: Transfer the wrapped dough to the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw the dough: To bake, transfer the wrapped dough to the refrigerator the day before and let it thaw overnight.
• Roll and bake the dough: Once thawed, roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake according to your recipe.

How to Freeze Slice-and-Bake Cookie Dough:

Slice-and-bake cookies, such as shortbread or spritz cookies, are similar to cut-out cookie dough but with minor differences:

• Divide and roll the dough: Divide the dough into halves or portions and roll each piece into a log shape per your recipe.
• Wrap the logs: If your recipe calls for it, roll the logs in a coating like coarse sugar or sprinkles. Otherwise, skip this step.
• Wrap and label: Tightly wrap each log in plastic wrap and label with the name and date.
• Freeze the dough: Transfer the wrapped logs to the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw the dough: To bake, transfer the logs to the refrigerator to thaw, ideally overnight or a couple of hours before baking.
• Slice and bake: Once thawed, slice the cookies and bake according to your recipe.

Additional Tips for Freezing Cookie Dough:

• Freezing baked cookies: Instead of freezing the dough, you can bake the cookies and freeze them after they have cooled completely. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer containers or bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Freezing cookie bar dough: Prepare the cookie bar dough as per your recipe, then chill and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Label with the recipe name and date, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before pressing into a baking dish and baking.
• Types of cookie dough that don't freeze well: Delicate cookie doughs or batters like French macarons, madeleines, lace cookies, and chocolate-swirled meringue cookies don't hold up well in the freezer. It's best to avoid freezing these types of dough or batter.

Defrosting and serving frozen cookies

Wedding cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. When it's time to serve them, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure they taste as good as they did when they were first baked.

Firstly, do not thaw the cookies in the containers they were frozen in. Take them out of the freezer bag or airtight container and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to thaw at room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming on the cookies, which can make them soggy.

If you froze the cookies with icing or other decorations, it's best to add these after the cookies have been thawed. Icing and fillings like jam or ganache don't freeze well and will give better results if added after thawing.

If you froze the cookies after coating them in sugar, this may have dissolved a little. You can sprinkle a little more powdered sugar on them before serving if needed.

Finally, if you froze the cookies in ball form, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Freezing wedding cookies in advance

If you're preparing for a wedding, you'll likely have a lot on your plate. So, it's a good idea to prepare your cookies in advance and freeze them. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on freezing wedding cookies properly.

Most cookies can be frozen without any issues. Robust cookies and popular varieties like chocolate chip and oatmeal are ideal for freezing due to their sturdy texture. However, it's best to avoid freezing softer, gooey cookies or those that are more like cakes, such as Madeleines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Wedding Cookies:

Cool the Cookies:

After baking your wedding cookies, let them cool completely on a cooling rack until they reach room temperature.

Flash Freeze Individual Cookies:

Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cover them with wax or parchment paper, then add another layer of cookies. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour until the cookies are frozen solid.

Transfer to an Airtight Container:

Once frozen, stack the cookies in a plastic container with a lid. Place wax paper between each layer to prevent breakage. Alternatively, you can use freezer-safe zipper bags, but there's a higher risk of breakage due to movement. Label the container or bag with the cookie type and date, then place it in the freezer.

Bar Cookies:

If you're freezing bar cookies, wrap the entire slab in plastic wrap before freezing. Then, store it in an airtight container. For easier serving, you can cut them into bars after they're frozen.

Prevent Stickiness:

If using a freezer bag, lay the cookies flat to maintain their shape and prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing Cookie Dough:

If you prefer to freeze cookie dough instead of baked cookies, here's what you need to know:

Form the Dough:

For drop cookies, form the dough into balls on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. For slice-and-bake doughs, freeze them in tightly wrapped logs. For cut-out dough, shape it into discs and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Transfer to Containers:

Once the dough is frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container for longer-term storage.

Thawing and Baking:

When you're ready to bake, thaw the dough slightly on the counter, then shape and bake according to your recipe. Add a minute or two to the baking time since the dough will be colder.

Final Thoughts:

Freezing wedding cookies is a great way to save time and ensure you have delicious treats ready for the big day. Just make sure to follow the proper steps to avoid any issues. Happy baking and enjoy your special occasion!

Frequently asked questions