Baking Frozen Cookie Dough: What You Need To Know

Buying frozen cookie dough is a convenient and delicious way to bake fresh cookies without making dough from scratch. It’s also an excellent option for cafe owners who want to save time and still offer delicious baked goodies to their customers.

However, most frozen cookie doughs have their few quirks that you should be aware of before you start baking. Read below to learn the top 5 things you need to know when using frozen cookie doughs.

Thaw them properly

Don’t forget to check the packaging for thawing instructions. Some brands of pre-made cookie dough may need to be thawed in the refrigerator overnight, while others may only need a few hours. That’s why it's essenticaal to follow the thawing instructions on the package so your cookie dough has the perfect consistency for baking. Ask your supplier for specific instructions if it’s not indicated on the label.

As much as possible, do not thaw your dough at room temperature, as it will encourage bacteria growth from the eggs in the mixture. However, if you don’t have time and need to bake immediately, you can soften the dough at room temperature while preheating your oven. Generally, cookie dough left in a warm environment will be good for only 2-4 hours. 

Avoid refreezing your frozen cookie dough 

Once the frozen cookie dough has been thawed, avoid refreezing it. This is because the quality of the dough will start to decline and the texture will become compromised.  

When frozen cookie dough is thawed, the water that was frozen will start to melt. This water helps form gluten, a protein that gives the dough its structure. However, if you refreeze them, the gluten has already begun to form and will become tough and chewy when baked. The fat in the dough will also start to separate from the flour, resulting in cookies that are oily and greasy. 

Always let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes 

Many people think that once cookies are out of the oven, they can immediately be transferred to a cooling rack. But this is not always the best idea. This is especially true for frozen cookie doughs, which can be particularly delicate. 

Allowing your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes can help maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming too crisp. Simply let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes after you take them out of the oven, then transfer them to the wire rack. Easy peasy! 

Bake your doughs correctly to achieve the desired texture 

A frozen cookie dough can be a delicious and convenient treat, but it can be tricky to bake. 

If you want your cookies to be extra soft and chewy, let the frozen dough thaw for about 10 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet. Doing this will help prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. In addition, you must remove the cookies from the oven while they are still slightly undercooked to maintain their chewiness. 

Placing them in an airtight container after cooling completely is also important to keep them fresh and moist. But how long can you store cookies in an airtight container before they go stale? The answer depends on the type of cookie. If you're not sure how long your cookies will last, it's best to err on the side of caution and consume them within 1-2 weeks.

Don’t be afraid to experiment

One of the best things about frozen cookie doughs is that they’re so versatile. You can bake it as is or you can add your own personal touch to create something truly unique.

One way to add variety is to mix in different stir-ins before baking, including marshmallows, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. Another option is to dip the frozen cookie dough balls in melted chocolate or candy melts. This creates a delicious coating that can be customised with different colours and flavours. 

You can also combine different flavourings or ingredients to create special flavours. For example, adding a few drops of peppermint extract to your dough will give your cookies a refreshing, minty twist. Or if you're feeling adventurous and want a healthy version of your baked treats, you can try adding grated carrots or pumpkin to your chosen dough. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun experimenting!

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