September 25, 2015
Game Changing Make-Ahead Cookie Tip
So…I can’t take credit for this tip but I will give credit to my sister’s friend Tiff for this awesome tip. Tip is being used with permission 🙂 .
Want to be the mom with the cookies fresh from the oven when the kids grace the threshold? Want to bring cookies to a friend’s house but don’t want to make them ahead of time? Want to get a jumpstart on those Christmas cookies – start now! Or how about just for those days when you want one or two cookies fresh from the oven and don’t want to make a whole batch? This tip has you covered for all of those instances and probably some more. Best thing about this tip? I’m pretty sure you can use this tip/technique for any drop cookie in your repertoire.
Ready for the tip? Of course you are!
Start by making your favorite batch of drop cookie – I used my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe from The Back In The Day Bakery Cookbook.
The Best Make Ahead Cookie Tip:
Instead of dropping the cookies on a cookie sheet you’re going to scoop the dough into a 1 gallon zip top bag and freeze it.
Press out the air, seal the bag, and flatten the dough into a square disc.
Label and freeze – keep in your freezer for one to two months.
When you are ready to bake the cookies, take the out of the bag and put on a cutting board. Do this when it’s slightly frozen – it’s easier to cut and remove from the bag. Using a large knife, cut the dough into the squares.
If the recipe calls for 24 cookies, cut the dough into 24 squares, or make them cookies smaller or larger to suit your needs.
Place the cookie ‘pucks’ on baking sheets and bake in your preheated oven for the allotted time. (I let them sit for a few minutes to thaw before putting them in the oven, but I have found that they bake better when they are still very cold.) The cookies come out perfectly round and beautiful EVERY time!
Enjoy! Don’t you just love this tip?
Jessica [Havok] Says
Oh man! This is necessary. I dunno why, but this year sounds like it will be the year of cookies (heck, I just made cookies tonight, for the first time in…forever, it feels like) and this will certainly be coming in handy!
Melissa Says
That is a fab idea. I guess it would work rolling it into a sausage shape as well. I might just have to make up a double batch of dough 😀
Alice @ Mums Make Lists Says
Love this idea – so clever!! I know it really doesn’t take that long to make cookies but there are those times when you just so need them all ready to go with no weighing, no mixing and NO washing up!
Marina Says
Yes,yes, I Luv it. So much cheaper. I made 2 batches of our favorite chocolate chunk cookie dough. I didn’t bake them yet, they are for Friday. That’s movie night. win win.
Barb Says
Do you thaw the dough before eating it? I mean baking it. ????
Becky Says
Post authorYes, I edited the post to explain that a little better 🙂
I let them sit for a few minutes to thaw before putting them in the oven, but I have found that they bake better when they are still very cold.
xo
Laura Says
This is an interesting method! I usually make the dough and scoop it onto a sheet or plate that fits in the freezer. Then flash freeze and place the balls I. A bit ziplock bag. The. Just grab one or ten whenever you are ready to bake (or eat haha!).
Kelly S Says
I do the same thing – it is even simpler than doing the brick method! But, less precise. 🙂
Lynne Says
Brilliant!!!
Lori Says
Another thing I do is when I do make cookies that I bake right away is I freeze about a third or half of the dough for another time. That way we don’t eat tooo many cookies at once and I have some dough ready for another time.
Carolyn Says
Love this idea. I’ve done it in the past where I go ahead and scoop the balls and freeze them on a cookie sheet then drop the balls into a bag. Then I can just bake a few cookies at a time. This saves that extra step. I am now gluten free and don’t make cookies often, because of the hassle. But since you reminded me of this tip I may have to give it a try with my gluten free dough. Can’t imagine why that would make a difference. We’ll see.
Meredith from Penelope Loves Lists Says
Love this! Total street cred if you’re the mom with cookies right out the oven as the kids get home from school and practice, etc.
Plus, you can double batch and save time. Efficiency and warm cookies? Sign me UP!
Nicole Says
What a great idea! I’m going out to spend the week with our grand daughter while her folks are on their anniversary trip. She always helps her mom bake so this would be a fun project for us. If we make a basic drop sugar cookie she can even add decorations pre baking! Thank you!!
Tracy Says
Where did you get that cookbook holder?! It’s so cute!
Becky Says
Post authorPottery Barn!
Lupe Says
Yup! We do this and it is great! I even package them in small batches so I don’t have to bake the whole batch I just pull a couple out when I need something sweet! And the best thing I did was give my neighbors them as a freezer gift! They LOVED it
Susan Says
Neat idea. I hate spooning out the cookie drops. This would eliminate that step. I can mix up cookies all day long, I might have a freezer full before long. Now, if I just wasn’t diabetic!
Daria Says
Fantastic idea! I will definitely start making cookies in early November to ease the stress of holiday baking! Nothing kills the holiday spirit faster than being grumpy about spending an entire day in the kitchen.
Elaine Willis Says
I have one problem with this. If I have frozen cookie dough in the freezer, I eat frozen cookie dough. Yes, I know I’m not supposed to eat raw dough, but that never stops me. -grin-
Laura Says
I’m guessing there is only one single recipe to a bag? Can’t wait to try it!