How to make Freezer Cookies

I decided a few weeks ago I should make some refrigerator cookies and freeze them, so I could bake cookies on short notice…like when unexpected company stops by. These are regular refrigerator cookies – the kind you mix up, roll into a log and refrigerate until firm. Except I’m going to store them long term in the freezer.

Today was the day to make several different kinds of cookies and freeze.

Sugar cookies lend themselves well to this technique, so that’s where I started. There’s lots of recipes on line. I started with a basic recipe from Allrecipes.com, and added in my mom’s sugar cookie flavorings.

I also used the Allrecipes.com Crispy Almond Cookies recipe, and one from Genius Kitchen for Refrigerator Cookies with dates, coconut and walnuts.

I wrapped the dough logs in plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator for about 4 hours. This allows the moisture in the dough to distribute well throughout the dough, preventing crumbling and cracking later on. Wrap tightly in more plastic wrap, or aluminum foil, or seal into a Food-saver bag….all to prevent air from damaging the dough while frozen.

I find it’s best to take the dough out of the freezer about 15 minutes prior to baking. It will be easier to slice when partially thawed, and it’s better than cutting your hand off trying to chop frozen dough! Use a greased cookie sheet, parchment or a silicon mat when baking to prevent sticking.

So now I’m ready when company stops by, or there is just nothing else in the house to snack on. I wonder how long dough will keep….before I pull it out!

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Sugar Refrigerator/freezer Cookies

Easy to mix up rolled refrigerator cookies that will keep in the freezer until you need it!

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword freezer cookies, refrigerator cookies, sugar cookies
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
rest in the refrigerator 4 hours

Ingredients

  • 1.5 c sugar
  • 1 c butter
  • 1 each egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • .5 tsp lemon extract
  • 2.5 c flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • .5 tsp salt
  • .25 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. In a medium size bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Once well combined, add teh egg and both extracts.

  2. in a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Whisk well to mix.

  3. Once thoroughly combined into dough, dump out onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a log, about 2" thick, and about 12" long. Wrap in plastic wrap (or wax paper). Place in the refrigerator until well chilled, about 4 hours.

  4. Wrap up tightly in aluminum foil, another sheet of plastic wrap or process in a Food -saver bag; freeze until you are ready to bake.

  5. Take dough out of the freezer and let sit 30 minutes or until slightly softened. Cut into slices about 1/4" thick. Place on greased cookies sheets (or use parchment paper or a silicon baking sheet – all to prevent sticking).

  6. Bake at 375F/190C for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on a baking rack.