Both freeze well. NDSU gives about 3 months for cookie dough and about 6 months for baked cookies.
NDSU’s freezing guide lists unbaked refrigerator cookie dough at 3 months and cookie dough in general at 3 months, with baked cookies at about 6 months and a wider 6 to 12 months in its general table. It excludes meringue-type cookies from the guidance. Package cookies with freezer paper between the layers so they do not stick.
| Short answer | Yes |
|---|---|
| Cookie dough | About 3 months |
| Baked cookies | About 6 months, per NDSU |
| Excluded | Meringue-type cookies |
| Packing | Freezer paper between layers, in an airtight container |
How to freeze cookie dough and cookies
- For dough, portion it into balls or a log and freeze them on a tray.
- Move the frozen dough to a freezer bag and label the date.
- Bake refrigerator-style dough straight from frozen, as the recipe directs.
- For baked cookies, cool them completely before packing.
- Layer them with freezer paper in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature.
What happens when you get it wrong
- Soft, stuck cookies. Packed warm or without paper between layers, they fuse together.
- Freezer burn. Air in the bag dries the dough and dulls the flavor.
- Cracked meringues. Meringue-type cookies are outside the guidance and do not hold up.
Freeze the dough and bake fresh, which gives the best cookie.
Freeze baked cookies only for the weeks you will eat them.
Frequently asked questions
How long can you freeze cookie dough?
NDSU gives about 3 months.
How long can you freeze baked cookies?
NDSU’s prepared-foods table gives about 6 months.
Can you bake cookie dough straight from frozen?
For refrigerator-style dough, NDSU says to bake without thawing, following the recipe.
Can you freeze meringue cookies?
They are excluded from the guidance and do not freeze well.