To make the best cookies, especially shaped and rolled cookies, I always remove 2-3 tablespoons of flour from the recipe, then chill the dough. This makes the final product much more tender.
Freeze Ahead Cookie Recipes
- Nut Lover's Brownies
I think these bars freeze and thaw better when they are cut into squares and individually wrapped and frozen. So let them cool completely, cut into squares, then wrap, pack into a plastic freezer container, label, and freeze. Let the brownies stand, loosely covered, at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. - Caramel Cream Sandwich Cookies
These little sandwich cookies freeze very well. Prepare them as directed, then pack into rigid freezer container, separating the layers with waxed paper. Seal, label, and freeze. To thaw, let stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours. - Cookie Brittle
Like any shortbread, these delicious and super easy cookies freeze very well. Break them into pieces, place in a plastic freezer container with the layers separated with waxed paper, then label and freeze. To thaw, let the container stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. - Florentines
These fancy and unusual cookies are filled with chopped candied fruit. Cool them well before packing into a rigid freezer container, then label and freeze up to 2 months. To thaw, let the cookies stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. - Peanut Sitting-Pretties
This is one of my favorite cookies. And they are much easier to make if freezing is part of the recipe. Make the dough, bake the cookies, but do not frost them. Pack into a freezer container, separating the layers with waxed paper, then seal, label, and freeze. When you are ready to fill and decorate the cookies, let the container stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Fill with frosting and top with the candies. - Chocolate Dainties
I love this chocolate version of Mexican Tea Cakes (which also freeze well!). Make the cookies as directed, roll twice in powdered sugar, then cool completely. Pack into a plastic freezer container, layers separated with waxed paper, then label and freeze. Let the container stand at room temperature for 3-4 hours before serving. - Meringue Mushrooms
Meringues freeze very well. Freeze the mushroom tops and bottoms separately, carefully packed into a plastic container with crumpled waxed paper separating the pieces. To thaw, let stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then assemble the little mushrooms using melted chocolate as directed. - Roll Out Butter Cookies
This recipe can be frozen in two different ways. You can wrap and freeze the dough, then let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling, cutting, and baking the cookies. Or roll, cut, bake, and cool the cookies and place in that plastic freezer container, separating the cookies with waxed paper or freezer paper. Label and freeze. To thaw, let the containers stand at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then frost and decorated as desired. - Easy but Fancy Cookies
When you form the dough into the rolls, wrap well in waxed paper, then in heavy duty foil. Label and freeze up to 3 months. To bake, slice frozen dough and top with chocolate star; bake as directed in recipe, adding 4-6 minutes to baking time. - Pecan Praline Cookies
I love these simple cookies that look and taste like Pecan Pralines; they're not as sweet as the candy. Make the dough, roll it into logs, then wrap well, label, and freeze. To bake, slice frozen dough and top with nuts; bake as directed in the recipe, then drizzle with frosting. - Peanut Blossoms
This classic recipe freezes well. Prepare and bake the cookies, then wrap, label, and freeze. To thaw, let stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then serve. - Treasure Chest Bars
This rich bar cookie is almost like a cake. It's stuffed full of nuts, chocolate, and candied cherries. Bake the bars, but do not frost. Wrap well in freezer wrap, label, and freeze. To thaw, let the bars stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours, then frost as directed.
