Chilling cookie dough before baking solidifies the fat in the cookies. As the cookies bake, the fat in the chilled cookie dough takes longer to melt than room-temperature fat. And the longer the fat remains solid, the less cookies spread.
How long should you chill cookie dough before baking?
As a general rule of thumb, you should refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. More than that and you won’t see a noticeable difference in the final product, says Haught Brown.
Can you bake cookie dough straight from the fridge?
“When your dough is refrigerated, the butter hardens. So when you bake them, they spread less and hold their shape better,” adds Epperson. “Which means a better likelihood of a soft, chewy cookie in the center.” So chilling the dough before baking means fluffier cookies with better consistency.
How do you chill cookie dough quickly?
It is best to chill dough in the refrigerator for the entire recommended amount of time. However, if you are in a hurry, placing the dough in the freezer for one-fourth of the recommended refrigerator time will work, too. Bake ahead!
Do I put cookie dough in the fridge or freezer?
We recommend storing your cookie dough in a small airtight container in your fridge or freezer, depending on when you want to bake it. As a general rule, any cookie dough left on the counter at room temperature will be good for 2-4 hours but then may risk going bad, especially if it is already past its “best by” date.
How long can you refrigerate homemade cookie dough?
For best quality, freeze for two months. Homemade cookie dough should be stored in small containers in the refrigerator for two to four days or freeze for two months. Alternatively, small quantities of dough can be frozen and thawed in the refrigerator as needed.
Should I refrigerate cookies after baking?
Always store baked cookies only after they’ve cooled completely. If you store them while they’re still warm, condensation will make them soggy. You can refrigerate or freeze most cookie dough, so you can bake a batch at a moment’s notice. …
Can you eat raw cookie dough?
Do not taste or eat any raw dough or batter, whether for cookies, tortillas, pizza, biscuits, pancakes, or crafts, made with raw flour, such as homemade play dough or holiday ornaments. Do not let children play with or eat raw dough, including dough for crafts.
How far ahead can you make cookie dough?
How long can I keep cookie dough in the refrigerator before baking? Most cookie dough can be refrigerated, well-wrapped, for three to five days before baking. If you want to make it farther in advance, freeze the dough.
Does freezing cookies change the taste?
Freezing cookies is easy and they taste great after you thaw them.
Can I freeze cookie dough to bake later?
Most cookie doughs freeze well for up to 3 months. … Drop Cookies: Shape the cookie dough into balls as you would when preparing to bake them. Place them on a silicone- or parchment-lined sheet. Freeze for an hour (or until solid) and transfer to a freezer zip-top bag.