I love a good weekend project, especially when that project involves my fingers in loads of cookie dough.
I’ll admit that I may be waaaay behind the times on this trick. It’s the sort of trick that super moms have on lock to make them look even more awesome than they already are. Since I haven’t yet produced other people with my body, this trick is just now hitting my radar.
The idea is this: one day… (say, maybe a lazy Saturday morning) whip up a couple batches of your favorite cookie dough. Dollop that cookie dough onto a cookie sheet, all close like. Throw the entire cookie sheet into the freezer. Freeze the dough balls, then throw them into a zip lock bag and back into the freezer. You know what that means? All you have to do is flick on the oven and throw in a few dough balls anytime you want fresh baked cookies! Dang this livin’ is easy!
This frozen dough ball situation is key and here’s why:
You and the family can have fresh baked cookies any and every night.
Surprise guests? No problem at all… you just happened to be whipping up a batch of fresh cookies. Taaadaaa!
Bake ’em directly from frozen…. do it!
Frozen dough balls in the middle of the night? I won’t tell a soul. Can I be honest? I eat the dough balls more often than I actually bake the cookies. In fact… be right back. Dough ball for breakfast.
Full disclosure: I’ve eaten three cookie dough balls in the writing of this post. I’m not done yet.
You might also try these recipes for you cookie dough freezing pleasure:
Oatmeal Cherry White Chocolate Cookies
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
White Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies
adapted from King Arthur
makes 2 dozen cookies
2 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour, or regular whole wheat flour if you’re feeling extra nutty
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1-2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts, again… if you’re feeling nutty.
Combine flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl, whisk it together and set aside. Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar and softened butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, beating for 1 minute in between each addition. Add dry ingredients all at once and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Drop cookie dough by the tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Place them very close together so that as many cookies balls as possible fit on the tray. Put the cookie sheet in the freezer and chill dough balls until frozen through, at least 3 hours. Remove the sheet from the freezer and place dough balls in a freezer safe bag and place back in the freezer until ready to bake.
When ready to bake cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a few inches in between the cookies, giving them room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden and irresistible.
Tammy
I made these with my kids this morning.It was such a fun and easy recipe for them to be involved with and super nummy.I love baking with whole wheat flour and this one is a keeper for sure.We are now going to deliver them to the local Hospice House and SPCA :)
Merry Christmas :)
Lena
I just made this batter yesterday and these cookies are great. Thank you so much for posting. I baked 4 and put the rest in the freezer. The freezer in the garage. Because I need a locked door between them and me. Out of sight, out of mind kind of thing. :-) Thanks for a great blog/web site! I will be back for more yummy cooking and/or baking!
Kaili
These are fabulous. I teach a lot of nutrition and cooking classes. I also make a lot of treats for my honey and wondered about pure whole wheat cookies… no worries here! They look wonderful and fit the mark. You are my go-to site for cookies. Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies have given me volunteer appreciation Queen status.
Thank you!
Karissa
Great recipe Joy! The cookies are delicious! They’re crispy and full of chocolate! mmm mmm good! :)
Holly
Made these last night to freeze the dough… We’re having a baby on Monday so I thought it would be nice to offer our guests something nicer than oreos (but w/out the effort of ACTUALLY baking).
But we had to bake off a few, just to test them first and they came out great! Used Regular Whole Wheat flour and even the 5 year old gave them a thumbs up!
Thanks!
Kto1s
Made these and am so impressed–never liked a whole wheat cookie before, but this is a keeper!
Sarafina
This recipe is so solid, so insanely awesome, I’ve made it a fillion times and it never ceases to amaze me. This last time I crunched up some pretzels and through them in with the chocolate chip. So good!
Jessica
How long will the frozen cookies last in the freezer before they go bad, get freezer burn, get icky, etc.? How much extra baking time should you add?