Can You Freeze No-Bake Cookies? (3 Steps to Freezing)
If you have a sweet tooth but don’t enjoy the hassle and time of baking, no-bake cookies are the treat for you. Using optional ingredients, you can make them for dessert or a healthy snack, and they can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Unfortunately, because they’re so easy to make, people often overdo it, and then they’re left wondering what to do with all the extras! Can you freeze no-bake cookies?
You can freeze no-bake cookies for about three months. However, you may prefer to refrigerate them instead, as no-bake cookies can become dry and hard after freezing. The best way to enjoy no-bake cookies after freezing them is to crumble them up and add them to smoothies or other desserts.
In this article, you will learn how to freeze no bake cookies, how long they last in the freezer, how to thaw them, and alternative methods for storing them. I’ll also provide you with the best ingredients to add to no-bake cookies if you plan on freezing them.
How To Freeze No-Bake Cookies
Because of the versatility of no-bake cookies, you may want to make a large batch to eat off of for an extended period. In this case, you will need a long-term storage method.
Freezing no-bake cookies is a quick and easy process. Follow these three steps to freeze your no-bake cookies after making them.
1. Make the Cookies According to the Recipe
No-bake cookie recipes can range from simple three-ingredient recipes to elaborate instructions involving multiple add-ins. Some recipes require the use of a stove to properly mix your ingredients, while other recipes need no form of heat to make.
Regardless of the recipe you choose, be sure to follow it carefully so your cookie dough sets appropriately with the desired texture.
2. Spoon Onto Parchment Paper and Flash Freeze
After mixing the ingredients together, spoon your cookies onto parchment paper into your desired shape and size. Next, flash freeze the cookies for approximately two hours on the parchment sheet.
Flash freezing allows the cookies to set properly, so they will not dry out too much while stored long-term in the freezer.
3. Bag and Freeze No-Bake Cookies
Once your cookies are frozen, you can remove them from the parchment paper and store them in freezer-safe bags or another air-tight container. Be sure to label and date the no-bake cookies right when you put them in the freezer. This will ensure that you do not lose track of how long they’ve been in storage.
How Long Do No-Bake Cookies Last in the Freezer?
No-bake cookies tend to last for about three months in the freezer. If you leave them in the freezer any longer, they become hard, dry, and less flavorful. Additionally, if left in the freezer for too long, the cookies can become unsafe to eat.
You can acquire food poisoning from cookies that have gone bad. For this reason, it’s advised that you consume the no-bake cookies prior to their two-month freezer expiration date.
How To Check if No-Bake Cookies Have Gone Bad
As mentioned previously, it’s not recommended to consume no-bake cookies after their expiration date. However, if you’re unsure if your cookies are still safe to eat, there are two clear signs that indicate their lack of freshness: smell and consistency.
Properly thawed, no-bake cookies should not easily crumble into your hand. Additionally, they should have a sweet, delicious aroma to them. If the cookies crumble or smell off to you, it’s best to toss them out instead of risking an upset stomach by eating them.
How To Thaw No-Bake Cookies
Thawing no-bake cookies is as simple as taking them out of the freezer and leaving them to defrost. You can thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. Either way, within only a couple of hours, you’ll have no-bake cookies that are as good as fresh.
When thawing no-bake cookies, one thing to consider is whether or not to use your oven. You can thaw or heat up no-bake cookies in the oven. However, because they are “no-bake” cookies, you won’t want to leave them in the oven for an extended time.
A good rule of thumb is 325 °F (160 °C) for no longer than three minutes.
Another option is to chew on the no-bake cookies while they are still frozen. Since they require no cooking, they are safe to eat straight out of the freezer. Keep in mind that they might be a little difficult to bite when frozen but this is my favorite way of eating them.
Alternative Methods for Storing No-Bake Cookies
In addition to freezing, there are two other options for storing your no-bake cookies after making them. You can either leave them at room temperature or put them in the refrigerator. Ziplock bags are an excellent choice for both methods.
- Store at room temperature: To keep no-bake cookies at room temperature, put them in a ziplock bag or other air-tight container and allow them to sit on your counter. They will last for up to seven days at room temperature.
- Store in the refrigerator: Like the other methods, always store no-bake cookies in an air-tight container before placing them in the fridge. They will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Because of their long life in the fridge, if you plan to consume the cookies within a couple of weeks of making them, you should choose the refrigerator storage method over the freezer. No-bake cookies retain their texture better in the fridge than when frozen.
Best Add-In Ingredients for Frozen No-Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies are very versatile in what add-in ingredients to use. Their adaptability allows them to be an excellent dessert or a healthy alternative for a sweet tooth. However, it is essential to consider how well your add-in ingredients freeze before making a batch of no-bake cookies that you intend to store in the freezer.
These add-ins could make or break the taste and texture of your cookies once thawed.
Some common add-ins that work well for freezing include:
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter
- Chocolate chips
- Dried fruit
- Chopped nuts
Can You Freeze No-Bake Cookies – Conclusion
No-bake cookies can be stored in the freezer and will last for up to three months with good taste and texture. While your cookies are unlikely to become unsafe after three months, their taste and texture will begin to suffer.
To freeze your no-bake cookies, simply follow the recipe’s standard instructions, flash freeze on parchment paper, then store in an air-tight container in the freezer.
Alternatively, if you plan to consume your cookies within a few days or a couple of weeks, you can store them in the refrigerator or on your kitchen counter. Keeping them in an air-tight container regardless of your storage method is critical to preserving them.
