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How to Defrost Cookie Dough in Microwave

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Are you struggling to defrost cookie dough before baking quickly? Defrosting cookie dough in the microwave is the most convenient thawing method that bakers love to utilize.

From chocolate chip to shortbread and sugar cookie dough, you can easily save the leftover cookie dough in the freezer for next time you have craving. 

How do you defrost cookie dough in the microwave? Place the frozen cookie dough on a microwave safe plate. Microwave the cookie dough on the defrost or 30% power level for 10 to 15 seconds.

It is convenient to defrost dough in microwave using the auto defrost setting or lowest microwave setting. 

By knowing the weight of the cookie dough being defrosted, it is easier to figure out the amount of time needed to thaw. Set the microwave to 10 second intervals, check the dough after each interval and continue nuking on low until fully thawed.

Periodic checking will help to avoid burning or baking cookie dough before intended. In this article, you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about defrosting cookie dough and microwave tips for the best way to thaw cookie dough quickly.

Can I thaw cookie dough in the microwave?

Yes, you can thaw cookie dough in the microwave. When thawing cookie dough, set the microwave on the defrost setting and nuke 10 seconds, check and repeat with 10 second intervals if necessary.

When you thaw cookie dough in the microwave, it is essential to check periodically to avoid baking or burning the cookie dough. 

Cookie dough gets burned easily, and once that happens there is no turning back. Not only this, by overheating you risk melting the butter within the dough. 

Thawing will help the process of baking the cookie quicker and easier. However, thawing may not be a mandatory step when baking frozen cookie dough. 

How to freeze cookie dough?

Freezing cookie dough is convenient and easy. By following certain steps, it is safe to freeze cookie dough until your next craving.

Follow the steps listed below to freeze cookie dough:

  • Once the homemade cookie dough is chilled in the fridge, take the dough and roll it into balls.
  • Place the cookie dough balls on a plate or tray and freeze for an hour.
  • Place the cold and solid dough balls into a Ziploc bags and label them with the date the dough was made.
  • Place the airtight bag into the freezer.
  • Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Once you are ready to bake, remove and thaw the frozen cookie dough balls using the microwave defrost method. Or you can skip thawing and bake them for a few extra minutes as well.

Cookie dough can also be molded into a log shape. Use a sheet of parchment paper to roll the cookie dough into a giant log.

This method is more suitable for longterm freezer storage as it reduces the surface area, which exposes less to freezer burn and causes the dough to dry out around the edges.

Store the parchment wrapped cookie dough logs in an airtight resealable bag. Before defrosting, cut the desired number of cookies from the frozen log using a sharp kitchen knife.

Does freezing cookie dough kill salmonella?

Freezing cookie dough in a household freezer is not sufficiently cold enough to kill bacteria. However, it can halt the growth of bacteria. The bacteria is still present when you are thawing the cookie dough, but raw cookie dough may still contain salmonella.

Trace amounts of salmonella are naturally present in 0.6 percent of all eggs. It is important to recognize that freezing cooking dough may not kill that salmonella bacteria, only rest the rate of reproduction until higher temperatures are restored.

Do you need to thaw frozen cookie dough before baking?

No, you do not need to thaw frozen cookie dough before baking. However, thawing speeds up the baking process and shortens the cook time. 

Place frozen cookie dough balls directly on a baking sheet, and bake for 2 mins to 3 mins longer than usual.

While some recommend not thawing frozen cookie dough before baking, it does speed up the baking process. Simply slice the cookie dough from the frozen log and shape them into cookies. 

Place the frozen cookie dough on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven. 

Thawing makes the dough soft, while others prefer the frozen dough to avoid spreading the cookie too thin. If you bake frozen cookie dough straight from the freezer, then it is advised to add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.

How do you soften cookie dough in microwave?

Cookie dough that has hardened due to freezing or refreezing can be softened in a microwave. The important aspect is to make sure to hit the right temperature to soften the dough instead of overheating and potentially cooking the cookie.

Make sure to heat it for a couple of seconds and then remove it right away. Mold the dough with your hands, and ice cream scoop or use a rolling pin, repeat the process once more if necessary. 

After 10 to 15 seconds using the defrost setting in the microwave, the cookie dough will have softened. In addition, pounding helps to distribute heat within the dough and make it more moldable.

When you are short on time and want to bake cookies real quick, soften cookie dough that is being stored in the freezer. The dough might have turned rock hard, but a gentle nuking on the defrost setting will soften the cookie dough real quickly. 

In such a case, a microwave appliance can be used for short-time intervals. To shorten the time, cut the dough into 1-inch sections once it softens a little to quicken the process.

How do you defrost cookie dough quickly?

A quick way to defrost cookie dough is to use a short chef knife to slice the cookie dough into cross sections. Place the frozen cookie dough slices on a microwave safe plate and nuke for 10 seconds on the defrost setting. 

Cut 1 inch thick slices and place those on parchment paper over a microwave-safe plate. Set the microwave to defrost setting and nuke for 10 second intervals, it is quick and easy.

Follow the below steps:

  • Place your cookie dough in the microwave for 2-3 seconds.
  • Remove it and pound the dough with a rolling pin.
  • Microwave for another 2 seconds. 
  • Remove it and cut the dough into 1-inch slices using a knife.
  • Line a microwave safe with parchment paper.
  • Place the froze cookie dough slices on the sheet.
  • Set the microwave to defrost setting to 10 seconds.
  • Thawed cookie dough is ready to be baked.

Best way to defrost frozen cookie dough in the microwave?

Frozen dough is defrosted in a microwave for 10-20 seconds before proceeding to a preheated oven. Defrosting cookie dough in the microwave helps to speed up the baking process.

The frozen dough can be defrosted by following the steps below:

  • Use a microwave safe plate and spray with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
  • Place the frozen cookie dough on the plate.
  • Cover with microwavable plastic wrap.
  • Microwave for 10 seconds on the defrost or 30% power setting.
  • Check the defrosted dough.
  • Remove and check for any hardness in the center.
  • Flip and repeat the process if necessary.
  • Fully thawed dough is ready for baking.
How to defrost cookie dough in a microwave

Defrosting Cookie Dough in Microwave: Conclusion

Defrosting cookie dough in a microwave is convenient and easy to do. Using this method, you can soften the frozen cookie and make it easier to work with.

Whether it is homemade or store-bought cookie dough, review the recipe and instructions to determine the bake time after the cookie dough has been defrosted.

Start by spraying cooking oil on a microwave safe plate or line with parchment paper. Lay the frozen cookie dough on the prepared plate.

Cover with plastic wrap and make sure the wrap does not stick to the dough. Use the defrost setting to microwave for 10 seconds at a time.

Double check the status of the dough and flip to thaw the other side. Use the defrost setting for another 10 seconds to make sure the thawed cookie dough is ready to bake. 

Defrosting the cookie dough only speeds up the baking process. If you do not thaw the frozen cookie dough before baking, that is ok too because you just bake for 2-3 minutes longer

Defrosting frozen cookie dough can result in a softer texture that spreads less while baking. So if you freeze leftover dough from your favorite cookies, then here is the best way to freeze the dough and defrost it next time you have a cookie craving.