Gentle Christian Mothers Community
 
Random Quotes from Wise Mamas

~* Please help keep GCM free by using our
Amazon.com affiliate link. Thank you! *~


Go Back   Gentle Christian Mothers Community > Blessing our Family > The Cookbook (Recipes, Cooking, & Food Prep) *Public*
Forgot Password? Join Us!

The Cookbook (Recipes, Cooking, & Food Prep) *Public* You can share recipes here, talk about "what's for dinner," and ask all sorts of questions related to cooking and food preparation.
A public forum.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-11-2022, 03:26 PM   #1
RealLifeMama
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 18,255
RealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond repute
Default Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

I want to start Christmas baking. We have a ton to bake, and I know from experience I won't get it all done if I wait until the last two weeks of December.

Have any of you frozen baked goods with great success?

Here is what I am wanting to make and freeze:
  • White chocolate cheesecake bars (same recipe as my white chocolate cheesecake, but with oreo crust and in bar form)
    • sugar cookies to decorate later
  • M&M cookie bars
  • cupcakes, not iced
  • gingerbread bars with cream cheese icing- iced or not?
  • Biscotti
  • various chocolate or white chocolate dipped cookies
  • cranberry bread

What else can be frozen? I have found in my experience that drop cookie dough does not freeze well, although it is supposed to be fine.
Has anyone ever frozen Biscotti? I was wondering at what stage it should be frozen. I am wondering if it would lose its crispness if frozen. The reason I am including that and the dipped cookies on this list is because they are more involved, and so I might not get to them. I will freeze the cookies undipped and then dip them while they are frozen. But, how long can they sit to be eaten after thawed and dipped? Will the chocolate get weird?
Also, what about cupcakes? Would the papers get all soggy?
We used to freeze sugar cookies at the bakery all the time, so I know those will be OK.

Obviously, cranberry bread is good to freeze.

Any tips? The lull before Thanksgiving is really the best time for me to bake.
__________________
A,
Mother of
Dancing Diva, 21

Boy Wonder 19,
Mr. Cool 15, and
Ninja 13
Sunshine, 11, and 8 year old Joy


Last edited by RealLifeMama; 11-11-2022 at 03:29 PM.
RealLifeMama is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2022, 03:56 PM   #2
Aerynne
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 27,356
Aerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

I do not find that cookies freeze well, however balls of ready-to-bake cookie dough freeze excellently! Any chance of getting it ready to bake, freezing, and then thawing it to bake?
__________________
Erin

born of water and of the Spirit 4/96
married 5/02

Mama to:
2004

2007
2010
2012
2017
2019

Jan 2, 2024

And many I hope to hold in heaven one day
Aerynne is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2022, 04:17 PM   #3
2sunshines
Moderator in Celebrations, Cloth Diapering & EC, Empty Arms, Prayer & Praise, and Swap n' Shop
 
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 27,014
2sunshines has disabled reputation
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aerynne View Post
I do not find that cookies freeze well, however balls of ready-to-bake cookie dough freeze excellently! Any chance of getting it ready to bake, freezing, and then thawing it to bake?
Not the OP, but what do you mean by "getting ready to bake"? Do you put the dough in cookie size portions and freeze like that? Like balls? Or flattened pre-bake dough cookies? Or a roll of dough that you slice (like they sell in the store)? Or other?

I'm intrigued. We do a lot of homemade cookies here, and like to cook in small batches (so we don't have a lot at one time). The idea of making a huger batch of dough and freezing and just pulling from the freezer to bake a few at a time is brilliant.

(sorry, not the OP nor related to Christmas baking... Though if I get good at it maybe I'd do more Christmas baking. )
__________________
married 25 years
mom to two young adults (23 and 20) and two teens (17 and 15)
2sunshines is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to 2sunshines For This Useful Post:
Aerynne (11-11-2022)
Old 11-11-2022, 04:40 PM   #4
RealLifeMama
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 18,255
RealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond reputeRealLifeMama has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Drop cookies (like chocolate chip, oatmeal, etc) do ok frozen in balls and thawed to bake. I have one cookie that requires rolling in balls, and then logs, then baking and dipping, that I sometimes freeze at the ball stage.
I have tried freezing the peanut butter blossoms at ball stage and that didn't go so well. They just tasted odd. I have another that fits rolled into a ball, then pressed into sugar. Those are ok at ball stage to freeze, so I might do those.

I have found that a lot of cookies brown unevenly after the dough has been frozen. I don't know why.

Any idea about the cheesecake?
__________________
A,
Mother of
Dancing Diva, 21

Boy Wonder 19,
Mr. Cool 15, and
Ninja 13
Sunshine, 11, and 8 year old Joy

RealLifeMama is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to RealLifeMama For This Useful Post:
2sunshines (11-11-2022)
Old 11-11-2022, 05:13 PM   #5
Aerynne
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 27,356
Aerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond reputeAerynne has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2sunshines View Post
Not the OP, but what do you mean by "getting ready to bake"? Do you put the dough in cookie size portions and freeze like that? Like balls? Or flattened pre-bake dough cookies? Or a roll of dough that you slice (like they sell in the store)? Or other?

I'm intrigued. We do a lot of homemade cookies here, and like to cook in small batches (so we don't have a lot at one time). The idea of making a huger batch of dough and freezing and just pulling from the freezer to bake a few at a time is brilliant.

(sorry, not the OP nor related to Christmas baking... Though if I get good at it maybe I'd do more Christmas baking. )
I make the dough and then use my little dough scoop to place dough balls on a wax-paper covered tray in the freezer. I put them right next to each other- not leaving room like when you cook cookies. Then when they are frozen I take them out and put them right next to each other in a plastic gallon ziploc. I close it most of the way and then use a straw to suck out all the extra air. Then it is sort-of vacuum sealed and I will stack bags on top of each other. Each bag contains one flat layer of cookies. Then when I want some cookies, I take however many out that I want, put them on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 from frozen and they turn out fine.
__________________
Erin

born of water and of the Spirit 4/96
married 5/02

Mama to:
2004

2007
2010
2012
2017
2019

Jan 2, 2024

And many I hope to hold in heaven one day
Aerynne is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Aerynne For This Useful Post:
2sunshines (11-11-2022)
Old 11-11-2022, 06:53 PM   #6
ViolaMum
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,542
ViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Freeze the frostings and icings separately. I freeze cream cheese frosting and buttercreams routinely; just make sure to thaw thoroughly before use.

Any quick bread is fine. Off hand I can't think of any that have been problematic for me.

If your M&M cookies are similar to a chocolate chip cookie dough, they'll work, too.

Cupcakes are great to freeze. I've not had a problem with the papers. If they're going to get yucky, it's usually in the cooling process when they sometimes peel off the cupcake.

Biscotti typically freezes well. I favor Rocco DiSpirito's recipe at Food Network as a base - it's made with olive oil, not butter, so that may make a difference. It has THE PERFECT dunking texture! I have some GF pumpkin biscotti in the freezer right now. If you can wait til tomorrow, I can report on that recipe!

Cheesecake - let's see. I used to make mini cheesecakes in muffin tins and freeze those. They usually turned out fine, unless I left them in the freezer too long and they got freezer burn. Let thaw slowly and completely. There might be a little loss of texture, nothing a fresh topping won't fix!

I usually freeze the dough or batter and bake things off as I need them. Every year I have three or four doughs in the freezer. Anything like snickerdoodles, rolled sugar cookies, candy cane twists, Italian sesame, keep in the freezer nicely. Danish and croissant doughs freeze beautifully. Take them out the night before you want to use and thaw in the fridge. You can bake off the next day.

I freeze my mom's fig cookies baked but not frosted. She makes a brown sugar rolled cut-out cookie every year

I can't say for sure on the dipped cookies. Usually that kind of thing works out well, but it depends on the base cookie.

---------- Post added at 08:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:50 PM ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by RealLifeMama View Post
Drop cookies (like chocolate chip, oatmeal, etc) do ok frozen in balls and thawed to bake. I have one cookie that requires rolling in balls, and then logs, then baking and dipping, that I sometimes freeze at the ball stage.
I have tried freezing the peanut butter blossoms at ball stage and that didn't go so well. They just tasted odd. I have another that fits rolled into a ball, then pressed into sugar. Those are ok at ball stage to freeze, so I might do those.

I have found that a lot of cookies brown unevenly after the dough has been frozen. I don't know why.

Any idea about the cheesecake?
I don't portion the dough, just put it in a zip-loc bag, press out all the air. I think it's the exposure to air that alters the dough enough to not bake well.
__________________
Darcy
married to my Photographic Genius (1/00)
Mom to:
Prima, Secunda, Tertia, and Quarta

Youth and Beauty are fleeting, but the ability to bake a great chocolate cake lasts forever!
ViolaMum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2022, 09:22 PM   #7
Soliloquy
Rose Garden
 
Why climb a mountain? Because it's there!
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Selkirk Mountains
Posts: 52,860
Soliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond reputeSoliloquy has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Biscotti should keep really well without freezing, shouldn't they? They seem to keep forever. I imagine they'd freeze really well, though.
Soliloquy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2022, 09:54 PM   #8
knitlove
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 21,260
knitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond reputeknitlove has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Parchment paper cup cake liners freeze wonderfully well.

(There have been sessions of like that I always had frozen cupcakes that I could pop out if the girls got invited to birthday parties.)

I think that biscotti would be fine to just bake now and keep for a month.

I have also frozen biscotti after the first baking and cutting and then pulled them out of the freezer and done the second baking.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
__________________
Wife to a wonderful DH for 19 years.
Momma to my 29 weeker Early Bird who is thirteen
and my little Wiggle Worm born 33 weeks who is nine.
How do I have a teenager?! I don't feel ready for this.
knitlove is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2022, 09:41 AM   #9
RiverRock
Moderator
 
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In green pastures
Posts: 9,754
RiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond reputeRiverRock has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Is the cranberry bread with yeast of baking soda/powder? Yeast breads freeze well, but quick breads are better made fresh (although you can premix your dry ingredients and store in a ziplock bag in the fridge until needed).

Everything else would freeze well between layers of parchment or waxed paper. I might not bother freezing biscotti though.
__________________
RiverRock, mom to a
24 year old diamond,
22 year old granite,
19 year old pearl, and
16 year old tiger eye.
Married for 25 years to a rugged boulder
and resting together on the one true Rock.
RiverRock is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2022, 01:07 PM   #10
ViolaMum
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,542
ViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Quote:
Originally Posted by RiverRock View Post
Is the cranberry bread with yeast of baking soda/powder? Yeast breads freeze well, but quick breads are better made fresh (although you can premix your dry ingredients and store in a ziplock bag in the fridge until needed).
I don't find this to be true. In fact, I might do the opposite - freeze the yeast dough and the baked quick breads. I bake an awful lot and utilize my freezer pretty extensively in order to host buffets. At any one time there is often Danish dough (a laminated, enriched yeast dough similar to croissants), multiple pie crusts and a cookie dough or two on hand to use. Most quick breads do just fine in the freezer. Aim to use them in 3-4 months, but on occasion I've pulled a pumpkin gingerbread, zucchini bread, or the like from the back of the deep freezer a year later and my family was none the wiser.
__________________
Darcy
married to my Photographic Genius (1/00)
Mom to:
Prima, Secunda, Tertia, and Quarta

Youth and Beauty are fleeting, but the ability to bake a great chocolate cake lasts forever!
ViolaMum is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to ViolaMum For This Useful Post:
ECingMama (11-13-2022)
Old 11-13-2022, 11:33 PM   #11
ECingMama
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 16,746
ECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond reputeECingMama has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ViolaMum View Post
I don't find this to be true. In fact, I might do the opposite - freeze the yeast dough and the baked quick breads. I bake an awful lot and utilize my freezer pretty extensively in order to host buffets. At any one time there is often Danish dough (a laminated, enriched yeast dough similar to croissants), multiple pie crusts and a cookie dough or two on hand to use. Most quick breads do just fine in the freezer. Aim to use them in 3-4 months, but on occasion I've pulled a pumpkin gingerbread, zucchini bread, or the like from the back of the deep freezer a year later and my family was none the wiser.
Just dreaming about living at your house.

Your family is SOOOO blessed.
__________________
ENFp
Wife who is thankful to be in love....17 years
Homeschooling Mom of three....15 DD dancer and
12 DS mountain biker and 5 DD calico critter and dolly mommy
12/2014 8/2015 11/2015 9/2016
ECingMama is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to ECingMama For This Useful Post:
ViolaMum (11-14-2022)
Old 11-14-2022, 08:13 AM   #12
ViolaMum
Rose Garden
 
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,542
ViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond reputeViolaMum has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Freezing Baked Treats- Experiences?

Aaw, You're very kind, EC!

I AM a bit nutty, though.
__________________
Darcy
married to my Photographic Genius (1/00)
Mom to:
Prima, Secunda, Tertia, and Quarta

Youth and Beauty are fleeting, but the ability to bake a great chocolate cake lasts forever!
ViolaMum is offline   Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to ViolaMum For This Useful Post:
ECingMama (11-14-2022)
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:30 AM.


A variety of opinions and ideas are shared on GCM. Personal experiences, suggestions, and tips found here are in no way intended to substitute for medical counsel from a healthcare professional. Always use your own good judgement and seek professional advice when in doubt about a health concern.

Amazon.com affiliate link

Copyright 1997-2017 by Gentle Christian Mothers™
An alternative-minded, evangelical Christian community supporting attachment parenting and natural living.

Do not post content elsewhere.
http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/community/

Some smilies created and copyrighted by Mazeguy.
Some smilies and avatars created and copyrighted by flowermama and children -- do not use elsewhere.

Soli Deo Gloria
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. ~ Romans 16:27 (KJV)

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

X vBulletin 3.8.3 Debug Information
  • Page Generation 0.11614 seconds
  • Memory Usage 7,996KB
  • Queries Executed 16 (?)
More Information
Template Usage:
  • (1)SHOWTHREAD
  • (1)ad_footer_end
  • (1)ad_footer_start
  • (1)ad_header_end
  • (1)ad_header_logo
  • (1)ad_navbar_below
  • (1)ad_showthread_beforeqr
  • (1)ad_showthread_firstpost
  • (1)ad_showthread_firstpost_sig
  • (1)ad_showthread_firstpost_start
  • (5)bbcode_quote
  • (1)cyb_flashimagebanners
  • (1)footer
  • (1)forumjump
  • (1)forumrules
  • (1)gobutton
  • (1)header
  • (1)headinclude
  • (1)navbar
  • (3)navbar_link
  • (60)option
  • (12)post_groan_box
  • (1)post_groan_javascript
  • (1)post_groan_navbar_search
  • (12)post_thanks_box
  • (6)post_thanks_box_bit
  • (1)post_thanks_javascript
  • (1)post_thanks_navbar_search
  • (6)post_thanks_postbit_legacy
  • (12)postbit_legacy
  • (12)postbit_onlinestatus
  • (122)postbit_reputation
  • (12)postbit_wrapper
  • (4)showthread_bookmarksite
  • (1)smqre_editor_button
  • (1)spacer_close
  • (1)spacer_open
  • (1)tagbit_wrapper 

Phrase Groups Available:
  • global
  • inlinemod
  • postbit
  • posting
  • reputationlevel
  • showthread
Included Files:
  • ./showthread.php
  • ./global.php
  • ./includes/init.php
  • ./includes/class_core.php
  • ./includes/config.php
  • ./includes/functions.php
  • ./includes/class_hook.php
  • ./includes/functions_notice.php
  • ./mobiquo/smartbanner.php
  • ./mobiquo/include/classTTConnection.php
  • ./mobiquo/smartbanner/head.inc.php
  • ./includes/functions_bigthree.php
  • ./includes/class_postbit.php
  • ./includes/class_bbcode.php
  • ./includes/functions_reputation.php
  • ./includes/adminfunctions_template.php
  • ./includes/functions_misc.php
  • ./includes/functions_post_thanks.php
  • ./includes/functions_post_groan.php 

Hooks Called:
  • init_startup
  • cache_permissions
  • fetch_postinfo_query
  • fetch_postinfo
  • fetch_threadinfo_query
  • fetch_threadinfo
  • fetch_foruminfo
  • style_fetch
  • cache_templates
  • global_start
  • parse_templates
  • fetch_musername
  • notices_check_start
  • global_setup_complete
  • showthread_start
  • template_groups
  • template_safe_functions
  • template_compile
  • showthread_getinfo
  • forumjump
  • showthread_post_start
  • showthread_query_postids
  • showthread_query
  • bbcode_fetch_tags
  • bbcode_create
  • showthread_postbit_create
  • postbit_factory
  • postbit_display_start
  • post_thanks_function_post_thanks_off_start
  • post_thanks_function_post_thanks_off_end
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_start
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_end
  • post_thanks_function_thanked_already_start
  • post_thanks_function_thanked_already_end
  • post_groan_function_post_groan_off_start
  • post_groan_function_post_groan_off_end
  • post_groan_function_fetch_groans_start
  • post_groan_function_fetch_groans_end
  • post_groan_function_groaned_already_start
  • post_groan_function_groaned_already_end
  • reputation_image
  • bbcode_parse_start
  • postbit_imicons
  • bbcode_parse_complete_precache
  • bbcode_parse_complete
  • postbit_display_complete
  • error_fetch
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_bit_start
  • post_thanks_function_show_thanks_date_start
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_thanks_bit_end
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_post_thanks_template_start
  • post_thanks_function_fetch_post_thanks_template_end
  • tag_fetchbit_complete
  • forumrules
  • showthread_bookmarkbit
  • navbits
  • navbits_complete
  • showthread_complete