How to Freeze Hand Decorated Cookies

When it comes to freezing hand-decorated sugar cookies with royal icing, there are several common pitfalls that can affect the quality and appearance of the cookies. Here are some of the most frequent pitfalls to be aware of:

1. Condensation:
Freezing and thawing cookies can cause condensation to form on the surface of the royal icing, leading to moisture-related issues.

2. Color bleeding:
If you freeze decorated cookies with multiple colors of royal icing in close proximity, there is a risk of colors bleeding or smudging during thawing.

3. Texture changes:
Freezing can affect the texture of royal icing. It may become softer or lose its smoothness after thawing, resulting in a less appealing look.

4. Decoration damage:
Delicate royal icing decorations, such as intricate designs, fine lines, or raised details, are susceptible to damage during freezing and thawing. They can easily break, chip, or lose their shape.

5. Taste and freshness:
Although freezing can help preserve the cookies for an extended period, the taste and freshness may still be affected. Over time, the cookies may lose some of their original flavor and texture.

Pro tips:

- Allow cookies to fully cool & dry before freezing.

- Arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking tray to flash freeze before stacking.

- Be mindful not to layer cookies to high as not to compromise design or risk breakage. Best to stand up cookies in box whenever possible vs. stacking.

- Store in an airtight container.

- Bring back to room temperature before opening and removing from freezer storage packaging to avoid condensation.