Are you looking for the quickest method to defrost cookie dough for baking? You are at the right place.
A microwave is the fastest method to thaw cookie dough before using it.
Below is how you can quickly defrost cookie dough in the microwave.
Transfer the frozen cookie dough to a microwavable bowl that has been evenly sprayed with cooking spray. You can also use parchment paper instead of cooking spray. Use the plastic paper wrap to cover the bowl. Place the frozen dough in the microwave and select the defrosting option. Adjust the power to 30% and heat the cookie dough for 10 to 20 seconds.
This article explains how to defrost cookie dough in the microwave. A simple procedure, tips for defrosting, and the best way to defrost a cookie dough are illustrated below. Frequently asked questions about defrosting cookie dough are also discussed at the end of the article
You can also check this article on how to defrost bread dough.
Step-to-Step Process of Defrosting Cookie Dough in the Microwave
The process described below will guide you through defrosting cookie dough in the microwave.
Requirements
- Frozen cookie dough
- Microwave safe bowl
- Cooking spray
- microwaveable plastic wrap
- kitchen gloves
Process
Step one: Spray the Microwavable Bowl with Cooking Spray
Before transferring the dough, take your cooking spray and spray it on the surface of the microwavable bowl. The spray will prevent the cookie dough from sticking to the bowl’s surface.
If you don’t have or are out of the cooking spray, align the container’s surface with parchment paper.
Step two: Transfer the Frozen Cookie Dough to a Microwavable Bowl
Put the frozen cookie dough in the microwavable bowl aligned with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray.
Use microwavable plastic wrap to cover the top of the bowl. Let the plastic wrap and dough have some space.
Step three: Adjust the Setting of the Microwave
After putting the frozen cookie dough in the microwave, adjust the settings by selecting the defrosting option and other specifications required to help the microwave understand the kind of food that needs to be defrosted.
Not all microwaves have the feature of defrosting. Those with such types of microwaves should reduce the microwaves’ cooking power to 30%.
Step four: Defrost the cookies dough
Set a 10 seconds timer and hit the START button. Put on the kitchen gloves and remove the bowl from the microwave. Remove the plastic wrap and Check whether the cookie dough has hardened at the centre.
Flip the dough, replace the plastic wrap on the bowl and return it to the microwave for an extra10 seconds.
Helpful Tips to Guide You when Defrosting Cookie Dough in the Microwave
The tips below will guide and also explain certain actions that must be done when defrosting cookie dough.
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Defrosting Frozen Cookie Dough for Baking is Not a Must
Defrosting the cookie dough you want to bake will definitely speed up the baking. Defrosted cookie dough also forms a soft textured dough that spreads less in the oven. However, in certain circumstances, when you are in a hurry, you do not necessarily need to defrost it. You can go ahead and use the frozen dough for baking. It will only take 2 to 4 minutes longer than the normal time.
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The Weight of the Frozen Dough is Important knowledge
Be sure of the weight of the frozen cookie dough before using the defrosting option. The defrosting feature of the microwave determines how long the cookie dough will take to defrost by its weight.
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Use a Plastic Wrap to Cover the Bowl Containing the Cookie Dough
The plastic wrap is essential for trapping moisture into the bowl, preventing the microwaving from absorbing too much moisture from the cookie dough, causing it to harden
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Do not Let the Plastic Wrap Touch the Cookie Dough
The plastic wrap and the cookie dough should have some distance between them. Plastic materials are not always suitable materials to be used in the microwave. Often plastic materials begin to melt, and when they come in contact with food, the melted material contaminates the food.
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Keep a Close Eye on the Dough
Do not assume the cookie dough will be just fine while defrosting on its own. Keep a close eye on it, microwave at minimal intervals, and check the dough’s centre. You wouldn’t want to have over-microwaved hardened cookie dough. Too much heat also melts the butter in the dough, causing it to be too rubbery
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Pound the Cookie Dough if Possible
Consider pounding the cookie dough after each microwaving interval. The pounding will help the heat distribute evenly through the dough until it thaws evenly.
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Make use of Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper
Align the surface of the microwavable bowl with parchment paper. If not, use cooking spray. The two will prevent the cookie dough from sticking to the bowl’s surface, enabling you to be kneed or pound the bowl evenly.
The Best Way to Defrost Cookie Dough
The best method of defrosting cookie dough is by using a microwave. It is the fastest method to use when you are in a hurry.
First, spray cooking spray on a microwavable bowl or align it with parchment paper. Transfer the frozen cookie dough into the bowl. Use a plastic paper wrap to cover the frozen cookie dough and place it in the microwave.
Use a defrosting option to defrost the dough. Or lower the microwave’s power to 30% and heat the dough for 10 seconds. Pound the dough o distribute heat and if it is not done to your liking, reheat in the microwave for 10 more seconds.
Does Frozen Cookie Dough Still Contain Foodborne Bacteria
Freezing cooking dough does not eliminate foodborne bacteria. The foodborne bacteria still exist in the frozen cookie dough.
Only that it does not grow as fast as they would when the dough is still at room temperature. The bacteria become active enough when the cough thaws and returns to room temperature.
Warmth is a conducive environment for breeding foodborne bacteria.
Faqs On How to Defrost Cookie Dough in the Microwave
1. How do you unthaw frozen cookie dough?
You place the dough in a microwavable bowl to unthaw frozen cookie dough. The bowl should be sprayed with cooking spray to stop the dough from sticking to the surface.
Use a plastic paper wrap to cover the bowl and place it in the microwave. Select the defrosting option and defrost. If your microwave lacks the defrosting option, reduce the power of the microwave to 30% and heat the cookie dough for 10 seconds.
Remove the dough from the microwave, and pound it to thaw evenly. Repeat the heating process if the dough does not thaw to your liking.
2. Can you microwave cookie dough to soften?
Yes, you can. Instead of defrosting it before baking, consider cooking it directly in the microwave. Transfer the frozen cookie dough to a microwaveable bowl and place it in the microwave.
Heat at high power for 30-45 seconds.
3. Should I thaw frozen cookie dough?
Yes, you should, especially if you want the dough soft. Thawing the frozen cookie dough speeds up the baking.
Defrosted cookie dough also forms a smooth textured dough that spreads less in the oven.
In exceptional circumstances, when you are in a hurry, you do not necessarily need to defrost it. You can go ahead and use the frozen dough for baking.
4. Can I microwave frozen cookie dough?
Yes, you can. You can microwave frozen cookie dough directly without defrosting it for 30 to 45 seconds to soften. You can also microwave frozen cookie dough to defrost
5. Is it safe to eat frozen cookie dough?
No, it is not safe. Eating cook dough that is hot to the proper internal temperature is safe. It protects you from consuming germs and bacteria that survive in a cooler environment. The heat kills the germs and the bacteria.
6. How long do you microwave cookie dough?
Microwaving cookie dough to defrost it may take 10 to 20 seconds. Microwaving cookie dough to soften it takes 30 to 45 seconds. The time varies depending on the quantity of the frozen cookie dough and the microwave’s wattage.
7. How do you soften hard cookie dough
You can use a microwave to soften hardened cookie dough. Place the hardened cookie dough in a microwavable bowl in the microwave.
Heat it for a few seconds without burning it. Remove it immediately and begin to mold. You can use your hands or a rolling stick.
Repeat the process until the dough is soft enough to suit your next use for it.
8. Do cookies go soft in the microwave?
No, cookies do not soften in the microwave. They harden, especially if you microwave the cookies openly without a lid. The heat hardens the cookies, making them as hard as a stone.
However, there is always a way of softening a cookie in the microwave. Wrap the cookies with wet paper towels and place them in a microwavable bowl.
Microwave for a few seconds, and they will soften up. The damp paper towel will form steam through the cookies, softening them.
9. Should refrigerated cookie dough be brought to room temperature before baking?
No, you can bake frozen cookie dough even without thawing. It will not be of so much difference. The only difference will be an increase in the baking time.
However, defrosting the cookie dough, you want to bake will speed up the baking. Defrosted cookie dough also forms a soft dough that spreads in the oven.
10. How long does frozen cookies take to thaw?
The time to thaw frozen cookies depends on the method used. For instance, thawing frozen cookies refrigeration will take you an entire night.
First, transfer the cookies from the freezer to the fridge and allow them to cool for the whole night. This method is suitable; if you are unsure if you use the dough the following morning, you can freeze it again.
The other method of thawing is the use of a microwave. Place the cookies in the microwave and use the defrosting option.
Or lower the power of the microwave to 30% and heat the cookies for 10 to 20 seconds. You can also leave the frozen cookies at room temperature for 1 to 3 hours.
11. What can I do with frozen cookie dough?
You can thaw the frozen cookie dough by defrosting it, refrigeration or letting it stay at room temperature for a few hours.
Afterwards, you can bake and make Cookie Dough Ice Cream, Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches, Cookie Layer Cake or Cookie Ice Cream Cake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, defrosting cookie dough in the microwave is relatively easy. The secret is knowing the weight of the dough if you are using the defrosting feature and reducing the microwaving power to 30% to avoid overheating the dough.
However, defrosting is not really a must when planning to use the cookie dough for baking. The frozen dough might take a long time when baked because of its icy nature, but it will not affect the final results.
