How to Defrost Cookie Dough in Microwave (Best Method)

If you also have frozen cookie dough, then you’re in luck! You can easily defrost cookie dough in the microwave. It is a convenient, quick, and easy way to thaw the dough before baking.

Home cooks and culinary experts also recommend it, especially because frozen cookie dough might not bake evenly.

So if you’re a fan of cookies, whether chocolate chip, peanut butter, or just plain sugar cookies, then you know that craving can hit you at any time. And when that happens, the cookie dough that you stored in the freezer from the last time you baked comes in handy.

And if you’re anything like me, by the time the cookie dough thaws, you will have given in to the temptation of ordering cookies online and devouring them. After all, it is really hard to wait for the dough to thaw when you really want to eat cookies at that instance. But, of course, nothing beats the piping hot cookies that you bake at home.

So here’s everything you need to know about defrosting cookie dough in the microwave.

Can you defrost cookie dough in microwave?

Yes, you can defrost cookie dough in a microwave, especially if you can’t wait for the dough to thaw and want to bake cookies as soon as possible. But you need to be extra careful and check the dough at regular intervals because it’s easy to overdo it.

It is very easy to burn or bake the cookie dough if you don’t keep a check on it. So make sure you don’t just pop it in the microwave and forget about it.

And once you burn your homemade cookie dough, there’s nothing you can do about it. Plus, if you heat it too much, you risk melting the butter present in the dough. So be vigilant.

How do you defrost cooking dough in microwave?

can you microwave cookie dough

To defrost cooking dough in a microwave, first, spray a pan or dish with cooking spray. Put your dough over it and cover it up with a plastic wrap. Microwave the dough for 25 seconds, flip it and then put it in for another 25 seconds. Finally, set the microwave to the defrost setting and nuke the dough in 10-second intervals until you get the desired results. 

When microwaving cookie dough, make sure you use a microwave-safe dish, plate, or pan. As for the cooking spray, you can either use a store-bought one or make your own. To make your own, just fill an empty spray bottle with the oil of your choice (like olive or canola oil). If you don’t have cooking spray, you can line your dish with parchment paper.

Make sure the plastic wrap you use is microwave-safe and doesn’t touch the dough. Spray a few drops of cooking spray on it so that it doesn’t stick to the dough and is easier to remove.

Once you microwave the dough for 25 seconds on both sides, remove the plastic wrap and inspect it. At this stage, the dough should be cold, but not hard.

The next step is to put the microwave on defrost setting and nuke the dough for 3-5 minutes until you get the desired results. If your microwave doesn’t have the defrost setting, you can just set it at the lowest setting or use 30% power.

Don’t microwave for the entire duration in one go. It’s better to opt for 10-second intervals and constantly check the dough for hardness, especially at the center. I also recommend flipping the dough after every interval to ensure even heat distribution. Keep repeating this until you achieve the desired results.

For even quicker results, you can pound the dough at each interval or slice it into small pieces and then microwave it using the defrost option.

Is it safe to defrost cooking dough in microwave?

Yes, it is safe to defrost cooking dough in a microwave as long as you use the defrost setting and follow the correct instructions. Just remember to constantly monitor the dough throughout the process to prevent it from getting baked or burning.

There are some things you should remember when microwaving cookie dough.

You should only use microwave-safe dishes or plates. Plastics and other non-microwave-safe materials tend to leech chemicals into your food, which can adversely affect your health. The same goes for plastic wrap. Make sure it is 100% microwaveable and doesn’t melt when subjected to up to 5 minutes of heat.

Also remember to never put metal pans, trays, or spoons in the microwave as they can cause an explosion and seriously injure you. I recommend that you use silicone or wooden spatulas so that even if you get distracted and leave the utensil in there, you are not put at risk.

You should also adjust the cooking time according to your microwave’s wattage. For instance, if you have a high-power microwave, you might be able to defrost the cookie dough by just microwaving it for 2 minutes. Trust your instincts and keep checking the dough to make sure you don’t overcook it.

In addition, be careful when taking out the plate containing the dough from the microwave. It might be hot so it’s best to use mitts to prevent burns.

If you follow these tips, you won’t have to worry about anything when defrosting cooking dough in a microwave.

How long does it take to defrost cooking dough in microwave?

microwaving cookie dough
The time it takes to defrost cookie dough in a microwave depends on the thickness of your dough, the amount, and how frozen it is. But, in general, the entire process takes up to 5 minutes.  

Thicker cookie dough will take longer to defrost than thinner dough. This is why it’s better if you pound the dough a bit after each 10-second interval. It speeds up the process.

Secondly, if the cookie dough has been in the freezer for a few days, it will take longer to defrost. But if it has just been a few hours, it won’t take too long.

You will have to experiment with the timing a bit. If you can, divide the frozen cookie dough into chunks and then play around with the timing. Even if you end up burning one chunk, you will have the remaining cookie dough to make cookies. Plus, you will know the time limit that you should not go over when microwaving the remaining dough.

Tips to defrost cooking dough in the microwave

It’s easy to burn or bake cooking dough when defrosting it. But by following these tips, you can prevent that from happening:

  • Never microwave the dough in one go. Always do so in intervals and keep checking the dough to make sure you don’t burn it.
  • The plastic wrap can contaminate the cookie dough so make sure the two don’t touch.
  • Know the cookie dough’s estimated weight so that you can get an idea of how long you should microwave it.
  • Make sure that you only use microwave-safe dishes, and stay away from aluminum foil and metal dishes.
  • Pound the dough to ensure even heat distribution. This also makes the dough easy to shape.

The Bottom Line

You now know how to defrost cookie dough in a microwave. It can be slightly tricky, but with a few tries, you can get it right. And once you do, you will have fun making freshly made cookies.

You can then pair them up with your choice of hot beverage, put on your favorite movie, and have fun indulging in these scrumptious treats. So, take out the cookie dough from your freezer and get microwaving!

FAQ

can you defrost cookie dough in the microwave

How can I cook frozen cookie dough in the microwave?

To cook frozen cookie dough in the microwave, place a single piece of frozen dough on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 15-20 seconds. Check if it’s cooked through, and repeat until done.

What is the difference between baking homemade cookie dough in a conventional oven versus microwaving it?

Baking homemade cookie dough in a conventional oven allows for even cooking and browning, while microwaving may result in unevenly cooked or soggy cookies.

Can store-bought cookie dough be microwaved?

Yes, store-bought cookie dough can be microwaved by following the instructions on the packaging. Pillsbury and Nestlé both offer microwaveable options.

What toppings go well with freshly baked cookies?

Adding ice cream or chocolate sauce to freshly baked cookies makes for a delicious dessert treat!

How do I bake frozen cookie dough without using a baking sheet?

To bake frozen cookie dough without using a baking sheet, simply place each piece of thawed or partially thawed dough onto parchment paper on top of an oven-safe plate or dish before placing it into the preheated conventional oven.

Can I microwave cookies made from Pillsbury cookie dough?

Yes, you can cook Pillsbury cookie dough in the microwave. However, microwaved cookies may not have the same texture as oven-baked cookies.

How do I thaw frozen cookie dough?

To thaw frozen cookie dough, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until it is soft enough to work with.

What is the best way to bake Nestlé chocolate chip cookies?

The best way to bake Nestlé chocolate chip cookies is in a traditional oven baked at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

How can I achieve a cakey soft texture when baking chocolate chip cookies?

To achieve a cakey soft texture when baking chocolate chip cookies, use more flour and less butter in your recipe. You can also try adding an extra egg yolk or using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Is it safe to eat raw cookie dough that contains raw eggs?

No, consuming raw eggs poses a risk of salmonella infection. It’s recommended that you avoid eating raw cookie dough and instead bake small portions of the dough into actual glass rotation plate oven baked cookies for safe consumption.

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