Cookie dough usually hardens up after either refrigeration or when the prevailing environmental temperature is low. This happens mainly because of certain ingredients which may be contained in it.
While you can microwave a rock-hard cookie dough, keep in mind that there is the possibility you may end up warming it a little too much, and this may make the dough tough to handle. Alternatively, you can soften any hard dough by removing it from the refrigerator and allowing it enough time outside to soften. If you wish to speed up the procedure a little, you may choose to place it in a warm place.
Continue reading this post to find more answers to other questions you may have about microwaving rock hard cookie doughs.
Why is my cookie dough hard after refrigeration?
Mostly, the dough contains a lot of fat, and for this reason, it is usually soft at room temperature and tough when cold, particularly if you put it in a refrigerator. In essence, you can always soften any hard dough by giving it time to lay in a warm room temperature and get soften up a bit. Simply take out the hardened cookie dough from the refrigerator, leave it in a warm place and wait until it has softened a little before you start working on it.
Should I microwave rock hard cookie dough?
While you CAN microwave rock-hard cookie, it’s usually advised that you SHOULDN’T. This is what happens when you microwave your cookie dough: for one, your cookie dough is not likely to turn brown enough if you microwave it when trying to get it soft. And secondly, you may end up with a sort of curdled cookie instead as the heat can be so much that it goes ahead to melt the dough or even cook it a little in the process. Furthermore, when you microwave cookie dough, you are also likely to make it tough to handle, which may necessitate allowing it more time to cool again.
Microwaves are best used for cooking instead of handling doughs. The air in the microwave doesn’t get hot enough. They, therefore, work by heating the inside of the food rather than the outside.
Should refrigerated cookie dough be brought to room temperature before baking?
Yes, your refrigerated cookie dough should always be left at room temperature for the best results. The best way to accomplish that is by removing it from the fridge and allowing it enough time outside to enable it to come to room temperature. This will soften it, as well as make it easier to handle too.
How long does it take for refrigerated cookie dough to come to room temperature?
First and foremost, we should understand that the length of time it will take for any dough softening will depend on the prevailing environmental temperature at the time, and on how cold the dough really is after its removal from the fridge. Be that as it may, however, a refrigerated dough can take a few hours to come to room temperature.
How long should you refrigerate cookie dough?
Refrigerating cookie dough can be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours (or less, depending on your recipe). The good thing is that the longer you have chilled the dough, the more flavour it is likely to develop. In addition, the flour may also absorb more moisture, which will make it develop thicker and chewier qualities in the end.
Why do we thaw dough?
Unlike defrosting that involves getting out of a frozen state, thawing means becoming free of the effects of coldness by exposure to warmth or heat. Any frozen food that is thawed, some parts of its outer surface is warmed up enough to free dangerous microbes that may grow on it. Considering the fact that it takes about four hours to thaw most frozen foods, it is important that we thaw these foods properly, in order to destroy any dangerous organisms from growing on the food.
Do you have to thaw frozen cookie dough before baking it in the microwave?
Really, you don’t always have to. All the same, thawing the dough is known to hasten up the process of baking, as well as, shorten the cooking time. Just put the frozen cookie dough directly on a baking sheet for about two to three minutes longer than usual before going on.
How to warm cookie dough from the fridge
To warm cookie dough from the fridge, first put the dough near a warm stove and pound it with a rolling pin the moment it begins to soften. Or you can also cut it into smaller pieces with a pastry cutter, which will make the dough come down to room temperature much faster. You can also set the dough on a counter and allow it to defrost at room temperature for a few hours.
Can thawed cookie dough be frozen?
Yes, thawed cookie dough can be frozen. Just divide your dough into several even rounds before wrapping them tightly in a plastic wrap and freezing. That is if you plan to bake all of your dough at once. Thereafter, freeze the dough overnight before you transfer it to an airtight bag or container in the freezer.
How long is thawed cookie dough good?
If you wish to get the best quality thawed dough, freeze it for up to about a weeks. In addition, homemade cookie dough should be stored in small containers while in the refrigerator for at least two to four days. And it can be frozen for up two months without getting spoilt. Another option is to freeze and thaw small quantities of dough in the refrigerator as required.
Can I use dough that was left out overnight?
Typically, you can still use any dough you left out overnight Just keep in mind that any dough that is left to rise at room temperature takes about two to four hours before it can double its size. Should you leave it overnight, the dough is most likely going to rise so high which can make it collapse because of its weight alone, and that may also cause the dough to deflate. Always leave your dough overnight in the refrigerator if you want the best of results.
Can you skip chilling cookie dough?
You really shouldn’t skip chilling your cookie dough. Essentially, we thaw dough for a tastier and chewier cookie. It is best to chill your dough for at least one hour if you want to get the best cookie recipe, but do not skip. Not staying for more than thirty minutes in your freezer can actually help your cookie to turn brown better, to spread less and also to develop a richer chewy texture too.
Can you freeze cookie dough instead of refrigerating it?
Using your freezer can actually hasten up the process, and in addition, you can also freeze cookie dough for up to one-fourth of the recommended refrigeration time with excellent results. Should you freeze your dough, it’s not any bother to put it in the fridge and allow it to thaw until such time that it becomes soft before baking it.
What happens if you don’t refrigerate cookie dough?
Getting your dough in the fridge enables its fat content to cool and harden too. Due to this cooling, the cookie is likely to expand slower, whole retaining its desirable texture. Should you skip this chilling, you are likely going to have a flat, sad disc rather than lovely and chewy cookies.
Does cookie dough get spoilt if it is not refrigerated?
Yes, it usually does, and to guard against that, it is recommended that you store your cookie in small airtight containers in either your fridge or freeze, depending on when you plan to bake it. Generally, any dough left on the counter and at room temperature will be good for only about two to fours hours but can go bad after this time-lapse, particularly when it is already beyond its ‘best by’ date.
Conclusion
Thawing is actually the warming up of food that has been frozen so that it can be eaten either immediately or after warming it in a microwave. It is an absolutely essential aspect of preparing dough before baking, especially where such dough has been frozen.
