Can frozen cookie dough sit out for 12 hours?

It's not recommended to leave frozen cookie dough out at room temperature for 12 hours. Here's why:

* Bacteria growth: Frozen cookie dough is safe because it's kept at a temperature that inhibits bacterial growth. At room temperature, bacteria can multiply rapidly, potentially leading to foodborne illness.

* Texture and quality: The dough will soften and become sticky, making it difficult to work with. The flavor can also be affected.

Here's what you should do instead:

* Refrigerate: If you need to thaw the dough, do it in the refrigerator overnight. This will take longer, but it's much safer.

* Thaw quickly: If you need to thaw the dough quickly, you can place it in a bowl of cold water. This will take about 30 minutes.

* Bake ASAP: Once the dough is thawed, bake it as soon as possible.

Remember: Always err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety.