When you know how to store cookies and cookie dough properly, you can save some for later and still have that delicious freshly-baked homemade cookie taste. With simple kitchen materials and a few basic tricks, we'll show you how to preserve leftover cookies&#;and save time. Here are the best (and worst) methods for storing cookies and cookie dough.
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Why Do Cookies Get Stale?
First, you'll need to become familiar with the main adversary to any cookie's freshness: air. Prolonged exposure to open air makes starchy foods stale. Air exposes these foods to greater evaporation (even if through just a slit in a plastic bag), making them dry.
Think of a drink left out overnight: There will be less liquid in that cup in the morning; cookies work similarly. Depending on your batch size, timeline, cookies, and preferences, you can minimize air exposure in several ways.
How to Store Cookies in the Freezer
If you intend to eat cookies more than four days after baking them, store them in the freezer. (Same for cookie dough that won't be baked that same day or the next; more on that below.) Baked cookies keep in the freezer for a year. Frozen raw dough is best if used within a few months.
Steps
How to Store Cookies in the Fridge
While cookies can last in the fridge for two weeks, eating them sooner is better. (We recommend storing a few in the refrigerator for eating in a few days and freezing the rest if eating more than four days after baking.)
Cookies made with more perishable ingredients, like ricotta cookies, jam cookies, or meringue cookies, will need cooler temperatures within a few hours of baking. Look to the fridge (or freezer) if they'll be around longer.
Steps
How to Store Cookies at Room Temperature
Unrefrigerated cookies stay fresh for two or three days. If your cute cookie jar isn't airtight (or if you don't know) and you'd still like to use it to store cookies on the counter, put cookies in a sealable plastic bag to keep air out before storing them inside the jar.
The same is true for cookie tins and other non-airtight food containers. Sealable plastic containers and bags can keep cookies in good shape for the few days they might spend at room temperature&#;just tuck the bagged cookies inside these other vessels.
If you have a type of cookie that's cut from a big sheet, like rainbow cookies, remove them from the sheet as you are ready to eat or serve them. This approach works wonders for keeping these types of cookies moist.
The Worst Way to Store Cookies
Ironically, the worst way to store cookies is in a cookie jar without an airtight bag. (Yes, really.) They may look adorable on the counter, but despite their name, cookie jars are usually not fully airtight.
Similarly, cake stands and other displays aren't great for storing cookies longer than a few hours. They tend to have ample air under their high tops, eliminating crispness and textural contrast, leaving cookies a touch hard.
How to Reheat Cookies
Yes, you can bring cookies back to that delicious, out-of-the-oven state. Softer cookies like snickerdoodles and oatmeal raisin cookies are great reheated. There are two main ways to reheat cookies: in a microwave or in the oven.
Drier cookies like biscotti or polvorones can become too dry during reheating, so skip this step. Simply leave them out to thaw. If you've stored them well, they won't need any more heat and will taste great a bit chilled.
To Reheat Cookies in the Microwave
To Reheat Cookies in an Oven
If you want a little softness but also wish to keep some of the cookie's crispness, the oven is your best bet.
How to Store Cookie Dough
According to the USDA, homemade cookie dough lasts two to four days in the refrigerator and should be stored in small containers. Frozen cookie dough, however, can last up to two months.
There are two ways to freeze cookie dough: shaped into ready-to-bake individual cookies or as a whole undivided batch.
To Freeze Pre-Portioned Cookies
This method works very well for simple cookies (like chocolate chip cookies), more so than cookies that incorporate jam, fresh citrus juice, zest, or meringue.
To Freeze Undivided Cookie Dough
This method works great for plainer cookies, like sugar cookies and chewy gingersnaps. If you plan to use a cookie cutter, the slightly chilled dough can help cookies retain their shape. (Just be sure to leave enough time to defrost the dough.)
Should I store cookies with a piece of bread?
Since moisture helps cookies stay soft and fresh, adding a slice of white bread into the container with cookies can help. The moisture from the bread slice transfers to the cookies, preventing them from getting dry. White bread is best for this hack so that no flavor is added to the cookies.
How do you store cookies to stay crisp?
To keep crispy cookies crisp, you need to keep them away from moisture. Always store different types of cookies separately&#;soft cookies can cause crispy cookies to soften due to their extra moisture. Place crispy cookies in an airtight container, but don't completely seal it. (The extra air will help cookies stay crisp.)
How do you keep store-bought cookies fresh?
To help store-bought cookies stay fresh, remove them from their original packaging and place them in an airtight container. You can also freeze store-bought cookies to help them last longer.
There&#;s always an occasion for cookies. Whether you prefer classic chocolate chip or red velvet cookies, these mouthwatering treats are simply irresistible. Cookies are great for birthday parties, work events, holidays, or even just as a snack. But whether you bake them fresh yourself or buy a tasty selection, the question remains: how do you keep cookies fresh?
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This post will walk you through tips and tricks on how to store cookies so they taste just as good as when they first came out of the oven or package. From the proper containers to the perfect storage conditions, there are a few tried and true ways to keep cookies fresh for longer.
What Causes Cookies to Go Stale?
How to Properly Store Cookies
Tips for Keeping Cookies Fresh
FAQs
Keep Your Cookies Fresh and Tasty for Longer
What Causes Cookies to Go Stale?
Why do cookies dry out over time? When cookies are exposed to air, their moisture starts to evaporate. This loss of moisture causes the cookies to dry out. This happens with all sorts of starchy foods.
Starches like those derived from flour undergo retrogradation, leading to cookies becoming firmer and harder. This is also the culprit behind the staleness we&#;re all familiar with.
So, whenever you leave cookies uncovered, they&#;ll start to dry out and become stale. The primary causes of cookie staleness are moisture loss, starch retrogradation, and exposure to air. These factors contribute to changes in texture, taste, and overall freshness&#;exactly what you want to avoid.
How to Properly Store Cookies
When it comes to preserving cookie freshness, there are several storage techniques that can help. Whether you&#;ve just participated in a cookie swap or are celebrating National Cookie Day, following these tips on how to store cookies after baking or opening the package will help you enjoy those tasty treats for days to come.
Storing cookies in the refrigerator
If you&#;re wondering how to store cookies overnight, keeping them in the refrigerator is a great technique for maintaining freshness. To store cookies in the refrigerator effectively, use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Before placing the cookies in containers, make sure they&#;ve cooled completely to prevent condensation.
Here are a few tips for creating the best storage conditions:
Label containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness
Store cookies in a specific area away from food with strong odors to prevent flavor transfer
Set the refrigerator to a slightly higher humidity setting to help cookies maintain moisture
Allow cookies to come to room temperature before eating so they can regain their texture and flavors
Cookies stored in the refrigerator can remain fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. This method best suits cookies without fillings or frostings, such as sugar cookies, shortbread, and biscotti.
Storing cookies in the freezer
To keep cookies fresher for longer, try sticking them in the freezer. This method is the most effective for preserving cookies for long periods.
Before placing your cookies in the freezer, let them fully cool to prevent freezer burn. You can wrap cookies individually or in layers with wax paper before placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags to stop them from sticking together.
Here are some additional tips:
Label containers or bags with the type of cookie and date of storage
Thaw frozen cookies in their sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator before eating
When stored in the freezer, cookies can retain their quality for 1 to 3 months. Almost any type of cookie does well in the freezer, including chocolate chip, oatmeal, peanut butter, and beyond.
Storing cookies at room temperature
Room temperature is another method for how to store baked cookies. If you haven&#;t already devoured the whole batch of freshly baked cookies, you&#;ll want to save them for later. Storing cookies at room temperature is the best way to keep these treats fresh for whenever you crave a cookie.
Like all methods, cookies need to be stored in airtight containers. Here&#;s how to successfully keep cookies fresh at room temperature:
Keep cookies away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or areas with high humidity
Layer cookies with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking together
Ensure the container is properly sealed after each use to maintain freshness
Typically, softer cookies or those filled with cream or frosting do best at room temperature. When stored properly, cookies can stay fresh for up to a week, depending on the type of cookie. Cookies that are meant to be dry or crispy and don't contain perishable ingredients stay fresh longer.
Tips for Keeping Cookies Fresh
Keep your creations fresh and tasty by storing them properly. Extend the shelf life of both home-baked and store-bought cookies by following these general tips on how to store cookies overnight and beyond:
Consider the type of cookie
Different types of cookies have varying moisture levels and ingredients, impacting the storage method. Understanding the nature of your cookies will help you determine the most suitable storage method.
Cool completely
Before storing, allow freshly baked cookies to cool entirely at room temperature. Placing warm cookies in containers will likely result in condensation, which can make your cookies soggy.
Avoid stacking
When stacked or stored in close quarters, frosted or iced cookies can become sticky or lose their embellishments. Store these cookies separately or in a single layer to prevent sticking.
Layer with parchment or wax paper
If you need to stack cookies within a container, separate each layer with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Store in a cool, dry place
Choose a storage area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or areas with high humidity since extreme temperatures or humidity can compromise the quality of the cookies.
Storing Cookies FAQs
What is the best way to store cookies?
The best way to store cookies depends on a variety of factors. There isn&#;t a one-size-fits-all approach to storing cookies.
Diverse cookies with unique ingredients, characteristics, and moisture levels should be maintained differently to avoid becoming stale. Here are some recommendations for storing different types of cookies:
Cookies with brownie-like textures or those with high moisture content maintain their freshness at room temperatures. You can also store them in foil to help keep their texture.
Biscotti, shortbread, or ginger snaps have a lower moisture content, so it's best to store them in airtight containers. Cool, dry conditions help them remain crisp while preventing staleness.
Iced cookies are best stored in a single layer with parchment paper or wrapped individually to preserve their appearance.
Cookies with creamy fillings are best consumed within a few days of baking for the freshest taste and texture. Store them in a single layer for best results.
How long do cookies last when stored correctly?
Cookie shelf life can be extended through different storage methods. Here&#;s a general guideline on how to keep cookies fresh and how long they last when stored correctly:
Most cookies retain freshness for about 3 to 7 days when stored in an airtight container or cookie jar.
Storing cookies in the fridge can extend their freshness to about 1 to 2 weeks, especially for cookies with a moderate moisture content.
Properly stored cookies can maintain their quality for 1 to 3 months in the freezer when tightly sealed.
Mrs. Fields® cookies, known for their freshness and tasty flavors, have a shelf life of about 7 to 12 days when stored correctly at room temperature. We recommend enjoying our cookies as soon as you receive them for optimal taste and freshness. If you want to keep them for later, you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Where should you store cookies?
The ideal method for how to store baked cookies depends on several key factors. Here are some tips on where to store cookies in different settings:
Use airtight containers, cookie jars, or plastic bags to prevent air exposure and moisture loss. Keep cookies in a cool, dry area.
Use airtight containers or sealed plastic bags to store cookies in the fridge. Monitor the moisture level to avoid condensation.
Wrap cookies individually or in layers with wax paper and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags when storing in the freezer. This helps prevent freezer burn.
Keep Your Cookies Fresh and Tasty for Longer
Ensuring long-lasting freshness doesn&#;t need to be complicated. By following these simple strategies on how to store cookies after baking, you can extend the shelf life of your favorite treats. Whether you choose the refrigerator, freezer, or cookie jar, you can prevent staleness.
If you&#;re searching for fresh, high-quality cookies, Mrs. Fields® has you covered. Choose from a variety of soft, chewy cookies in classic flavors and fun recipes. When stored properly, you can enjoy cookies from Mrs. Fields® for even longer, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite.
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