The Best and Worst Methods for Storing Every Kind of Cookie

Knowing how to store cookies and dough the right way allows you to enjoy that delightful freshly-baked homemade cookie taste later. With a few simple kitchen tools and handy tips, we'll guide you on preserving leftover cookies and saving time. Here are the top methods for storing cookies and dough—and the ones you should avoid.

Why Do Cookies Become Stale?

To start, it's important to understand the primary enemy of cookie freshness: air. When cookies are exposed to air for too long, they become stale. The air speeds up the evaporation of moisture, even if there’s just a small opening in a plastic bag, making the cookies dry out.

Imagine leaving a drink out overnight: by morning, the liquid level is lower. Cookies behave the same way. Depending on your batch size, timeline, and preferences, there are multiple ways to reduce air exposure and keep your cookies fresh.

How to Keep Cookies Fresh in the Freezer

If you're planning to enjoy your cookies more than four days after baking, freezing them is the way to go. This also applies to cookie dough that won't be baked within the same day or the next. Baked cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, while frozen dough is best used within a few months.

Instructions

1. Place your cookies in plastic containers that are safe for freezer storage and can be sealed tightly. 
2. Keep the cookies frozen for up to one year.
3. Avoid using decorative tins (for example, designed for Christmas cookies). Once you take the cookies out of the freezer, transfer them to suitable containers.

How to Keep Cookies Fresh in the Fridge

Although cookies can stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks, it's best to enjoy them sooner. (We suggest refrigerating a few for short-term use and freezing the rest if you'll be consuming them more than four days after baking.)

Cookies that contain perishable ingredients, such as ricotta, jam, or meringue, should be kept cool within a few hours of baking. If they're going to last longer, store them in the fridge (or freezer).

Steps

1. Allow the cookies to cool after baking.
2. Place the cookies in an airtight bag or container.
3. Store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

How to Keep Cookies at Room Temperature

Unrefrigerated cookies can last for up to two or three days. If your cookie jar isn't sealed tightly (or you're unsure), you can still use it to store your cookies on the counter by placing them in a resealable plastic bag to keep the air out before putting them inside the jar.

The same goes for cookie tins and other containers that aren't airtight. To keep cookies fresh for a few days at room temperature, simply place them in a resealable plastic bag and store the bag inside these containers.

If you're dealing with cookies that are cut from a large sheet, like rainbow cookies, remove them from the sheet as you’re about to eat or serve them. This method helps keep these cookies moist and fresh.

The Worst Way to Store Cookies

Ironically, the worst way to store cookies is in a cookie jar without an airtight seal. While they might look charming on the counter, cookie jars are rarely truly airtight, despite their name.

Cake stands and other similar displays aren't the best for storing cookies for more than a few hours. Their high domed tops allow too much air circulation, which can cause cookies to lose their crispness and texture, leaving them slightly harder.

How to Reheat Cookies

Yes, it’s possible to bring cookies back to their fresh-out-of-the-oven state. Softer varieties like snickerdoodles and oatmeal raisin cookies reheat particularly well. You can either use a microwave or an oven for reheating.

To Reheat Cookies in the Microwave

1. Place a single cookie (it's best to heat cookies one at a time) on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a damp paper towel. Alternatively, position a cup of water next to the plate to add moisture.
2. Heat the cookie for five seconds, then repeat the process until it's warm. Short intervals of heating help prevent the cookie from becoming overheated, which would affect its texture.

To Reheat Cookies in an Oven

For a balance of softness and crispness, reheating cookies in the oven is your best option.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet.
3. Heat for two to three minutes, or a bit longer if you're reheating cookies from the freezer.

How to Store Cookie Dough

According to the USDA, homemade cookie dough can last between two to four days in the refrigerator when stored in small containers. On the other hand, frozen cookie dough can stay fresh for up to two months.

There are two methods to freeze cookie dough: either shape it into individual cookies ready to bake, or freeze it as an entire, undivided batch.

To Freeze Pre-Portioned Cookies

1. Place the divided cookie dough onto a baking sheet that is either greased or lined with parchment paper.
2. Freeze the sheet for an hour to keep the cookies from sticking together.
3. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container and store them in the freezer.

To Freeze Undivided Cookie Dough

1. Shape the cookie dough into a log, wrap it securely in wax paper, and freeze it.
2. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw the dough in the fridge for a few hours, then slice, shape, and bake as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I store cookies with a piece of bread?

  To keep cookies soft and fresh, you can place a slice of white bread in the container with them. The moisture from the bread will transfer to the cookies, preventing them from becoming dry. It’s best to use white bread so it won’t alter the flavor of the cookies.

• How do you store cookies to stay crisp?

  To maintain the crispness of cookies, keep them away from moisture. Be sure to store different types of cookies separately—soft cookies can make crispy ones soften due to the moisture they contain. Store crispy cookies in an airtight container, but leave it slightly open to allow some air circulation, which helps preserve their crisp texture.

• How do you keep store-bought cookies fresh?

  To keep store-bought cookies fresh, take them out of their original packaging and store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze store-bought cookies to extend their shelf life.