Food Channel Christmas Cookies and Jars. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.
Food & Drink
By Chef December 7, 2017 11:21 amFollow@FoodChannel
Ask The Chef
If you have seen our 12 Days of Christmas Cookie Jars series, you may be wondering how to keep those cookies on your counter fresh. Here are some guidelines for using a cookie jar.
Lemon Batik Star Cookies. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.
Question:
How do I safely store cookies in a cookie jar, especially if it doesn’t have a good seal? And how long will they stay fresh?
Answer:
If we have anything to do with it, cookie jars will stage a bit of a comeback this year! After all, a great way to make your guests (and your family) feel right at home is to set out a display of cookies that says, “Help yourself.”
Modern cookie jars, while not always as kitschy and over the top fun as some of the older models, are more likely to have an inner seal. If you have one of those, just insert your cooled cookies and make sure the seal is tightly closed.
If, however, you are using an older model cookie jar, the answer is quite simple. Just put the cookies in a zip-style plastic bag, seal it up, and put the bag in the jar. Whenever you reach in for a cookie, it’s an easy step to open the bag and close it back up to keep those cookies fresh. What’s more, the plastic bag can be scrunched (within reason) to fit into almost any size cookie jar opening.
Unbelievable Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.
When you are thinking about the type of cookies to put into a cookie jar, think about drop cookies, sugar cookies, and shortbreads. Avoid icings, although Royal icing will hold up fine. Many sandwich cookies will work if you think the cookies will be eaten within a few days, but avoid cream fillings or anything that would normally need to be refrigerated. In general, many Christmas cookies can last a couple of weeks without a loss of freshness as long as they are kept in a tightly sealed container.
For ideas, check out our 12 Days of Christmas Cookie Jar Series. You’ll find a variety of great cookies that will all last through the holidays—at least from a freshness standpoint. We make no promises when it comes to how fast your family may eat them up!
For more of our Ask the Chef series, just click and enjoy.
As a seasoned culinary expert with a passion for all things related to the kitchen, let's delve into the intricacies of storing Christmas cookies in jars, drawing on my extensive knowledge and experience in the culinary world.
Guidelines for Storing Cookies in a Jar:
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Sealed Cookie Jars: Modern cookie jars often come equipped with inner seals, ensuring a more airtight environment. This feature is crucial for maintaining the freshness of your cookies. If your jar has an inner seal, simply place the cooled cookies inside and ensure a tight closure.
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Older Model Cookie Jars: In the case of older model cookie jars lacking a reliable seal, a simple solution is to use zip-style plastic bags. Place the cookies in the bag, seal it tightly, and then position the bag within the jar. This additional layer helps preserve the cookies and can be easily opened and resealed when reaching for a treat.
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Cookie Selection: Opt for cookies that are well-suited for jar storage. Drop cookies, sugar cookies, and shortbreads are excellent choices. Avoid cookies with perishable elements like cream fillings or icings that may not withstand prolonged storage.
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Avoid Refrigeration-Dependent Treats: Refrain from storing cookies with cream fillings or ingredients requiring refrigeration. While many Christmas cookies can last for a couple of weeks in a tightly sealed container, items needing refrigeration may compromise their quality.
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Consider Royal Icing: Royal icing is an exception, as it holds up well in storage. If you're keen on cookies with icing, opt for recipes featuring Royal icing for a longer-lasting treat.
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Cookie Durability: In general, well-preserved Christmas cookies can maintain their freshness for a couple of weeks, making them perfect for festive celebrations. However, keep in mind that the rate at which your family devours them may surpass their shelf life!
For further inspiration and a delightful array of Christmas cookie ideas, explore the "12 Days of Christmas Cookie Jars" series on the Food Channel. The series showcases a variety of cookies that promise to endure the holiday season, ensuring a delightful treat for your loved ones.
In conclusion, mastering the art of storing Christmas cookies involves understanding the characteristics of your cookie jar, selecting suitable cookie types, and employing smart storage solutions. By following these guidelines, you can present a tempting display of festive cookies that stay fresh and inviting throughout the holiday season.
