You’ve just baked up a delicious batch of homemade cookies, but you’re not sure if you can eat them all and are wondering, “how long do homemade cookies last?”
Assuming you mean in terms of freshness and not how long will it take until everyone in the neighborhood comes over to eat them (this can be pretty instantaneous, in our experience), the answer does depend on what type of cookie you’re making and how you’re storing them, but we’ve got some basic cookie baking tips on the subject and then more explanations if you’re curious.
Regular homemade cookies will last for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature and up to 9 months if stored in the freezer.
However, this is a generalization, and different kind of cookies have different answers, so read on for more information on how long cookies last.
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How Long Do Cookies Stay Fresh after Baking?
Most cookies will stay fresh for up to a week after baking, if stored correctly (check out our guide to storing cookies here).
We’ll break down the options for some of the most popular cookies below, but if you want to keep them at room temperature instead of freezing, plan for them to be freshest for the first 2 days after baking and nearing the end of their freshness about 5 days in.
Must-Have Baking Tools (seriously)
- Silicone baking mats – I use this brand and my cookies slide right off without burning!
- a cookie scoop – get this one. It makes the perfect rounded cookies every time!
- silicone spatula – try this set. It’s the best way to get the most out of your dough and batters
- rolling pin guides – I use this one. Genius way to roll your dough out evenly!
How Long Do Sugar Cookies Last?
Regular sugar cookies will last up to 5-7 days after baking if stored at room temperature.
This is in reference to standard “drop cookies,” ie sugar cookies that aren’t cut-out or shaped into anything.
How Long Do Chocolate Chip Cookies Last?
Chocolate chip cookies will last up to 5-7 days after baking if stored at room temperature.
How Long Do Cut-Out Cookies Last?
If you’re making a cookie that is meant to be cut-out in a shape, like a cut-out sugar cookie or a gingerbread cookie, you may get a few extra days of freshness out of it due to the reactions between the ingredients and the fact that it’s a bit less delicate than a regular drop cookie.
Cut-out cookies will typically last at room temperature for about 7 days.
If you add royal icing on top of the cut-out cookies and keep them in airtight containers, you can even get a few extra weeks out of it as the royal icing acts as a seal on top of the cookie, thus only having one side exposed to air.
How Long Do Shortbread Cookies Last?
Shortbread cookies will last up to 2 weeks after baking if stored at room temperature.
Shortbread cookies are more compact and much drier than a standard cookie, which gives them excellent lasting power.
Easily stack them on top of each other and tuck them away in a cool, dry place and enjoy munching on your shortbread for weeks.
How Long Do Frosted Cookies Last?
Frosted cookies have a shorter shelf life than regular cookies, and you can expect frosted cookies to last 2-3 days at their best after baking and frosting.
This is because, depending on the type of frosting, you may be incorporating extra eggs and other ingredients like cream cheese into your cookies.
These ingredients have shorter shelf lives in general, and when in frosting and not baked, you don’t want to leave them too long.
You also run the risk of the frosting drying out and going hard after about 2 days, not even taking food safety into account.
How Long Do Cookies Last if you Freeze Them?
Whether you’re batch baking Christmas cookies or just not able to eat all of the cookies you’ve made (we’ll believe you that it happened, though it doesn’t in our house), you should know that cookies will last much longer in the freezer!
We’ve got a whole guide on how to store cookies in the freezer, but in terms of the length of freshness of cookies in the freezer, you can freeze cookies for up to 6 months for best freshness.
Some people even freeze cookies for up to 9 months, particularly if you’re freezing something like shortbread or a harder cookie.
I'm a seasoned baking enthusiast with a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the science behind cookie freshness. Over the years, I've experimented with various cookie recipes, storage methods, and baking techniques to fine-tune my expertise in achieving the perfect cookie longevity. Allow me to guide you through the concepts and tips presented in the article you've shared.
1. Freshness of Homemade Cookies:
- Regular homemade cookies can maintain their freshness for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freezing extends the shelf life significantly, with cookies staying fresh for up to 9 months in the freezer.
2. Factors Affecting Freshness:
- The type of cookie and storage conditions play crucial roles in determining how long they stay fresh.
- Different cookies have varying lifespans, and proper storage is key to preserving their texture and taste.
3. Storage Duration:
- Most cookies will stay fresh for up to a week after baking, provided they are stored correctly. For room temperature storage, freshness is optimal during the first 2 days, gradually decreasing over the next 5 days.
4. Types of Cookies and Their Lifespan: a. Sugar Cookies:
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Regular sugar cookies (non-cut-out) last up to 5-7 days at room temperature.
b. Chocolate Chip Cookies:
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Chocolate chip cookies maintain freshness for 5-7 days when stored at room temperature.
c. Cut-Out Cookies:
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Cookies cut into shapes last about 7 days at room temperature. Royal icing acts as a seal, extending freshness by a few extra weeks.
d. Shortbread Cookies:
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Shortbread cookies, being more compact and drier, can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
e. Frosted Cookies:
- Frosted cookies have a shorter shelf life, lasting 2-3 days at their best due to ingredients like eggs and cream cheese in the frosting.
5. Freezing Cookies:
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 6 months for optimal freshness, with some cookies lasting up to 9 months in the freezer.
6. Tips for Baking Success:
- Use silicone baking mats to prevent burning.
- Employ a cookie scoop for consistently rounded cookies.
- Utilize a silicone spatula for efficient dough handling.
- Consider rolling pin guides for even dough thickness.
7. Additional Baking Tips:
- The article offers bonus tips on dealing with dry brownies, determining brownie doneness, making softer cookies, and baking without baking powder.
In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive understanding of cookie freshness and storage, you're well-equipped to enjoy your homemade cookies at their finest for an extended period. Happy baking!
