Most cookie recipes will render a large number of cookies, which is excellent. What’s not great is storing them incorrectly and ending up with stale cookies. Keeping cookies at room temperature is the best option for up to two weeks. Otherwise, place it in the freezer.
Hi, there! My name is Michelle and cookies were one of the first things I ever learned how to bake. I make cookies now, from basic chocolate chips to more intricate persimmon and pumpkin flavors.
Are you wondering how to store cookies and keep them fresh? Then you’ve come to the right place. This article teaches the best way to store cookies, whether you’re a fan of soft and chewy goodies or prefer the crispier option.
Let’s store some cookies!
Contents
- How to Store Cookies and Keep Them Fresh
- Storing Cookies At Room Temperature
- Storing Chewy Cookies
- Storing Crispy Cookies
- Quick Tips for Room Temperature Storage
- Storing Cookies in the Freezer
- FAQs
- How do you keep cookies fresh for 5 days?
- Can you Refrigerate cookies to keep them fresh?
- Can I store cookies in Ziploc bags?
- Final Words
How to Store Cookies and Keep Them Fresh
If you’re wondering how to store cookies, I’ll start by saying this – it’s easy! All you need to remember is that soft cookies and crispy cookies aren’t kept the same. Freezing cookies also requires something a bit different. Let’s dive in.
Storing Cookies At Room Temperature
Whether you’re making soft cookies for chewy goodness or love the crunch of a crispy cookie, storing it at room temperature is the best option. Stored at room temperature, cookies will retain their desired texture and flavor for two weeks.
Storing Chewy Cookies
For chewy cookies, the goal is to keep moisture and air out. Otherwise, your cookies will end up dried out and lackluster. The best way to do this is by storing chewy cookies in an airtight container. A sealable freezer bag can work, too, although it’s not as reliable.
Storing Crispy Cookies
Crispy cookies aren’t so finicky. The best option for crispy cookies is a breathable container that allows a bit of air inside. Without this pinch of airflow, crispy cookies can quickly become soft and chewy – which is clearly not the goal here.
Consider a good old-fashioned cookie jar for storing crispy cookies. These containers are designed to allow just the *right* amount of air inside, keeping our crispy cookies in absolutely pristine condition.
Quick Tips for Room Temperature Storage
There are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to storing soft and/or chewy cookies. For the best results, follow these simple tips:
- Never store soft and crispy together. Did you know that your crispy cookies can absorb moisture from the soft cookies, ultimately changing the crunchy texture? To ensure your cookies stay soft or crispy, store them separately.
- One flavor per container. Making multiple batches of cookies? Great! Just don’t store them together, or the flavors will seep into each other. (Can you imagine a pumpkin cookie and dark chocolate peppermint cookie merging? No, thanks).
- Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing. Regardless of the type of cookie, you need to make sure they’re fully cooled before storing. Otherwise, you will end up with gross soggy cookies.
- Use a single layer, if possible. A single layer is the best choice for cookies. If you need multiple layers, place wax paper in between so they don’t stick together.
- Store perishable cookies in the fridge. If you use any kind of perishable ingredients, do not store cookies at room temperature. Instead, use the fridge for up to five days.
Storing Cookies in the Freezer
If you have read any of my other storage how-tos, such as How to Store Cupcakes, you will notice that I always mention the refrigerator. But with this article, we’re going to do things a bit differently. This time, I’m not recommending the refrigerator at all.
Why? Because cookies last a lot longer than other baked goods at room temperature. In fact, as long as there is nothing perishable in or on top of the cookie, they can last for up to two weeks. You will likely eat the cookies within that time frame.
If you need to keep cookies fresh longer than two weeks, the next best option is to freeze, not refrigerate. Here’s how to do it.
- Make sure the cookies are cooled entirely. Again, this is 100% essential for avoiding a soggy cookie nightmare.
- Line the cookies in a single layer, if possible. A single layer of cooking is recommended.
- For multiple layers, line with wax paper. You don’t want to end up with cookies that are stuck together. You can avoid this by placing a sheet of wax paper between each layer of cookies.
- Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. If you’re using a container, make sure it is an airtight option with a lid. If not, wrap the cookies tightly with plastic wrap.
Note: You can take your cookie storage to the next level by wrapping each cookie individually with plastic wrap, then lining them in single layers. With or without this extra step, cookies will last up to six months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat the cookies, simply thaw them on the countertop for about an hour, and they’ll be ready to go. Some people have even stuck their cookies in the microwave or oven for an extra-fast thaw.
FAQs
Storing cookies and keeping them fresh is a cinch. You just have to know how to store them, depending on their flavor and texture. Check out these frequently asked questions below if you’re still pondering this topic.
How do you keep cookies fresh for 5 days?
Keeping cookies fresh for five days should be no problem at all. Store soft cookies in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store crispy cookies in a looser container, such as a cookie jar, or leave a resealable bag open slightly to allow air inside.
Can you Refrigerate cookies to keep them fresh?
I never recommend refrigerating any baked treats, and that includes cookies. The fridge is known for drying out baked goodies, whether a brownie, cupcake, or cookie. It’s better to opt for room temperature storage or the freezer for storing longer than two weeks.
Can I store cookies in Ziploc bags?
You can definitely use a Ziploc bag to store cookies. You may need to use multiple bags so the cookies can lay in a single layer. Otherwise, they could stick together or become a crumbly mess from the lack of structure in the baggy.
Final Words
It’s best to rely on room-temperature storage for crispy or soft and chewy cookies. Make sure that different textures and flavors are stored separately, so they do not mesh together. If storing for longer than two weeks, opt for the freezer instead.
How do you store your cookies and keep them fresh?
About Michelle
I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.
Hello, I'm Michelle, and I bring over a decade of hands-on baking experience and self-taught expertise in the world of sweets. Cookies have been a passion of mine since the beginning of my baking journey at the age of 13. Through years of experimentation and learning, I've mastered various cookie recipes, from the basics like chocolate chip to more intricate flavors like persimmon and pumpkin. As someone deeply immersed in the art of baking, I understand the importance of proper storage to maintain the freshness and quality of cookies.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the article:
1. Storing Cookies At Room Temperature:
- Soft and crispy cookies are best stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Soft cookies should be stored in an airtight container to retain moisture, while crispy cookies benefit from a breathable container.
2. Storing Chewy Cookies:
- Chewy cookies require protection from moisture and air. The recommended method is storing them in an airtight container or a sealable freezer bag.
3. Storing Crispy Cookies:
- Crispy cookies need a container that allows a bit of air inside to maintain their texture. A classic cookie jar is suggested for this purpose.
4. Quick Tips for Room Temperature Storage:
- Soft and crispy cookies should be stored separately to prevent texture alteration.
- Different flavors of cookies should be stored in separate containers to avoid flavor blending.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
- For multiple layers, use wax paper to prevent cookies from sticking together.
5. Storing Cookies in the Freezer:
- Cookies can last up to two weeks at room temperature.
- If longer storage is needed, freezing is recommended.
- Cookies should be fully cooled before freezing.
- For freezing, arrange cookies in a single layer with wax paper between layers, and use an airtight container or tightly wrap with plastic.
6. FAQs:
- Cookies can be kept fresh for five days by storing soft cookies in an airtight container and crispy cookies in a looser container.
- Refrigerating cookies is not recommended, as it can dry them out.
- Ziploc bags can be used for storage, but multiple bags may be necessary to prevent sticking or crumbling.
7. Final Words:
- Room-temperature storage is ideal for maintaining the freshness of cookies.
- Differentiate storage for crispy and soft cookies to prevent texture and flavor blending.
- For longer storage, opt for the freezer.
Michelle's expertise shines through in the comprehensive advice provided, ensuring that readers can confidently store their cookies to preserve their deliciousness.
