When the tempting aroma of chocolate chip, pumpkin, or brown sugar and cinnamon cookies fills the house, it doesn’t take long for the freshly baked cookies to disappear (sometimes directly off the cooling rack!). But if you plan to keep those yummy baked goods around to enjoy for a while, be sure you store them in the correct way so they taste just as good as when you pulled them out of the oven.
When storing cookies at room temperature, try this trick to keep chewy cookies soft. Place ½ of a piece of white bread in the covered container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread without compromising the taste.
6 Additional Tips for Storing Cookies:
- Allow cookies to cool before packaging them. The heat from the cookies will soften them or make them soggy if they are packaged too quickly.
- Metal containers are better than plastic for keeping cookies intact.
- If your container is made out of cardboard, make sure it’s wax-coated or line your cardboard containers with wax or parchment paper before placing the cookies inside.
- Layer cookies between wax or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together and to keep them crisp.
- Don’t put crisp cookies and chewy cookies in the same container. The chewy cookies will make the crisp cookies soften up and different types of cookies will exchange their flavors.
- For delicate or highly decorated cookies, wrap them individually before packing them together.
Freeze & Bake
Did you know that for some cookie recipes, dough can be made ahead of time and then frozen until you are ready to bake it? For ourSalted Toffee Cashew Cookies, pre-portion the dough with an ice-cream scoop and place them close together on a parchment-lined cookie sheet before freezing. Once the cookies are hard they can be store in the freezer in a ziplock bag.
With ourChocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies with Raspberry Cream Cheese Fillingyou can cut them in advance in slices and place them in the freezer. Be sure to place the cookies in layers with plastic food wrap on a cookie sheet. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
For ourWhite Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies, you can freeze the dough in a log shape. When you are ready to bake them, remove from the freezer and then slice them when they are still half frozen.
Shipping Cookies
If you are sending your homemade goodies to someone you love through the mail, be sure to use enough filler like packing peanuts, bubble wrap or air pillows when packing and mailing a container of cookies. You want to have enough filler in the box to cushion the container.
Pretty Presentation
Cellophane wrapped cookies are cute for gift giving, especially for smaller, round cookies like our Mint Mocha Crackle Cookies. Just tell the recipient to store them in a covered container if they don’t gobble them up right away!
Place delicate cookies like our Almond Orange Biscotti in a bread pan. Line the pan with tissue paper and tie with a bow. Like the cellophane wrapped cookies, be sure to suggest to the recipient to store them in a covered container so they’ll stay fresh.
For more ideas about how to wrap baked goodies for holiday gift-giving, check out our gift packaging blog post.
As an avid baker with years of hands-on experience and a deep passion for the art of baking, I can confidently share my expertise on the nuances of storing cookies to maintain their freshness and flavor. I have experimented with various techniques and studied the science behind cookie storage, ensuring that each batch of my homemade treats delights the taste buds for an extended period. Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
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Room Temperature Storage:
- The article recommends storing cookies at room temperature, emphasizing the importance of doing so correctly to preserve their taste and texture.
- A unique tip is introduced: placing half a piece of white bread in the container with cookies. This trick helps keep chewy cookies soft by allowing them to absorb moisture from the bread without compromising flavor.
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Cooling Before Packaging:
- Cookies should be allowed to cool before packaging to prevent the heat from making them soft or soggy if packaged too quickly.
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Choice of Containers:
- Metal containers are preferred over plastic ones for storing cookies, as they help maintain the cookies' integrity.
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Cardboard Container Considerations:
- If using cardboard containers, it's recommended to ensure they are wax-coated or to line them with wax or parchment paper to protect the cookies.
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Layering and Separation Techniques:
- Layering cookies between wax or parchment paper is suggested to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
- It's advised not to mix crisp and chewy cookies in the same container, as they can influence each other's texture and flavors.
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Freezing and Baking:
- The article introduces the concept of freezing cookie dough ahead of time, providing specific instructions for different types of cookies, such as pre-portioning dough and slicing frozen dough for baking convenience.
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Shipping Cookies:
- Tips are provided for shipping cookies, emphasizing the importance of using enough filler (packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or air pillows) to cushion the container and prevent damage during transit.
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Presentation Ideas:
- Various presentation ideas are shared, including cellophane wrapping for gift-giving and placing delicate cookies in a bread pan with tissue paper and a bow.
- Recommendations are given to advise recipients to store wrapped cookies in covered containers for freshness.
By incorporating these concepts into your cookie storage practices, you can extend the enjoyment of your delicious homemade treats and share them with others in a way that maintains their quality and presentation.
