Baked cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks. After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with the name and date.
For cookies that are already baked, here’s how to freeze them successfully for up to two months. Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before freezing. Place the cookies into an airtight container lined with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap. For best results, wrap the cookies individually in plastic food wrap.
Cookies can often retain their flavor and texture for up to 6 months. Carole refreshes thawed cookies on a baking sheet in a 325F for anywhere from 5 minutes to 10, depending on the size and texture of the cookie. See Bake-and-Freeze Cookies for make-ahead cookie recipes.
the good news: most cookies and cookie doughs freeze well because there is little to no water content in them. Water expands when it freezes and then contracts again when it is thawed. That expanding and contracting can ruin the texture of frozen food, but most cookie doughs will not have this problem.
For baked cookies
Wait for the cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container lined with wax or parchment paper. I like to place them in a single layer to avoid any cookies breaking. Cookies will keep well for up to 2 months.
The Cookies You Shouldn’t Freeze
The basic rule is that cookies with a liquidy batter don’t hold up well in the freezer — these are usually thin, delicate cookies like tuiles, florentines and pizzelles. Very cakey “cookies” like madeleines also do not freeze well.
Freezing cookies is easy and they taste great after you thaw them.
Thawed chocolate chip cookies should be eaten within two days for best results. They can be frozen for up to two months, but are best if eaten within 3-4 weeks.
A package that is opened and left exposed to the air may not last more than two to three days past purchasing,” DeFrates told us. So that’s that. If your food goes stale and you don’t realize it until after you’ve had a bite, there’s no need to worry — it tastes weird, but it won’t harm you.
You’ll find that most of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes can be made ahead anywhere from a month to six months before the 25th of December. (Consult this handy how-to guide to the matter!) Generally, most recipes will be best if baked then frozen.
To thaw frozen cookies, take them out of the container in which they were stored and spread them out until they come to room temperature. From there, you can decorate them as needed, serve them, or, if necessary, refresh them in a 325º oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
With proper storage, most cookies can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. As long as you follow the above Test Kitchen tips on freezing your dough, you should be all set to enjoy those delicious cookies whenever a craving strikes. It’s time to start planning your Christmas cookie lineup.
As a general rule of thumb, ‘drop cookies,’ which include oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, and ‘cut-out cookies,’ such as gingerbread and sugar cookies, are freezer-friendly.
Plastic Wrap—Preventing freezer burn is all about keeping the air out. Once you’ve sandwiched all your cookies with parchment paper, wrap a sheet of plastic wrap over the container and then place the lid over it. The plastic wrap helps to make the container air-tight.
Frozen cookies can last for 3 to 6 months as long as you’ve wrapped them tightly in plastic and placed them into an airtight container.
Editor: Jen, we would probably vote for cookie dough, since nothing beats a truly fresh-baked cookie. But we would recommend scooping the dough and freezing it solid on cookie sheets, then sealing the frozen in lumps in bags for longer storage.
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.
You can freeze filled cookies, such as thumbprint cookies and cookies that are coated in powdered sugar, such as Mexican wedding cookies either after they are baked or freeze the cookie dough.
After your cookies are baked and iced with royal icing, they can be frozen. Once your iced cookies have completely dried, place them in an airtight container, like a plastic freezer bag or Tupperware, with sheets of waxed paper in between any layers, and pop them in your freezer.
Put OREO cookie packages inside airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags before placing them in the freezer. This will help prevent the cookies from absorbing any freezer odors and keep them from getting freezer burn.
If you’re rushed for time and/or only have one or two frosted cookies to freeze, you can skip the flash freezing step. Just pop each cookie into its own container or bag (freezer safe) and pop in the freezer. The frosting might squish a bit, but it’ll taste fine!
Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature two to three weeks or two months in the refrigerator. Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for eight to 12 months. Moist bars, such as cheesecake and lemon bars, can be refrigerated for seven days.
Most homemade cookies will maintain their taste and texture for up to 3 days. If you leave them out for too long, the cookies begin to harden or dry out. To prevent cookies from becoming stale, cover them with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container.
COOKIES, COMMERCIALLY PACKAGED – UNOPENED
Properly stored, a package of unopened cookies will generally stay at best quality for about 6 to 9 months.
Baked cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks. After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with the name and date.
In general, it’s OK to store crisp cookies in a container with a looser-fitting cover. But to keep cookies soft and chewy, store them in a container that has a tight-fitting lid. Test Kitchen Tip: If your cookies get too soft, crisp them up in a 300ºF oven for five minutes.
How many times can cookies be frozen? You can potentially refreeze cookies many times. The key is how well they were frozen and stored prior to each time they were frozen. By following the method above, I have successfully frozen cookies three times without losing flavor or texture.
To store cookies in the freezer, you have multiple options. The first is using a Ziploc bag. Simply put the baked cookies in the bag, seal it, and put it in the freezer to be used at any time. Another way to store the cookies is in a sealed container.
Instructions
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the cookies in a single layer on the parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Loosely cover with plastic wrap.
- Lay the baking sheet flat in the freezer.
- When the cookies are frozen, transfer them to labeled Ziploc freezer bags.
Can you freeze chocolate chip?
Yes, it is fine to store chocolate chips in the freezer, although doing so will not significantly change the shelf life; to freeze, place the chocolate chips inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Tips for freezing baked cookies:
Make sure the top layer is covered with wax paper, plastic wrap or aluminum foil so that very little air will get to the cookies. The individually wrapped cookies will store longer.
Wrap baked cookies in plastic wrap as tight as you can to keep out as much air as possible. Put layers of plastic wrap, freezer paper or waxed paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from freezing to each other. Frozen baked cookies can be thawed on the counter or in the fridge.
You can freeze cut-out cookies decorated with royal icing! YES! You can freeze baked cookies that are not decorated!
Make sure cookies cool completely before storing. Store them at room temperature in an air-tight container, like Tupperware. Store different flavors separately. Over time, strongly flavored cookies like molasses or mint will seep into other cookies, so if possible store each flavor in its own container.
They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 weeks after that (depending on what cookie recipe you’re using). If you don’t have a heat sealer or cello bags, an airtight container will keep them fresh for a few days. Store the cookies in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight (not in the refrigerator!).
Form the dough into one or two disks, each about an inch thick. Wrap the disks tightly in plastic wrap, then transfer the disks to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. The frozen disks of cookie dough can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Icebox cookies, also known as refrigerator cookies, are slice-and-bake cookies. The dough is formed into a log, chilled in the refrigerator (also known as an icebox), and then sliced into rounds before baking.
When it comes to storing and freezing cookies, keep these tips in mind: Make sure cookies are cooled completely before storing. Metal tins keep cookies crisper and firmer than plastic containers. Store soft cookies like macaroons in a separate container from hard cookies like biscotti.
What is the best way to store homemade chocolate chip cookies? Store soft or chewy chocolate chip cookies in an airtight plastic container. In contrast, freeze crispy cookies or store them in a glass container. Never mix different cookie types in the same storage space, or textures and flavors will mesh.
Mexican Wedding Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Snowball Cookies, are delightfully nutty little balls of powdered sugar covered goodness! These classic holiday cookies come out every year at Christmas and everybody loves them!
Can you freeze peanut butter?
Quick Answer: Can You Freeze Peanut Butter? Yes, you can freeze peanut butter! Freezing and thawing do not cause any major changes in the texture, flavor, or taste of the peanut butter.
Can you freeze peanut butter cookies or peanut butter cookie dough? Yes! You can can freeze baked cookies by making the batter, baking the cookies, letting them cool completely, and then storing them in an air-tight container. They’ll be good in the freezer for up to two months.
In the fridge, your sugar cookies will last for up to one week but are best consumed within three days as your icing will start to bleed as time passes. You also need to make sure that the cookies are properly sealed because you don’t want them to absorb the moisture or smells from other foods in the fridge.
How do you store Oreos for years?
The original package works great as long you tightly re-seal the opening. The shelf life of Oreos can be extended by storing them in a cool, dry and dark place like the pantry. Humid environments will make Oreos go bad and become stale quicker.
Yes, to freeze: place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. How long do packaged cookies last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 1 year, but will remain safe beyond that time.
How do you keep Oreos forever?
After collectors post their pics on Instagram, the best way to prolong the Oreos’ lives would be to keep them in the freezer, both researchers agreed. (Lovett also recommended irradiating the sealed package with gamma rays, in case you needed a weekend project.)
For baked cookies
Wait for the cookies to cool completely, then transfer them to a reusable freezer-safe bag or container lined with wax or parchment paper. I like to place them in a single layer to avoid any cookies breaking. Cookies will keep well for up to 2 months.
For long-term storage, your best bet is to freeze cookies. However, if you simply want to keep cookies fresh for about a week, you’re better off keeping them at room temperature.
Properly stored and unopened packaged chocolate chip cookies can last up to two months. If opened, then they can last for up to 3 weeks. Packaged store-bought cookies do last quite a bit longer than homemade cookies.