For cookies that have already been baked, the following is how to successfully freeze them for up to two months. Make sure the cookies are completely cool before freezing. Place cookies in an airtight container covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For best results, wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap.
The good news: Most cookies and cookie dough with little or no moisture freeze well. Water expands when frozen and contracts again when thawed. That expansion and contraction can ruin the texture of frozen foods, but most cookie doughs do not have this problem.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the container in which they were stored and spread them out until they come to room temperature. From there, you can decorate or serve them as desired, or refresh them in a 325-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes if necessary.
Cookies that should not be frozen A basic rule is that cookies made with liquid dough do not hold up well in the freezer – these are usually thin and delicate cookies like tuiles, Firenze, and pizzelles. Very cakey “cookies” like madeleines also do not freeze well.
There are multiple options for storing cookies in the freezer. The first is to use Ziploc bags. Simply place the baked cookies in the bag, seal it, and place it in the freezer for use at any time. Another way to store cookies is in an airtight container.
Cookies are easy to freeze and taste great once thawed.
Wrap – Preventing freeze-burn is all about keeping the air out. Once all the cookies are sandwiched between sheets of parchment paper, wrap the plastic wrap around the top of the container and place a lid over it. Plastic wrap helps to make the container airtight.
Can I refreeze the cookies? Yes, but you must consider whether it is worth it. If you refreeze thawed cookies, they will be crispy on the second thaw, and if left on their side for a little longer, they will taste almost stale.
If stored properly, most cookies will keep in the freezer for up to three months. As long as you follow Test Kitchen’s tips on freezing dough above, you should be ready to enjoy those delicious cookies whenever the craving strikes. It’s time to start planning your Christmas cookie lineup.
Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature for two to three weeks or in the refrigerator for two months. Cookies will retain their quality if stored in the freezer for 8 to 12 months.
For cookies that have already been baked, here is how to successfully freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before freezing.
- Place cookies in an airtight container covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- For best results, wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap.
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 best suited for the freezer.
Editor: Jen, I would probably vote for cookie dough, since nothing really beats freshly baked cookies. However, we recommend scooping the dough and freezing it hard on a cookie sheet, then bagging and sealing the frozen chunks for long-term storage.
As mentioned earlier, most cookie recipes will last up to three months in a freezer bag or container if the cookies are stored without thawing.
Baked cookies will keep in the freezer for up to 3 or 4 weeks. After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and store in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with name and date.
Pfeffernusse: These should be made at least a few days in advance or up to two weeks before serving, depending on the recipe, and will keep for several weeks. Shortbread and Shortbread Cookies: these should be kept for at least one month. Springerles: these should be made 2 weeks before serving and kept for several months.
Keep cookies cool, stored cookies will stay freshest in a cool, dry place, such as the back shelf of a pantry. Depending on the variety, this can last from a few days to several weeks. Cookies can also be frozen for up to six months.
Normal homemade cookies last 4 to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature and will keep for up to 9 months when stored in the freezer. However, this is a generalization and different types of cookies have different answers, so read more about how long cookies last.
Wait for the cookies to cool completely before transferring them to a safe bag or wax or parchment-lined container in a reusable freezer. We like to place the cookies in a single layer to avoid breakage. Cookies will keep well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
If you plan to eat the cookies within a few days, place them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. You can also place slices of sandwich bread inside the container. This will absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies soft. If you want to enjoy the cookies later, bake and let cool.
Wrap the baked cookies in plastic wrap to eliminate as much air as possible. Place a layer of plastic wrap, freezer or waxed paper between each layer of cookies to keep them from freezing against each other. Frozen baked cookies can be thawed on the counter or in the refrigerator.
Tip #1 After decorating the cookies, allow the icing to dry before freezing. Allow icing to dry for 18 hours. Store decorated cookies in a cool oven overnight before filling and freezing.
Simply seal the baked chocolate chip cookies in a freezer bag, but they will taste better and retain more of their original texture if they are wrapped first. Wrap individual chocolate chip cookies tightly in plastic wrap.
Unlike meat, cookies can be frozen, thawed and then reflaked. There is no food safety reason not to! The main issue is doing it properly to avoid freezer burn and loss of texture and flavor. However, when properly frozen, cookies can retain much (or all) of their original texture and flavor.
You will find that most of your favorite Christmas cookie recipes can be made anywhere from one to six months ahead of December 25. (See this handy how-to guide!) In general, most recipes work best when baked and then frozen.
For long-term storage, your best bet is to freeze the cookies. However, if you want to keep the cookies fresh for about a week, it is better to keep them at room temperature.
Keep these tips in mind when storing and freezing cookies Make sure cookies are completely cooled before storing. Metal tins keep cookies crisper and firmer than plastic containers. Soft cookies, such as macaroons, should be stored in a separate container from hard cookies, such as Biscotti’s.
Frozen cookies can last 3-6 months as long as they are wrapped tightly in plastic and kept in an airtight container.
After the cookies are baked and iced with royal icing, they can be frozen. Once the iced cookies are completely dry, place them in an airtight container such as a plastic freezer bag or Tupperware, put a sheet of waxed paper between any layers, and place in the freezer.
Storage temperature is important because temperature can be a major factor when storing cookies. Do not store cookies in the refrigerator unless otherwise stated. Cold air can rob them of moisture and flavor. Generally, store cookies at room temperature or freeze as specified above.
The key to keeping cookies fresh and soft is to seal them in an airtight container, like a resealable freezer bag. And here’s a nifty little trick: add bread to the bag. You might think the bread trick works because the cookies absorb the moisture from the bread.
What is the best way to make freshly baked cookies last longer?
- Store different types of cookies in individual airtight containers and do not combine them into one container. Why?
- Make sure the cookies are completely cool before storing.
- If it will be more than a few days, freeze the cookies.
Store them flat in a Ziptop freezer bag with a layer of parchment paper between them. This allows you to easily separate them for serving with minimal breakage. It also makes for more organized storage in the freezer. Cookies should be thawed at room temperature outside the bag for 10-15 minutes.
Ways to Increase Cookie Shelf Life (10 Easy Ways)
- 1) Limit moisture content.
- 2) Freeze.
- 3) Store properly.
- 4) Choose white sugar over brown sugar.
- 5) Choose shortening over butter.
- 6) Add honey.
- 7) Allow oven fresh cookies to cool completely.
- 8) Add golden raisins.
Make sure cookies are completely cooled before storing. Store at room temperature in an airtight container such as Tupperware. Store different flavors separately. If possible, store each flavor in its own container, as over time, cookies with strong flavors such as molasses or mint will permeate other cookies.
Place Oreo cookie packages inside Airtight, Freezer-Safe Containers, or reimaginable freezer bags before placing them in the freezer. This helps ensure that the cookies do not absorb freezer odors and prevents the freezer from burning.
Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. Bottom with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper. Separate each layer of cookies with aluminum foil or wax paper. Seal container and label with contents and date before freezing.
Tips for freezing freshly baked cookies: make sure the top layer is covered with wax paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil. Individually wrapped cookies will keep longer.
Baked unbaked cookies are very easy. Place cooled cookies in a zip-up bag between parchment paper and freezing. Just as when freezing unbaked dough, I keep the shape and size together.