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Cookies are always best when eaten fresh out of the oven, however, sometimes they need to be stored for later. If you have the strength to not eat them right away, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread. This will help them to taste fresher for longer. If you want to keep your cookies fresh for a longer period, put them in a sealed bag and place them in the freezer.
Steps
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Let homemade cookies cool completely before storing them. Hot cookies will release condensation into the air making other cookies in the container soggy. Since nobody likes a soggy cookie, leave the cookies on a cooling tray before transferring them into a container.
- If you don’t have a cooling tray, leave the biscuits to cool on a plate instead.
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Transfer your cookies into an airtight container. This will stop the cookies from becoming soft and crumbly. Airtight ziplock bags or plastic containers are easy and inexpensive options. If possible, choose a container that fits the cookies in snugly. This helps to limit the airflow in the container and will keep the cookies tasting fresh for longer.- If you have brought or made different kinds of cookies, store them in different containers as keeping soft and crispy cookies together will cause the harder cookies to go soggy.
- If you plan to store your cookies in a plastic container, check that it is made from food-grade plastic.
- If you are storing very hard and crunchy biscuits, place them in a container, such as a cookie jar, that allows a little airflow.
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Place sheets of parchment paper between the layers of cookies. If you have brought or made a bulk batch of cookies, put sheets of parchment paper in between each cookie layer to stop them from sticking to each other.
- If you don’t have any parchment paper, use wax paper or a tortilla instead.
- Avoid stacking cookies that are frosted or are really soft. [1] X Research source
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Place a piece of white bread in the cookie container to keep them fresh. White bread will help to absorb moisture which will keep the cookies crunchy and fresh. Place a piece of fresh white bread into the top of the bag or container. [2] X Research source
- If you don’t have any fresh white bread in the house, use a tortilla instead.
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Keep the cookie container at room temperature. Soft homemade cookies will last for 3 days and hard or packaged cookies will last for 2 weeks if you manage not to eat them first! Keep the container out of the sun to keep the cookies tasting their best. [3] X Research source
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Transfer the cold cookies into an airtight plastic bag. Wait until the cookies feel cool to touch. This will stop them from creating condensation in the plastic bag and going soggy. Choose a bag that is sealable and large enough for the cookies to sit in a single layer.
- A sealed bag will stop the cookies from absorbing other flavours and having a funny smell.
- Freeze the cookies unfrosted and add the frosting once the cookies have thawed. This will keep the icing looking and tasting its best. [4] X Research source
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Store the cookies in multiple bags if they won’t fit in a single layer. If there are too many cookies to lie in 1 flat layer, split the cookies between a few sealable bags. This will stop the cookies from sticking together.
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Place the airtight bag into the freezer for up to 5 months. Over time the cookies will start to lose their flavour. Eat the cookies within 5 months to ensure that they taste their best. Write the date on the bag with a permanent marker so that you can work out how long the cookies have been in the freezer for. [5] X Research source
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Thaw the cookies at room temperature for 15 minutes. Remove the cookies from the sealed bag and place them on a plate to cool. Devour the delicious cookies once they are completely thawed.
- If there are flies around, cover the cookies with a clean linen cloth while they thaw.
- If you want to warm a cookie up, simply place it in the microwave for 10 seconds.
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Keep your thawed cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Chances are that you’ll eat the cookies pretty quickly, however, if there are some left, keep them in a sealed container. This will help them keep their original texture and stay fresh. [6] X Research source
- Throw the cookies away after 7 days as the dairy products in the cookies will be past their best.
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How Do You Keep Newly-Baked Cookies Fresh?
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow should I store un-iced cookies?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerWhen cookies are not iced, you can store them in an airtight container. This can then be kept frozen for up to 4 months. Just be sure to label and date the container so you know how long the cookies have been frozen for.
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QuestionI am making sugar cookies with royal frosting for a wedding in 5 days. How can I keep the cookies fresh? I am frosting tomorrow with royal icing and then decorating Wednesday.This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIt would be best to place the cookies into an airtight container and put them into the freezer, away from anything strong smelling. Remove them on the morning you intend to add the royal frosting to them and they'll be as fresh as the day you baked them.
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QuestionHow do you tell if your cookies have gone bad?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerObvious signs that cookies have gone bad include: A stale taste, dryness (if they started off moist), crumbling and moist (if they started off hard). And if they've been kept long enough to develop mildew or black spots on the cookies, then they're definitely bad. Another sign can be insect infestations; if you find dead or live insects and/or their eggs, then the cookies are no longer any good.
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References
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/desserts/cookies/how-to-store-cookies/
- ↑ https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/the-secret-to-keeping-home-baked-cookies-fresh-for-days-is-bagging-them-with-this-shocking-food-99153
- ↑ http://www.eatbydate.com/grains/baked-goods/cookies-shelf-life-expiration-date/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/desserts/cookies/how-to-store-cookies/
- ↑ http://www.eatbydate.com/grains/baked-goods/cookies-shelf-life-expiration-date/
- ↑ http://www.eatbydate.com/grains/baked-goods/cookies-shelf-life-expiration-date/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To keep cookies fresh, stack them in an airtight container and place sheets of parchment paper in between the layers of cookies so they won't stick to each other. You can also slip a piece of plain white bread into the container, which will absorb moisture and keep the cookies crunchy and fresh. Then, simply store the container at room temperature and try to enjoy your cookies within 3 days for the best flavor! For tips on freezing cookies for an even longer shelf life, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I do a lot of charity cookie baskets. my kitchen is being remodeled, and I will be without an oven. I intend to bake and freeze, but didn't know how long I could keep them in the freezer. I now know thanks to your site. Thank you." ..." more
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