Cookies are delicious treats that you can enjoy at any time. However, the shelf life of cookies is often a point of confusion for people. It can be difficult to know how long cookies will last in the fridge or at room temperature.
The following article will discuss how long cookies last in the fridge, as well as offer tips for keeping them fresh and tasty.
How Long Can Cookies Last in the Fridge?
You might be wondering: how long do store-bought cookies last in the fridge, or how long do homemade cookies last in the fridge?
There are several factors that affect the shelf life of cookies. These factors include the type of cookie, whether it is homemade, and how it's stored.
There are different types of cookies, and this difference is based on the ingredients used to make them. The ingredients, to some extent, do play a role in how long cookies last in the fridge or at room temperature.
For example, the classic chocolate chip cookies can last up to two months in the fridge, whereas shortbread cookies can last up to ten days. At room temperature, chocolate chip cookies can last up to 3 weeks, while butter cookies can last up to a week.
The shelf-life difference between the cookies is mainly due to the type of ingredients used.
While the typical ingredients found in cookies are flour, sugar, and butter, some cookies can have other ingredients as well, such as vanilla extract, eggs, spices, or nuts. Generally, these extra ingredients can affect how long the cookies will last.
If you're comparing the shelf-life of homemade cookies to that of store-bought cookies, it's important to note that homemade cookies have a shorter shelf-life than store-bought cookies.
Store-bought cookies can last for weeks, sometimes even months. This is because they usually have preservatives and other additives that keep them fresh longer. Homemade cookies are not usually as long-lasting because they do not contain preservatives or other additives.
Do Cookies Have To Be Refrigerated?
This depends on the type of cookie. For fresh cookies that have just come out of the oven, it's best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week or two. After which, it would be best to refrigerate them. This will help to keep them fresh longer and prevent spoilage.
If the cookies have a topping like pudding topping, cream cheese frosting, or another cream-based topping, it's important to keep the cookies refrigerated. This will prevent the topping from spoiling and ruining the cookie.
When it comes to store-bought cookies, they don't need to be refrigerated since they contain preservatives that keep them fresh. However, keep in mind that if you leave cookies out for too long, they will go stale, whether store-bought or homemade.
Generally, it's best to refrigerate cookies if you're looking to store them for a long time or if they have a topping that will spoil if left out.
How To Store Cookies in the Refrigerator
There are several ways you can store cookies in the fridge, and the storage method depends on the type of cookie.
If you're looking to store soft, chewy cookies, it's best to wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Not all soft cookies can be stored in this way. Peanut butter cookies, for example, can stick together, and therefore, it's best to place plastic wrap or wax paper between each cookie.
If you're storing crunchy cookies, such as chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, they can be left unwrapped in an airtight container.
If you're storing cookies with a topping, such as frosting, it's best to store them in an airtight container in a single layer.
A rule of thumb when storing cookies is that you should store different types of cookies separately. For example, don't store soft cookies and crunch cookies in the same container, as the crunchy cookies will absorb moisture from the soft ones and become soggy.
On top of that, if you store cookies that have varying flavors together in the same container or plastic wrap, that can be a problem. You don't want chocolate chip cookies absorbing the flavors of oatmeal raisin cookies or vice versa.
For Cravory Cookies, we never suggest refrigerating them. To extend their shelf life, pop them into the freezer instead. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove them and let them thaw out completely.
How To Improve The Shelf Life of Cookies
Here are simple ways you can increase the shelf life of cookies:
Freeze Them
If you want to store cookies for a long period of time, that is, months, the best thing to do is freeze them. When you freeze cookies, they will maintain their texture and flavor much longer than if you simply put them in the pantry.
The only downside to freezing cookies is that it can make them a little harder. However, if you want to enjoy your cookies long after their expiration date has passed, this is the best option.
Store Them in an Airtight Container
If you want to store cookies for a few days or weeks, the best thing to do is put them in an airtight container. You can buy cookie tins at most stores, but be sure to check for cracks or holes before using them. If there are any flaws in your container, it’s better not to use it because moisture will get inside and ruin your cookies.
You can also use plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and plastic bags or containers to store your cookies.
Final Thoughts
Just like any other food, cookies will go bad if you don’t store them properly. Fortunately, the above methods are easy to do and will help you keep your cookies fresh for longer.
