4 Ways to Store Homemade Cookies (2024)

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Co-authored byRoss Canter

Last Updated: August 9, 2022References

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   Leave cookies out for a maximum of three days. You do not need to cover and pack cookies right away. In many cases, you can leave the cookies out for up to three days before they become stale. This is good if you want to keep the cookies out for guests or special occasions.^[1]

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   Choose airtight containers for soft cookies. Soft cookies, such as chocolate chip cookies or snickerdoodles, will need to stay moist. Choose a container with a firm lid or zipper. Metal tins, plastic storage containers, and plastic zip bags are all good choices.^[2]

   • Cookie jars are generally not airtight, but you make them airtight with a plastic zip bag. Place a gallon sized zip bag into the jar before filling it with cookies.^[3]
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   Pick a looser container for crispy cookies. Crispy cookies, such as gingersnaps or lace cookies, need air to stay fresh. In this situation, use a container with a looser top. Cookie jars work well for this purpose. You can also use cardboard boxes or plastic storage containers with loose lids.^[4]

   • If you use a storage container, try covering it with plastic wrap instead of putting a lid on it.
   • You can also cover a plate with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
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   Cover bar cookies in the pan with aluminum foil. For bar cookies, tray bakes, or brownies, it is easiest to store them in the pan that you baked them in. Once they are completely cool, you can wrap the pan with aluminum foil.^[5]

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   Put shaped cookies in a box or tin. If you used cookie cutters to shape your cookies, you should keep them in a box or tin. Do not use a plastic zip bag or the cookies might break and lose their shape.

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   Stack sturdy or round cookies in a bag or box. These cookies include gingersnaps and oatmeal cookies. They do not need any special preparation. You can simply put them inside, and they will keep.

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   Layer delicate or shaped cookies in a box or tin with parchment paper. Layering refers to the use of parchment paper to separate layers of cookies. Delicate, soft, or shaped cookies last the longest when they are layered. These include drop cookies, gingerbread men, unfrosted bars, glazed cookies, and cookies with a firm icing.

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   Store iced cookies in a single layer in a box. Cookies with a soft icing, such as frosted cookies or cheesecake bars, should be kept in a wide, flat container. Do not stack them or layer them using parchment paper.^[6]

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   See Also

   How to Keep Cookies Moist in Storage - Frances' MenuThe Best Cookie Jars for Keeping Baked Goods Fresh and AccessibleDo Cookie Jars Keep Cookies Fresh? (Plus Alternative to Consider)3 Ways to Wrap Cookies

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   Cut a few pieces of parchment or waxed paper to size. Place your container on a piece of parchment paper, and cut around it with kitchen scissors. Do this a few times so that you have several pieces of paper.^[7]

   • In most cases, you will need about three or four cut pieces of paper, but this can vary based on the size of your container.
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   Cover a single layer of cookies with the paper. Set one layer of cookies in the container. The cookies can touch each other, but they should not be stacked on top of one another. Take one piece of cut paper, and set it on top. If the paper is slightly too large, tuck the ends down the side of the container.

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   Place a second layer of cookies on top of the paper. Once you have filled this second layer, you can place another piece of paper on top. Continue to alternate layers of cookies with paper. This will help keep the cookies’ shape and flavor intact.^[8]

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   Cover the cookies when the container is full. When you are done, put on the lid or cover it with plastic wrap. You do not have to put a piece of paper over the top layer. You can fill a container with as many cookies as it can hold.

   • How many cookies you can fit in a box depends on the height and width of the box as well as the size of the cookie. You may need a few containers to store all of your cookies.

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   Put unfrosted cookies in a freezer bag or container. Wrap the cookies first in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for extra protection. You can then put them into a ziplock freezer bag or plastic storage container.^[9]

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   Freeze frosted cookies in a single layer for six to eight hours. This will harden their frosting. Afterwards, you can repackage them into an airtight container by placing a sheet of waxed paper between each layer of cookie.^[10]

   • If you layer the cookies before you freeze them, the frosting may stick and freeze to the paper. This will make separating or defrosting the frozen cookies difficult.
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   Freeze the cookies for up to six months. Mark the date that you froze the cookies on the container. This will help you know when you need to throw out the cookies. If a bad smell or mold develops, the cookies may have gone bad.^[11]

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   Defrost cookies for fifteen minutes before eating. Leave them out on the counter so that they will come to room temperature. Once defrosted, you can ice or decorate unfrosted cookies.^[12]

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   Cool the cookies completely before storing. Warm cookies may grow too soft or fall apart if stored. If you are storing freshly baked cookies, let them cool for an hour or two. If they are still warm to the touch, do not store them yet.^[13]

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   Store cookies at room temperature. You can put the cookies in a cabinet, pantry, or even on the counter. Refrigerating your cookies can dry them out. If you’re not freezing the cookies, keep them at room temperature.^[14]

   • Cookies will last about two or three weeks if properly stored at room temperature.
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   Store each type of cookie in its own container. Do not mix different types of cookies. Soft cookies can harden and crisp cookies can soften if you keep them together. Flavors can also become muddled.^[15]

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   Add a slice of bread to keep soft cookies moist. Half of a slice of bread will work for each container of cookies. This works best for cookies that you want to stay soft.^[16]

   • Apple wedges also work, but they may flavor your cookies. Some cookies, such as oatmeal or cinnamon cookies, may taste good with an apple slice tossed in.
   • If you’re using a round tin, use a tortilla instead of a piece of bread to save space.
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   Heat them up before eating to get a freshly baked flavor. Turn the heat up to 300°F (149°C) or gas mark 2, and put them in for a maximum of five minutes. You may need to let them cool for two minutes before eating.^[17]

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   See Also

   Cookies Too Crunchy? Soften Them Up with This Tip

   Finished.

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