My favorite activity when I was a kid was cleaning out the cookie dough bowl after mom made cookies—sometimes she would even let me have a couple of bites before rolling out the cookies. From cookie dough bites at the movie theater to chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, you could say I have always been a big cookie dough fan. Mom would often make two batches and cook one, and leave one in the freezer for later. We even had cookie dough sales in high school to raise money for . . . well, for some cause, I guess. I was distracted by the pints on pints of cookie dough we were delivering. We all know that eating too much cookie dough is bad, but exactly why is it bad, and what does that mean for its shelf life? In the case of the frozen cookie dough, how often should you make it in order to maximize your cookie efficiency without risking your family’s health? We will explore that very question today to make sure you know exactly how long your cookie dough is good for, and how to tell when it’s time to dough up a new batch (I just could not resist)!
What Makes Cookie Dough Go Bad?
For the same reason mom always told me not to eat too much of it—eggs. Raw eggs are one of the main ingredients in cookie dough, which help keep the dough together and hold all of the ingredients in the right places. Raw eggs have been linked to diseases like salmonella and e-coli, which both can be quite detrimental to your health. You should never eat too much cookie dough, but after the dough is cooked, the raw eggs are no longer dangerous to your health. However, the eggs in conjunction with the sugar, butter,and other ingredients can go bad over time, making the dough and the resulting cookies unhealthy for you. So, if you know your cookie dough is bad, then it is time to whip up a new batch.
So How Long Is It Good For?
Good question. The answer is very complex, though, so let us break it down. The main thing to note is that all cookie dough is not created equal, and there are some big differences in the types that are available. They will use different ingredients and serve slightly different purposes in your cookie dough repertoire, so their shelf lives are very different across the board, and it is tough to compare them equally. For simplicity’s sake, we will break it down into three main types of cookie dough: your regular old frozen cookie dough, your mass-produced cookie dough (think Pillsbury), and your homemade cookie dough. Even within these three categories, there are too many differences to give one definite answer, but hopefully this will help give you a ballpark. Just keep in mind that cookie fillings, flavors, and sizes, among other attributes, can alter these time ranges somewhat, sometimes significantly.
Past Due Date
In most cases, you would assume that the date on your cookie dough would tell you when it was past due. The truth is that with many grains, cookie dough included, the date on the package will actually be a “best by” date and not a “use by” or “expiration” date, which is slightly different. The “best by” date simply tells you when the quality should be highest, but the product does not actually expire on that date. Let us explore the different times that cookie dough usually goes bad.
Depending on How You Store It
Another piece to note is that cookie dough, like most foods, will last longer if stored correctly. We recommend storing your cookie dough in a small airtight container in your fridge or freezer, depending on when you want to bake it. As a general rule, any cookie dough left on the counter at room temperature will be good for 2-4 hours but then may risk going bad, especially if it is already past its “best by” date. The cool, dark, air-free container in your fridge or freezer will be the best place to maximize the lifespan of your cookie dough.
Regular Old Frozen Cookie Dough
Well, hopefully, it is regular new frozen cookie dough. This will be the kind you buy from your kid’s school fundraiser or anything you find in the freezer section that is commercially produced, but not your break-and-bake style cookie doughs. If you store it in your fridge, you can usually expect this cookie dough to last about 1 to 2 weeks past the “best by” date. In your freezer, frozen raw cookie dough can actually last 9 to 12 months, giving you plenty of time to use it before it goes bad.
Pillsbury Cookie Dough
Pillsbury cookie dough, and others like it, are different in that they are meant to sit in the fridge for a little longer than your other frozen raw cookie doughs. You can safely get about two weeks of fridge life out of this type of dough, even after the “best by” date. This kind of dough is not our favorite for freezing and lasts about 6 to 9 months in the freezer. You will always be able to find this kind of dough, though, so there is no need to freeze it for too long! The best things about this kind of dough are that it is so simple to use, you can find it in pre-portioned cookie dough form, it is readily available in all supermarkets, and very affordable. We recommend this cookie dough for your quick bake sale emergencies, or when the in-laws surprise you with a visit and you want the house to smell like chocolate chips.
Homemade Cookie Dough
If you are a true baker to the core, you will likely not have needed to read the previous paragraphs. Some of us are not so great at making cookies from scratch, but if you are, your family and friends should count themselves lucky. Nothing is more delicious than a warm homemade cookie right out of the oven—except, maybe the cold cookie dough right before it goes in! Although a killer homemade cookie dough recipe will wow your guests, it unfortunately does not last quite as long as some mass-produced cookie doughs. The ingredients are generally much fresher and have fewer preservative properties, so you will not be able to keep the homemade cookie dough as long as store bought brands. You will only get about three to five days fridge life with homemade cookie dough, but if you freeze it, the dough can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. We recommend wrapping in freezer paper tightly, or using a freezer sealing technology to get the most air out of your container before freezing—it is great to take advantage of this with homemade doughs because it is way easier to make a large batch at once and freeze some than it is to start from scratch all over again next week.
How Can You Tell?
You are getting some pretty large ranges here, from 1 to 2 weeks and from 6 all the way to 12 months, and we will remind you again that additives, flavors, and other factors can influence how long your cookie dough will last. Therefore, the question is how can you tell when yours has gone bad or is going bad? There are a few different ways, which we hope you will find to be a little more accurate than the date range test. The most obvious way to tell if your cookie dough has gone bad is to look at it. If it has grown any mold, then you can safely trash that dough and work on another batch. You will also notice that the edges start to discolor and turn darker as they go bad—they will likely be hard instead of doughy as well. This is a sure-fire sign that your cookie dough is too old. Another obvious one is if it smells rancid or sour in any way—basically, anything that looks or smells bad is bad (this is a great rule for the kitchen in 99% of cases). If your cookies taste a little funny, then you may have used bad cookie dough. At that point, we know it is tough, but it is safer to start over with some fresh dough.There are some egg-free cookie doughs out there. Thesewill last a little bit longer and refrigeration is typically not as necessary, but again, it is better safe than sorry with any kind of uncooked dough.If you are like me, cookies are some of your favorite snacks—nothing beats a warm chocolate chip cookie, right? But the worst thing that could happen would be getting your family and friends sick with an intended gift. Keep your senses on the lookout for telltale signs of spoilage with your cookie dough, and be sure to keep all of your dough stored as safely as possible when you are not using it! Now that you have the basics go enjoy some cookies for us!
Email Pinterest Twitter Facebook
FAQs
While store-bought cookie dough contains preservatives that may extend its shelf life somewhat, homemade cookie dough will only last in the refrigerator for about three days stored in an airtight container. (If your store-bought cookie dough doesn't have an expiration date, add a week or so to the “best by” date.)
How long is raw cookie dough good for? ›
Cookie dough can stay fresh in the refrigerator for five days. It's best to bake and eat on the first day and will get drier the longer it stays in the fridge, and this will result in crumbly and dry cookies after too long.
How long can you keep cookie dough in fridge before cooking? ›
Homemade cookie dough should be stored in small containers in the refrigerator for two to four days or freeze for two months. Alternatively, small quantities of dough can be frozen and thawed in the refrigerator as needed.
Can you eat 2 year old cookie dough? ›
The short answer is yes, it is safe to eat expired cookie dough. However, you should follow these tips to ensure that you don't get sick from eating it: Don't eat cookie dough that has mold on it. Keep your cookie dough in an airtight container so it stays fresher.
Can I use 2 week old cookie dough? ›
If you store it in your fridge, you can usually expect this cookie dough to last about 1 to 2 weeks past the “best by” date. In your freezer, frozen raw cookie dough can actually last 9 to 12 months, giving you plenty of time to use it before it goes bad.
How do you know if cookie dough goes bad? ›
If there is no mold, you still want to look for discoloration. This can start to happen at the beginning stages of cookie dough going bad. The edges may turn a darker color. This usually happens because of a chemical reaction called oxidation.
Can I eat 2 month old cookie dough? ›
To stay on the safe side, it is probably not highly recommended that you eat expired cookie dough, however you can eat it up to 1 or 2 months past it's best by date, if you ensure that you have stored it properly.
How long can you keep raw dough in the fridge? ›
A dough will last approximately three days in the refrigerator; however, it is best to use it within 48 hours. This is the best way to refrigerate your dough. After the dough is kneaded, place in a lightly oiled, large mixing bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator.
How long can you store raw dough? ›
Properly stored, homemade pizza dough will last up to five days in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer. However, the best storage time will depend on the amount of yeast in the dough. Generally, the less yeast in the dough, the longer it can keep.
Can cookie dough be refrigerated for a week? ›
How long can I keep cookie dough in the refrigerator before baking? Most cookie dough can be refrigerated, well-wrapped, for three to five days before baking. If you want to make it farther in advance, freeze the dough.
Generally speaking, cookie dough is good in the fridge for three to five days.
Can cookie dough spoil? ›
As cookie dough begins to go bad the edges will begin to turn a darker color than the interior as oxidation occurs. The taste will be off if the cookie dough is left too long. Spoiled cookie dough may also give off a rancid odor and become moldy if left too long.
Can you eat 6 month old cookies? ›
Cookies, Crackers and Chips
But as long as it doesn't smell funky (the oils in the cookie may go bad over a long period of time) and it doesn't crumble apart in your hand, then it's okay to eat.
What happens if you eat cookie dough sitting out for 2 weeks? ›
Leaving cookie dough at room temperature for a prolonged duration isn't a good idea if you plan to eat it raw. Harmful bacteria can proliferate between 40°F and 140°F (4.4°C to 60°C). This temperature span is known as the Danger Zone. Salmonella, E.
What happens if you leave cookie dough in the fridge too long? ›
As a general rule of thumb, you should refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. More than that, and you won't see a noticeable difference in the final product. Once the dough has chilled, let it warm up at room temperature until it's just pliable (about 5 to 10 minutes).
Can you eat 2 year old Oreos? ›
If you store Oreos airtight in a cool, dry place, they should be fine to eat for up to 10 Months past their labeled best by date. However, if you notice that your Oreos are starting to look or smell different, it is probably best to throw them away.
Can you eat 3 month old cookies? ›
Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 1 year, but will remain safe beyond that time. The freezer time shown is for best quality only —cookies that have been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
Can you eat 4 month old cookies? ›
Cookies come in all shapes, densities and sizes.
...
Cookies Expiration Date.
| (Unopened) | Pantry | Freezer |
|---|
| Past Printed Date | Past Printed Date |
| Bakery Cookies last for | 2-3 Days | 4-5 Months |
| Packaged Cookies (Soft) last for | 1-2 Months | 4-5 Months |
| Packaged Cookies (Hard) last for | 1-2 Months | 4-5 Months |
5 more rows21 Apr 2015
Pizza crusts and dough have physical “tells” which let you know they're past their prime and could underperform:
- A sour smell.
- Diminished texture.
- An exceptionally dry feel and appearance.
- A general gray color or flecks of gray that denote dead yeast activators, failed cell structure, and/or freezer burn.
You can chill your dough during either the first or second rise. Your yeast won't give you much love if it's asked to do both rises in the fridge, so it's best to do one or the other at room temperature.
Put the bread dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Choose a container that's twice the size of the dough. Dough can double in size in a single day in the fridge, which can make it spill out of smaller containers. Store the dough in the refrigerator after the first rise.
How long before dough goes bad? ›
Takeaway. If stored correctly, pizza dough will last at least 3 days and up to 5 days in the fridge before it goes bad and even longer in the freezer. Making homemade pizza dough is easy, far more delicious, and cheaper than store-bought pizza dough.
Can you leave dough for too long? ›
Can dough sit too long? If dough is left to rise for too long it will cause issues with the taste and appearance of the bread. Excess fermentation occurring in either the first or second rise can lead to a sour, unpleasant taste if the dough gets left for a long time. Over-proofed loaves have a gummy or dense texture.
Will old cookie dough make you sick? ›
Most doughs and batters contain raw eggs, which can be contaminated with a harmful germ called Salmonella, an illness-causing bacteria and common cause of food poisoning in the U.S. The symptoms of Salmonella infection include: Diarrhea.
Can you eat 4 year old peanut butter? ›
Past this date, if it's unopened it's still perfectly good. Opened, peanut butter will slowly develop off-flavors of rancid nuts over the next five or so years before it'll taste so bad not even the most peanut butter-obsessed child will go near it. But it's still very unlikely to make you sick.
What candy can a 1 year old eat? ›
Some great toddler treat options include Yum Yum Earth pops, Bunnies & Bats Treats, spider rings, small crayon packs, and fruit leathers. There are also Halloween themed applesauce pouches and pretzels that can be good options too. Basic chocolate like Hershey's bars or Three Musketeers are a safe option too.
Does canned soup expire? ›
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling).
How do you keep cookies fresh for 2 weeks? ›
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.
Does store bought cookie dough go bad in the fridge? ›
Store-bought
It is simple enough to use, you can find it in pretty much any supermarket, or at any grocer, and the dough itself often comes pre-portioned. If you ever need to store this dough for even longer periods, it will serve you pretty well to know that it can last as long as 3 weeks in your fridge.
How long is dough good for in the fridge? ›
Like anything that uses fresh ingredients, bread dough will eventually go bad, although it can last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. However, an enriched dough that contains eggs and milk will not last as long, especially if it's left at room temperature.
Takeaway. If stored correctly, pizza dough will last at least 3 days and up to 5 days in the fridge before it goes bad and even longer in the freezer. Making homemade pizza dough is easy, far more delicious, and cheaper than store-bought pizza dough.
My favorite activity when I was a kid was cleaning out the cookie dough bowl after mom made cookies—sometimes she would even let me have a couple of bites before rolling out the cookies. From cookie dough bites at the movie theater to chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, you could say I have always been a big cookie dough fan. Mom would often make two batches and cook one, and leave one in the freezer for later. We even had cookie dough sales in high school to raise money for . . . well, for some cause, I guess. I was distracted by the pints on pints of cookie dough we were delivering. We all know that eating too much cookie dough is bad, but exactly why is it bad, and what does that mean for its shelf life? In the case of the frozen cookie dough, how often should you make it in order to maximize your cookie efficiency without risking your family’s health? We will explore that very question today to make sure you know exactly how long your cookie dough is good for, and how to tell when it’s time to dough up a new batch (I just could not resist)!
If you are like me, cookies are some of your favorite snacks—nothing beats a warm chocolate chip cookie, right? But the worst thing that could happen would be getting your family and friends sick with an intended gift. Keep your senses on the lookout for telltale signs of spoilage with your cookie dough, and be sure to keep all of your dough stored as safely as possible when you are not using it! Now that you have the basics go enjoy some cookies for us!