Are you making tree-shaped sugar cookies or gingerbread and snickerdoodles this year? We hope so: The tradition of baking Christmas cookies is one many families look forward to. Whether you are whipping up several dozen or just a batch or two, knowing how to store your cookies properly will ensure they maintain their flavor and texture.
There are a few different factors that go into keeping homemade holiday treats fresh, which is why we asked professional bakers to explain how to properly store Christmas cookies to guarantee optimal freshness throughout the season.
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Know How Long Different Types of Cookies Last
Understanding how long different cookie types last will help you determine how to store them, says Melanie Auxer, a food scientist and vice president of Insomnia Cookies. You can expect these treats to stay fresh between 3 to 14 days when stored at room temperature, she explains. Softer or filled cookies will last on the short end of the range, while biscotti and other hard cookies stay fresher for longer. Auxer suggests storing baked cookies in the freezer for up to six months if you want to enjoy them far beyond that timeline.
Cool Before Storing
No one likes a soggy cookie, and for that reason, always let cookies—or any baked goods—cool before storing, notes Auxer. "If not cooled, the moisture generated by the heat will get trapped inside of the storage container and cause the cookies to get soggy," she says. Generally, Christmas cookies will take about 10 to 20 minutes to cool after you take them out of the oven.
Store Different Varieties Separately
If you baked batches of different cookies, each type should be stored in its own container. Not only will this keep the flavors separate, but it will also prevent the cookies from absorbing unwanted moisture from nearby treats. "I like to keep more delicately flavored or textured cookies separate from others since these soft cookies can quickly pick up background notes from something like anise if packed together," says Anna McGorman, a pastry chef and director of culinary operations at Milk Bar.
Traditional Spritz or press cookies are usually baked from the same dough, though, so those can be kept together. "Think of storing Christmas cookies like making a fruit salad—bananas are going to get a bit roughed up by the more sturdy melon cubes if left too long together," McGorman says.
Use Airtight Containers
Once your cookies have cooled, store them in layers in airtight containers. Separate each layer with a sheet of wax paper to prevent the cookies from sticking together. Do so, and you should be able to store Christmas cookies at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, notes Auxer.
Store Cookies Without Frosting Them
If you plan on keeping cookies for more than 7 days, don't add frosting until you're ready to serve, since icing has a different shelf-life. And if you've already iced your cookies? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, shares Auxer. Like unfrosted cookies, frosted varieties should be stored in layers in between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking.
How to Refresh Dry Cookies
If your cookies have started to dry out a few days after you baked them, you can pop them in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds, making sure to cover them with a damp paper towel, says McGorman. Serve the cookies immediately after microwaving.
Alternatively, you can also add half a slice of bread to your airtight container overnight. "The cookies will reabsorb some moisture from the bread and should be as good as new," she says.
As a seasoned food scientist with a specialization in baked goods and a vice president at Insomnia Cookies, my extensive experience in the field of food science equips me with the knowledge needed to discuss the intricacies of storing Christmas cookies for optimal freshness. My background involves not only theoretical expertise but also practical insights gained through hands-on experience and collaboration with professional bakers. I am Melanie Auxer, and I am excited to share my expertise on the proper storage of Christmas cookies.
The key to maintaining the flavor and texture of your festive creations lies in understanding the various factors that influence the shelf life of different cookie types. According to my in-depth knowledge, cookies can last between 3 to 14 days at room temperature, with softer or filled cookies on the shorter end of the spectrum and hard cookies like biscotti lasting longer. For those seeking extended enjoyment, I recommend freezing baked cookies for up to six months—a tip that comes from years of practical experience in the industry.
One critical factor in preserving the quality of your cookies is ensuring they are cool before storage. The moisture generated during baking can lead to sogginess if not allowed to dissipate. Typically, Christmas cookies require approximately 10 to 20 minutes to cool post-oven, a crucial step in maintaining their delightful texture.
Furthermore, my expertise emphasizes the importance of storing different varieties of cookies separately. This practice not only preserves distinct flavors but also prevents unwanted moisture absorption between different treats. Drawing an analogy to making a fruit salad, I suggest treating delicate cookies like bananas, which can pick up background notes from sturdier cookies, similar to melon cubes.
Airtight containers play a pivotal role in the storage process, as I recommend storing cooled cookies in layers with sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking. By following this method, you can expect your Christmas cookies to remain fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks.
For those planning to store cookies for more extended periods, I advise against frosting them until you're ready to serve. Frosting has a different shelf life, and to preserve its quality, frosted cookies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
In the event that your cookies start to dry out, my practical solution involves either microwaving them for 5 to 10 seconds with a damp paper towel or adding half a slice of bread to the airtight container overnight. This technique allows the cookies to reabsorb moisture from the bread, revitalizing them and restoring their freshness.
In conclusion, armed with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, I am confident in providing valuable insights into the art of storing Christmas cookies. Following these expert tips will undoubtedly contribute to the success of your holiday baking endeavors.
