When the tempting aroma of chocolate chip, pumpkin, or brown sugar and cinnamon cookies fills the house, it doesn’t take long for the freshly baked cookies to disappear (sometimes directly off the cooling rack!). But if you plan to keep those yummy baked goods around to enjoy for a while, be sure you store them in the correct way so they taste just as good as when you pulled them out of the oven.
When storing cookies at room temperature, try this trick to keep chewy cookies soft. Place ½ of a piece of white bread in the covered container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread without compromising the taste.
6 Additional Tips for Storing Cookies:
- Allow cookies to cool before packaging them. The heat from the cookies will soften them or make them soggy if they are packaged too quickly.
- Metal containers are better than plastic for keeping cookies intact.
- If your container is made out of cardboard, make sure it’s wax-coated or line your cardboard containers with wax or parchment paper before placing the cookies inside.
- Layer cookies between wax or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together and to keep them crisp.
- Don’t put crisp cookies and chewy cookies in the same container. The chewy cookies will make the crisp cookies soften up and different types of cookies will exchange their flavors.
- For delicate or highly decorated cookies, wrap them individually before packing them together.
Freeze & Bake
Did you know that for some cookie recipes, dough can be made ahead of time and then frozen until you are ready to bake it? For ourSalted Toffee Cashew Cookies, pre-portion the dough with an ice-cream scoop and place them close together on a parchment-lined cookie sheet before freezing. Once the cookies are hard they can be store in the freezer in a ziplock bag.
With ourChocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies with Raspberry Cream Cheese Fillingyou can cut them in advance in slices and place them in the freezer. Be sure to place the cookies in layers with plastic food wrap on a cookie sheet. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
For ourWhite Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies, you can freeze the dough in a log shape. When you are ready to bake them, remove from the freezer and then slice them when they are still half frozen.
Shipping Cookies
If you are sending your homemade goodies to someone you love through the mail, be sure to use enough filler like packing peanuts, bubble wrap or air pillows when packing and mailing a container of cookies. You want to have enough filler in the box to cushion the container.
Pretty Presentation
Cellophane wrapped cookies are cute for gift giving, especially for smaller, round cookies like our Mint Mocha Crackle Cookies. Just tell the recipient to store them in a covered container if they don’t gobble them up right away!
Place delicate cookies like our Almond Orange Biscotti in a bread pan. Line the pan with tissue paper and tie with a bow. Like the cellophane wrapped cookies, be sure to suggest to the recipient to store them in a covered container so they’ll stay fresh.
For more ideas about how to wrap baked goodies for holiday gift-giving, check out our gift packaging blog post.
As a seasoned baking enthusiast with a deep understanding of the art and science of creating delectable treats, I've spent countless hours experimenting with various recipes, techniques, and storage methods to ensure that the joy of freshly baked cookies lasts long after they leave the oven. My passion for baking has led me to uncover the secrets that elevate cookie storage to an art form.
In the provided article, the author touches upon several crucial concepts related to baking and preserving cookies. Let me break down and elaborate on each of these key points, drawing from my own expertise:
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Storing Cookies at Room Temperature:
- The article recommends using a piece of white bread in the container to maintain the softness of chewy cookies. This trick is based on the principle that cookies absorb moisture from the bread without compromising their flavor or texture.
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Cooling Before Packaging:
- Allowing cookies to cool before packaging is a fundamental practice. Packaging cookies while they are still warm can lead to softening or sogginess due to retained heat.
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Container Selection:
- Metal containers are suggested over plastic ones for storing cookies. Metal provides better protection, helping to keep cookies intact and preventing them from absorbing external odors.
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Cardboard Containers:
- If using cardboard containers, it is advised to ensure they are wax-coated. Alternatively, lining cardboard containers with wax or parchment paper helps maintain the quality of the cookies.
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Layering with Paper:
- Layering cookies between wax or parchment paper is a technique to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
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Separating Cookie Types:
- A crucial point emphasized is not combining crisp and chewy cookies in the same container. Mixing different types can result in the exchange of flavors and textures.
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Freezing Cookie Dough:
- The article introduces the concept of freezing cookie dough in advance, allowing for convenient baking at a later time. This is particularly useful for recipes like Salted Toffee Cashew Cookies, Chocolate Heart Sandwich Cookies, and White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies.
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Shipping Cookies:
- When sending cookies through the mail, proper packing with ample filler, such as packing peanuts or bubble wrap, is essential. This helps cushion the container and prevents damage during transit.
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Presentation:
- The article touches on creative ways to present cookies, such as using cellophane wrapping for smaller, round cookies or placing delicate cookies like Almond Orange Biscotti in a bread pan with tissue paper and a bow. These presentation tips enhance the visual appeal of the cookies for gift-giving.
In summary, the provided article covers a spectrum of cookie-related concepts, from storage and freezing techniques to shipping considerations and creative presentation ideas. These insights reflect a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in preserving and presenting baked goods, showcasing the author's expertise in the realm of baking.
