Ah, homemade cookies. We love the smell they produce in our homes and the flavor they produce for our taste buds. But one question that every homemade cookie baker asks is, how long are these beauties actually going to last?
At room temperature, most cookies will last up to a week. If the cookie contains any type of dairy, it will need to be refrigerated and eaten within seven days. You can freeze all kinds of cookies for up to six months.
Hi! My name’s Michelle, and I love baking – so much so that I’ve been doing it for the past ten years. Cookies are one of my favorite things to bake. In fact, I make a batch every week. I’ve discovered how long homemade cookies last, and I’m here to tell you the timeframes.
Let’s discuss how long homemade cookies last!
Contents
How Long Homemade Cookies Really Last
The last thing you want to do is bite into an old cookie. Not only will your taste buds not be too happy, but you might end up with a stomach ache down the line. Who wants to struggle with that?
That’s why knowing how long homemade cookies last is essential. Let’s break it down.
1. Room Temperature – Up to a Week
Most cookies will be able to sit on your kitchen countertop for up to a week as long as they’re stored correctly (more on that later!).
This is the ideal spot for cookies. They will be able to retain their shape, texture, and flavor, allowing them to taste like they did the moment you baked them – scrumptious.
Now, I understand that some bakers and blogs say you can leave cookies at room temperature for up to two weeks. This might be true, but in my opinion, the quality would have quite deteriorated at this point.
Also, let’s be honest – who isn’t polishing off a plate of cookies within a week? That’s unheard of!
2. Refrigerator – Up to Seven Days
Not all cookies can be left at room temperature.
If your cookie contains any dairy product, such as custard or whipped cream, you must place it in the refrigerator ASAP.
Like other types of dairy products, dairy-filled or dairy-topped cookies can’t sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours (or one hour if the temperatures exceed 90F).
Get them into the fridge immediately. They will be safe to consume for up to seven days.
3. Freezer – Up to Six Months
If you don’t plan to eat your cookies within a week, you’ll need to place them in your freezer.
When frozen, all types of cookies will remain fresh and yummy for six months.
Note: Cookies will still be safe to consume after the seven-day mark. Again, it comes down to quality. After six months, the cookie’s quality will begin to deteriorate. That’s why I always recommend eating frozen goodies sooner rather than later.
How to Store Homemade Cookies
Homemade cookies can last a week at room temperature and up to six months in the freezer – but that doesn’t mean they will. If you don’t store them correctly, you won’t achieve these timeframes.
Here’s how to properly store homemade cookies:
1. Let Them Cool Entirely
First things first – let your cookies cool entirely on a cooling rack.
If you try to store warm homemade cookies, you’ll end up with a soggy disaster on your hands.
No, thank you!
2. Stack in an Airtight Container or Resealable Freezer Bag
Once they’re completely cooled, you can move on to storing your homemade cookies.
You have two options: a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
I prefer an airtight container if I’m storing it on the counter. A cookie jar is also a fun and efficient choice. However, a resealable freezer bag is the better option if I’m storing it in the freezer.
Note: Store different types of cookies separately! Storing two different kinds of cookies can cause issues with textures and flavors. Also, if you’re storing cookies with decorations and can’t store them in a single layer, you’ll need to separate them with parchment paper. This will ensure that the decorations do not get ruined.
3. Label and Date
Somewhere down the line, you’ll wonder – “When did I bake these cookies?”
Let’s not deal with this hassling situation.
Grab your Sharpie and jot down the date you made the cookies. You can also label them if you have several different kinds of cookies you’re storing.
4. Store at Room Temp, in the Fridge, or the Freezer
Finally, decide where you’re going to place your homemade cookies.
If they’re filled or topped with dairy products, place them in the fridge ASAP. Otherwise, you can store your homemade cookies at room temperature for up to a week.
For those who don’t plan to finish their cookies anytime soon, toss them into the freezer for up to six months.
FAQs
Thankfully, homemade cookies have a long shelf life, especially if placed in the freezer. Still want to learn more about this topic? Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you learn more.
Homemade cookies go bad over time. The most significant indicators that your cookies have gone bad are staleness, a rock-hard texture, and excessive crumbliness.
If they were stored in the freezer, then yes, it’s OK to eat two-week-old cookies. However, if they are stored at room temperature, eating them is not a good idea. Most cookies only stay good for up to a week at room temperature.
Homemade cookies that have gone bad will have a rock-hard texture and be extremely crumbly. The flavor will also be noticeably stale and unenjoyable.
Homemade Cookies Have an Impressive Shelf Life!
As long as homemade cookies are stored correctly, they can last a long time. At room temperature, they will remain good for up to a week. When frozen, homemade cookies last up to six months.
Do you enjoy baking cookies?
About Michelle