How to preserve sugar cookies

You can expect your sugar cookies to last for up to two weeks in an airtight container either stored in the pantry or on the kitchen counter. But for real longevity, you can keep your sugar cookies in the freezer for up to six months!

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.

Storage and Packaging For Decorated Cookies

They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 weeks after that (depending on what cookie recipe you‘re using). If you don’t have a heat sealer or cello bags, an airtight container will keep them fresh for a few days.

Decorated Cookie Storage

Once the cookies have completely dried, they can be stored either in an airtight container with waxed paper in between each layer, or in an airtight bag in a single layer. You can store them at room temperature for up to one week.

Make Ahead Tips

You can store the dough in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days before baking. When ready to bake, scoop the dough by heaping tablespoons and follow the recipe baking instructions.

Once the cookies are sealed, place them in an airtight container and into the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw them, leave them in the container at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

After your cookies are baked and iced with royal icing, they can be frozen. Once your iced cookies have completely dried, place them in an airtight container, like a plastic freezer bag or Tupperware, with sheets of waxed paper in between any layers, and pop them in your freezer.

After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with the name and date. Squeeze out extra air and place flat in the freezer. To save space, you can flat-stack freezer bags.

Typically, drop cookies (including oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip cookies) and cut-out cookies (such as sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies) freeze well. Delicate cookies, on the other hand, such as wafers and meringues, will not freeze well—so we recommend making those just before serving.

Editor: Jen, we would probably vote for cookie dough, since nothing beats a truly fresh-baked cookie. But we would recommend scooping the dough and freezing it solid on cookie sheets, then sealing the frozen in lumps in bags for longer storage.

For cookies that are already baked, here’s how to freeze them successfully for up to two months. Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before freezing. Place the cookies into an airtight container lined with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap. For best results, wrap the cookies individually in plastic food wrap.

Place cookies in an airtight container.

After they are frozen solid, layer them in an airtight container. I like to use these plastic containers with a lid. I put wax paper in between the layers and place the cookies in a single layer. Use a more shallow container and only have 3-4 layers of cookies.

To thaw frozen cookies, take them out of the container in which they were stored and spread them out until they come to room temperature. From there, you can decorate them as needed, serve them, or, if necessary, refresh them in a 325º oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature two to three weeks or two months in the refrigerator. Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for eight to 12 months. Moist bars, such as cheesecake and lemon bars, can be refrigerated for seven days.

Most homemade cookies will maintain their taste and texture for up to 3 days. If you leave them out for too long, the cookies begin to harden or dry out. To prevent cookies from becoming stale, cover them with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container.

At room temperature: Eat these cookies as quickly as possible—within three days is best. If you have cookies with fillings, like brandy snaps, keep them in the fridge. In the freezer: Delicate cookies like these do not store well in the freezer.

Unless otherwise noted, don’t store cookies in the refrigerator: The cool air can rob cookies of their moisture and make them taste bland. In general, store cookies at room temperature or freeze them, as specified above.

A. To keep chewy cookies from turning dry and brittle, store them in a zipper-lock bag at room temperature with a small piece of bread (no more than half of a slice) placed inside.