The Best Way To Keep Cookies Fresh

Whether you've converted your kitchen into a Christmas cookie factory or are just baking a single batch of treats to satisfy a sudden dessert craving, you'll need to know the best way to store your cookies to preserve their flavor and texture. (Unless you plan on eating all of them straight off of the cookie sheet—no judgment!)

The best way to store cookies depends on the type of cookie you're baking and how long you want to keep them fresh. Read on for our best tips.

How to Store Crunchy Cookies

Moisture is the enemy of treats like gingersnaps, shortbread, biscotti, and crunchy-edged chocolate chip and sugar cookies. While you might think an airtight container or zip-top plastic storage bag is the way to go, it will actually trap moisture inside, making the cookies soften. Instead, leave the bag partially unsealed. The cookies should stay fresh for several days.

If you want to enjoy the cookies later on, your best bet is to make and freeze the unbaked dough. Shape the dough into logs, wrap them in plastic, place them in a zip-top plastic freezer bag or airtight container, and freeze. You can also flash-freeze individual scoops of dough on cookie sheets then place the frozen balls of dough in a zip-top plastic freezer bag and freeze.

How to Store Soft Cookies

For puffy and tender treats like snickerdoodles, soft chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, or sugar cookies, a little moisture will help them retain their soft texture. If you are planning to eat the cookies within a few days, place them in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag. You can also place a slice of sandwich bread inside the container, which will absorb excess moisture and help keep the cookies soft.

How to freeze soft cookies

If you are pre-baking cookies to enjoy later on, let them cool completely before freezing the cookies on cookie sheets. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or zip-top plastic freezer bag.

To defrost the cookies, place them on a paper towel-lined plate at room temperature.

Cookie Storage Tips

No matter what type of cookie you're working with, these tips will help keep them fresh as long as possible.

Let the cookies cool completely

While you may be eager to get your creation into an airtight container, don't rush the cooling process. If your cookies don't cool completely before storing them, the container will trap heat and condensation, making your cookies a flimsy mess.

Avoid icing cookies before storing

Iced or frosted cookies take up a lot of space in your fridge or freezer, and the additional moisture may make your cookies softer than you want. The frosting can also begin to lose flavor if you decide to decorate too soon. Rather than worrying about the mess of stacked and frosted cookies in your fridge or freezer, store the baked goods before adding any creamy toppings for the best results.