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Discover how long Christmas cookies will last and how to store them with this guide on how to keep each cookie type fresh, from baking day to the very last bite.
'Tis the season to soften the butter and pipe the icing! It's Christmas cookie time and I can't think of a better gift than homemade cookies to show someone love this holiday season. Every year I whip up dozens of different kinds of cookies, from classic Christmas cookies to holiday-flavored candies to gift. I start out as an ambitious gift-giver, dreaming of all the different flavors of cookies and treats I would give. Come time to bake, I used to feel overwhelmed by my to-bake list and the stress of making sure cookies remained fresh for their cookie tray deliveries...that was until I researched and created this guide for how long cookies will last.
So if you're here, you are probably ramping up to do a lot of cookie-baking and need help figuring out what type of cookie to bake first. It’s worth noting that the shelf life of cookies can vary significantly depending on the type. As a general rule, properly stored cookies will be at their best for around 5 days at room temperature. Certain types of Christmas cookies will have different storage needs. I've outlined the best way for each type of holiday cookies below.
I've also included the best tips for storing cookies properly to ensure that every bite remains as delicious as when they came out of the oven.
These specific instructions for the different types of cookies should help you enjoy them at their freshest and most delicious. Remember, the goal is to keep the moisture, flavor, and texture just right, so airtight containers and proper wrapping are your best friends. Happy storing and even happier eating!
Also, it wouldn't be Christmas without sharing, learn how to ship cookies in my detailed How to Ship Christmas Cookies guide!
Drop Cookies
Are you a fan of the simple drop cookie? I am! These are some of the sturdiest cookies in the bunch! Think chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal or snickerdoodles. As durable as Santa's sleigh, these cookies can be stacked without fear of crushing. Just ensure you keep them sealed in an airtight container.
How long drop cookies last:
- At room temperature:
- Drop cookies should remain fresh for about a week.
- In the freezer:
- Cooled baked drop cookies can stay delicious in the freezer for 3 months.
- Cookie dough:
- Ready-to-bake drop cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
How to store drop cookies:
- Room temperature:
- Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Separate layers with parchment paper if needed.
- Freezer:
- Flash freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Label the bag with the date.
- Cookie dough:
- Portion dough in a single layer and flash freeze on a tray.
- Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag.
- Label with baking instructions.
Cutout Cookies
Cutout cookies are holiday classics for any cookie platter, whether they're sugar cookies or gingerbread. While they're perfect for freezing, don't forget tokeep them undecorateduntil you're ready to serve.
How long cut-out cookies last:
- At room temperature:
- Enjoy cutout cookies within a week of baking.
- In the freezer:
- Baked undecorated cutout cookies can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Cookie dough:
- Cutout cookie dough can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to store cutout cookies:
- Room temperature:
- Store in a dry place and in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper.
- Freezer:
- Freeze undecorated between layers of parchment paper.
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Label the freezer bag with the date.
- Cookie dough:
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic, then place it in a freezer bag.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Favorite Cookie Equipment
Shortbread and Spritz Cookies
Shortbread cookies and spritz cookies are real holiday troopers, lasting a bit longer than the rest. These buttery and crumbly cookies are a great option for a holiday cookie. Shortbread is known for its rich flavor, while spritz cookies are often made with a cookie press.
How long shortbread and spritz cookies last:
- At room temperature:
- These types of cookies can last up to two weeks.
- In the freezer:
- You can store them in the freezer for up to three months.
- Cookie dough:
- Dough for these cookies can also be frozen for about three months.
How to store shortbread and spritz cookies:
- Room temperature:
- Place in an airtight container with a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.
- Freezer:
- First, freeze individual cookies on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, with parchment paper between layers.
- Label with the date.
- Cookie dough:
- Shape into logs or disks as required by the recipe.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label with necessary baking instructions and freeze.
- Chilling the dough is actually recommended for shortbread, so it'll be ready to slice and bake when you are!
Frosted Cookies
Decorative and delicious, frosted cookies can turn an ordinary day into a celebration. They can be adorned with colorful frosting, sprinkles or edible glitter. Frosted cookies are the showstoppers of the cookie world, but they need a little extra care when it comes to storage. For best results, avoid stacking them to preserve your fantastic frosting designs!
How long frosted cookies last:
- At room temperature or in the refrigerator:
- Cookies topped with cream cheese frosting or similar should be stored in the fridge and consumed within two to three days.
- In the freezer:
- Frosted cookies generally don’t hold up well in the freezer.
- Cookie dough
- 3 months in the freezer.
How to store frosted cookies:
- At room temperature or in the refrigerator:
- Store in a single layer in an airtight container.
- In the freezer:
- Generally not recommended, as the frosting may not hold up.
- Cookie dough:
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic, then place it in a freezer bag.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Delicate Cookies
Delicate cookies such as tuiles or pizzelles are elegant and light. Their fragile nature gives them a distinct texture but requires careful handling.
How long delicate cookies last:
- At room temperature:
- Enjoy within 3 days.
- In the freezer:
- Delicate cookies generally don’t do well in the freezer.
- Cookie dough:
- Use immediately as dough generally doesn’t freeze well.
How to store delicate cookies:
- At room temperature:
- Keep in a sealed container, avoiding stacking.
- In the freezer:
- Not typically suitable for freezing.
- Cookie dough:
- Prepare and bake immediately as these are better as fresh cookies.
Icebox and Slice-and-Bake Cookies
Slice-and-bake cookies are a type of cookie that is formed into a log that you cut into individual rounds and place on the baking sheet to bake. These versatile cookies are prepared in advance, chilled and then sliced and baked. Slice and bake cookies are a kind of cookie that will help you get a great head start on your holiday baking!
How long slice and bake cookies will last
- At room temperature
- Five days.
- In the freezer
- Three months.
- Cookie dough:
- Three months in the freezer.
How to properly store icebox and slice-and-bake cookies
- At room temperature
- Store in an airtight container.
- In the freezer:
- Wrap logs tightly, place in airtight bags.
- Cookie dough:
- Keep logs in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze.
Twice-Baked Cookies
Biscotti and similar twice-baked cookies are known for their firm and crunchy texture, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
How long twice-baked cookies will last:
- At room temperature:
- 2 weeks.
- In the freezer:
- 3 months.
- Cookie dough:
- Bake immediately.
How to properly store twice-baked cookies:
- At room temperature:
- Store in an airtight container.
- In the freezer:
- First, freeze individual cookies on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, with parchment paper between layers if you like.
- Label with the date.
- Cookie dough:
- Best to bake twice-baked cookies right away.
Cookies with Fillings
These cookies, such as sandwich cookies, come with delicious surprises inside, such as creams, jams or chocolates.
How long cookies with fillings will last:
- In the refrigerator:
- They can last up to 1 week in the fridge.
- In the freezer:
- Up to 3 months.
- Cookie dough:
- 3 months in the freezer
How to Properly Store Cookies with Fillings
- At room temperature:
- Store in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- In the freezer:
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until the frosting is firm.
- Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and then come to room temperature.
- Some fillings may not freeze well.
- Cookie dough:
- Wrap tightly and freeze; fill later.
Cookie Bars
Cookie bars, like brownies or blondies, are made by pressing or pouring dough into a baking dish or pan. They are time savers since you don’t have to portion the dough.
How long cookie bars will last:
- At room temperature:
- 5-7 days.
- In the freezer:
- 3 months.
- Cookie dough:
- Bake immediately.
How to store cookie bars:
- At room temperature:
- Keep in an airtight container with bars separated by layers of wax or parchment paper.
- In the freezer:
- Wrap individual bars tightly and store in a freezer bag or freezer safe container.
- Cookie dough:
- Generally prepared and baked fresh.
I hope this guide has helped you learn how long Christmas cookies will last so you enjoy your cookies at their best, whether you're indulging right away or saving leftover cookies for later. Happy baking and here's to enjoying fresh and delicious cookies throughout the festive season and beyond. Don't forget to share your creations with Santa; he's a renowned cookie critic after all!
Cookie Recipes You'll Love
- Maple Snickerdoodles
- Ginger Sandwich Cookies with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Cookies (Slice and Bake)
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