How To Keep Cookies Fresh

You've spent the whole afternoon baking up a batch of cookies. Now what? Of course, you'll enjoy a few and maybe even share some with a friend. But with plenty of extra delicious cookies on your hands, you'll also want to be sure you have a plan for storing them and keeping them fresh.

After putting your time and effort toward baking, the last thing you want is to head to the kitchen for a soft, chewy cookie, only to find that they've completely dried out. Certainly, biting into rock-hard cookie doesn't have even close to the same appeal.

Luckily, you can keep freshly baked cookies from going stale and hard with just a few simple steps. Keeping freshly baked cookies on hand to grab for when you need a snack is easier than you may think, and we're here to share all of our best tips and tricks on how to keep cookies fresh.

First thing's first, bake your cookies. Then, once you've pulled the cookie sheet out of the oven, be sure to give your cookies plenty of time to cool. Typically, many bakers will allow the cookies to finish baking and start cooling on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before moving them. 

Once the cookies are ready, transfer them to a cooling rack to allow them to fully cool before storing them away. If you don't let them cool completely, the heat radiating from the cookies will create condensation in your container, ultimately ruining the texture of your cookies over time. 

Once the cookies have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. If you're concerned that the cookies will stick together or the cookies are topped with something like frosting, add a layer of wax paper or parchment paper between the cookies. This will prevent the cookies from losing their design or getting stuck together.

Put the lid back on the container and keep your cookies fresh at room temperature for three to five days.

If you'd prefer to tuck your cookies away for a rainy day, they can be kept much longer in the freezer. Just be sure they're properly stored.

You can store your cookies in the freezer in an airtight container. Add wax paper or parchment paper between the layers of cookies to prevent any cookies from sticking. Put the lid back on the container, and tuck your cookies away in the freezer. If you want an extra layer of protection, you can put your cookies in a freezer bag before putting them in an airtight container.

Once you're ready to enjoy your cookies, pull out the container, or just pull out a couple of cookies, and let them thaw for a few minutes. This method will keep your cookies fresh for three to four months.

The best container option for storing cookies really is up to you. Sometimes, the best choice may be the only option you have on hand. As long as the container is airtight, keeping any outside air or moisture from getting in, the container will be sufficient.

If you're opting for a cookie jar on the counter, just be sure to follow the same rule of thumb. A cookie jar with a locking latch to make it airtight will be a better option for storing your cookies than one that lets air through.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 12 cookies

Ingredients:

Cookies
Cooling rack
Airtight container
Freezer

Directions:

1. Bake your cookies. Transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool fully.
2. Store your cookies in an airtight container. You may want to put parchment paper between the cookies to keep them from sticking.
3. If you want to keep your cookies for longer, you can place them in the freezer for three to four months.