Last Updated on March 24, 2022
How long can cookie dough last in the fridge? Before anything else, it is essential to know that chilling cookie dough is crucial. Plus, it is a great idea to have cookie dough in your refrigerator. The reason is that it saves you plenty of time whenever baking homemade cookies.
How Long Can Cookie Dough Last In The Fridge?
First and foremost, how long can homemade cookie dough last in the fridge? Remember, if you have leftover homemade cookie dough, it would be best to put it in sealed containers. After doing that, please store them in the fridge. In so doing, it will last for about two to four days. At the same time, you can freeze your cookie dough for approximately two months.
On the contrary, you have to remember that store-bought cookie dough’s shelf life varies depending on the brand. But, generally, most store-bought cookie dough has a shelf life of twelve months in the freezer. It is also safe for consumption even one to two months past its best by date.
Usually, you would automatically believe that the date on the cookie dough will tell you when it expires. But the date on the cookie dough’s package could be the best by date and not the expiration date nor the use-by date. Remember, the best by date indicates when the quality should be highest.
But, once you have thawed it, the moisture from condensation will cause the cookie dough to spoil faster. So with that, it is best to bake the cookie dough within a week after thawing it.
Facts about cookie dough
Does cookie dough go bad in the fridge? Yes, it does spoil in the refrigerator. And because of that, you should never consume it past its expiration date.
Also, please note that the cookie dough’s shelf life relies on various factors. And in some cases, you have to answer questions like these: what kind of fresh ingredients are in the cookie dough, is it edible cookie dough, or is it raw?
Consequently, you will get food poisoning if you consume expired cookie dough. For that reason, know that spoiled cookie dough smells acidic. In addition to that, you will see molds.
Moreover, please do not use any cookie dough left out overnight; bear in mind that harmful bacteria may develop due to the dairy products and raw eggs incorporated in your cookie dough. So with that, it is okay if you leave it out for a few hours but never overnight.
How long can you keep cookie dough in the fridge before baking? In most cases, you can undoubtedly refrigerate your cookie doughs. But before doing so, make sure to wrap it well. As a result, you can only keep your cookie dough in your refrigerator before baking for about three to five days.
Likewise, if you want to create it ahead of time, you may freeze the cookie dough.
Also, you should know that chilling your cookie dough before you eventually bake solidifies the cookies’ fat. Moreover, chilled cookie dough typically takes longer to melt than room-temperature fat as you start baking your cookies.
How to store cookie dough properly?
Most of the time, the cookie dough will last for an extended period if you store them well. With this, put the cookie dough in an airtight container. Then, you can keep it in the freezer or fridge; it is up to you. In addition to that, you can store it there depending on when you want to bake your cookie dough.
Commonly, any cookie dough left on your counter at room temperature will only be good for two to four hours. Beyond that time frame, it may eventually spoil. What’s even worse is if it was past the used by date.
Furthermore, it would be best to place your cookie dough in your refrigerator or freezer’s air-free and dark part. In so doing, it will maximize your cookie’s shelf life.
Tips And Tricks
Why is my cookie dough hard after refrigeration? For the most part, many cookie recipes require long refrigeration times. Because of that, it can result in cookie dough that is incredibly hard, like a rock. And unfortunately, it can be challenging to work with due to extra chilling time.
You can place your cookie dough near a warm stove to fix that. Likewise, you can pound it using your rolling pin once it softens.
Also, please note that more flavor will develop if you chill your cookie longer. In addition to that, the flour will absorb more moisture. As a result, it will become chewier and thicker.
For instance, the cookie dough will dry out and spoil after three days.
Remember, chilling your cookie dough before baking means fluffier cookies with better consistency. Besides, it will be easier to scoop while chilled than at room temperature, especially if you already have a bowl of cookie dough ready in the fridge. Plus, the cookie’s consistency will be more even.
Ultimately, chilling your cookie dough does indeed change its texture. But, know that it is not precisely the chilling that’s responsible for texture change; it is undoubtedly the cookie dough’s process of drying out slowly.
For that reason, the more concentrated the sugar will be, the drier the cookie dough is. And a higher percentage of sugar results in the cookies being crisp or chewy instead of the doughy and soft texture.
Softening chilled cookie dough
The most effective approach is to take the firm cookie dough out of your fridge. After that, all you have to do is wait till it is soft enough. But, you can speed up the process by placing it in a warm location, for instance, near a warm stove.
Remember, you may let it warm up at room temperature until it is soft; this would only take five to ten minutes. Also, be careful since allowing it to get exceedingly warm will make the purpose of chilling it insignificant.
Additionally, you can slice your cookie dough into tinier pieces. Because of this, you can utilize a pastry cutter. In so doing, it will make them come to room temperature even quicker.
FAQs
How Long Can Homemade Cookie Dough Last In The Fridge?
Please note that it commonly lasts in the fridge for around two to four days. But do not worry because you can indeed freeze the cookie dough. And because of that, it can last for about two months.
Does Cookie Dough Go Bad In The Fridge?
Of course, it can go bad in the fridge. So, it would help if you did not eat it when it is past its expiry date. Nevertheless, there are different factors on why it spoils inside your refrigerator.
How Long Can You Keep Cookie Dough In Fridge Before Baking?
Please keep in mind that you can only keep the cookie dough in the fridge for around three to five days before baking.
Why Is My Cookie Dough Hard After Refrigeration?
Generally, numerous cookie recipes require long refrigeration times. For that reason, you may encounter tough cookie dough. And the main reason is too much chilling.
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.
