Last Updated on February 6, 2022
Sugar cookies are one the most popular types of cookies that people of all ages love. So, just how long do sugar cookies last? Both homemade and store-bought cookies can last for several days when properly stored.
Whether for a birthday party, holiday or any celebration, sugar cookies make a great dessert for any event. You can also prepare them in different ways including cut-out and drop styles. They taste great by themselves, or with sprinkles, buttercream frosting, royal icing, or chocolate.
Storing Your Sugar Cookies
Most sugar cookies last for one week, but you can extend the shelf life by storing them in the fridge or freezer. If you leave sugar cookies out uncovered, they will go stale within one to two days.
Though they will still be safe to eat, they will not taste as good as they do fresh. Before storing your cookies, make sure they are fully cool.
Storing cookies in the fridge
You can also store your sugar cookies in the fridge in a plastic bag or airtight container as well. They will last for up to two weeks in the fridge, with or without decorations.
You can enjoy the cookies chilled or bring them to room temperature before eating them. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes for the cookie to reach room temperature. If there are no decorations, you can also warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Unbaked cookies can last for about two to four days in the fridge. You can store the dough in a ball, log, or in individual balls.
Storing in the freezer
Sugar cookies store well in the freezer. They can last in the freezer for up to three months as long as you properly store them.
To freeze baked sugar cookies, allow them to fully cool first. Once cool, place the cookies in a plastic bag, separating the layers with parchment or wax paper. You can also use an airtight container, as long as it is freezer safe.
To thaw, let the cookies sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes or until they soften. You can also warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Freezing sugar cookie dough
You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough as well to save you time. You can store your unbaked cookie dough for up to three months in the freezer.
After making your dough, roll it into balls. Then, place the balls of dough into a Ziploc bag or airtight container, separating the layers with parchment or wax paper.
Once ready to bake, simply add one or two extra minutes to baking your cookies. You do not need to worry about thawing out your dough first before baking.
You can also freeze sugar cookie dough you plan to use for cut-out cookies with cookies cutters. Flatten the cookie dough into a disk and cover it tightly in plastic wrap and then freeze for up to three months.
When ready to use, place the dough in the fridge to thaw. Then, once thaw, let the cookie dough sit at room temperature for one hour.
After the hour is up, roll out your cookie dough and then chill it for around 45 minutes to one hour. Chilling after rolling will help the cookies hold their shape and not spread out while baking. After, chilling the dough, use cookie cutters to cut out the shapes and bake as directed according to the recipe you used.
Knowing How Long Do Sugar Cookies Last
Sugar cookies will last for about one week at room temperature, up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer. In addition, you can even preserve them as well. When storing sugar cookies, be sure to use an airtight container or Ziploc bag to help them maintain freshness.
You can store your sugar cookies plain, or with buttercream, royal icing, sprinkles, or chocolate. In addition, you can also store cookie dough for up to four days in the fridge and three months in the freezer before baking.
Do you have any questions regarding how long do sugar cookies last? If so, please ask any questions regarding sugar cookie storage in the comment section below.
FAQs
How Long are Sugar Cookies Good For?
In general, when properly stored, sugar cookies will last for about one to two weeks. They should be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to prevent them from going stale.
How Long Do Sugar Cookies Last at Room Temperature?
At room temperature, sugar cookies will last for around one week. Be sure to store them in a Ziploc bag or airtight container to help keep them fresh.
For best results, keep the cookies in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. This is especially important if your cookies have sprinkles, chocolate or frosting that could melt in the sunlight.
How Do You Preserve Sugar Cookies?
Sugar cookies are a great base for intricate decorations and many professional bakers will use them for special orders. If you have sugar cookies that you got for a special event, such as a wedding, baby shower, graduation or anniversary, you may want to preserve a cookie as a memento. In addition, some people will use decorated sugar cookies as Christmas ornaments.
To preserve your cookies, first let them dry at room temperature for about one week. Then, place them in an airtight container and place a desiccant pack in the box to absorb any moisture. You can also spray the cookies with hairspray or shellac to keep the royal icing intact and give it a nice finish.
Be sure to label the box your cookies are in as unedible so no one accidentally eats one. Store them in a cool dry area where bugs or critters can't get them. You can also use a vacuum seal to store them as well.
How Can You Tell if Sugar Cookies Have Gone Bad?
Your sugar cookies are no longer good if you notice any mold, discoloration, off-smell or off-taste. In addition, they may have a stale taste or become hard. If you notice any signs that your sugar cookies may be going bad, it is best to just toss them in the trash.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.