Whether you’re baking ahead for the holidays, stacking tins for a cookie swap, or simply trying to make your treats last longer, storing cookies properly is the secret to keeping them fresh, flavourful and ready to enjoy.
For example, package soft or chewy cookies like drop cookies, hard set iced sugar cookies or these Italian buttery delights layered between sheets of parchment paper in airtight containers to keep them from getting stale. Generally cookies maintain their freshness stored at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about storing and freezing both cookies and dough — all in an easy, step-by-step format.
Why proper cookie storage matters
Freshness doesn’t just depend on the recipe — it depends on how you store your cookies once they’re baked. The right container, temperature, and handling can help your cookies stay soft, crisp or chewy for days. And if you’re prepping ahead for the holidays, freezing can be a lifesaver, letting you bake (or thaw) whenever you need to.
Before we get into the specifics, here are the essential principles:
Quick rules of cookie storage:
- Cool cookies completely before storing
- Store different cookie types separately
- Use parchment between layers
- Choose the right container (airtight vs. vented)
- Label and date anything you freeze
- Keep cookies in airtight containers
General rules for storing homemade cookies
Let cookies cool completely
This is one of the easiest, and most important, steps: warm cookies trap steam as they cool, which leads to sogginess in storage or ice crystals in the freezer.
Store different types of cookies separately
Soft cookies release moisture, crisp cookies absorb it — so they shouldn’t live in the same container. Separating them helps maintain each cookie’s intended texture.
Store cookies with strong holiday flavours like ginger, cinnamon, mint and orange separate from each other and more mildly flavoured cookies, like shortbread and drop cookies. Stronger flavours can override the softer cookies resulting in some strange, potentially odd and unexpected, flavour mashups. Mint, orange anise shortbread anyone? Maybe not so much!
Choose the right container
- Soft or chewy cookies: Store in airtight containers to keep moisture in.
- Crisp cookies: Store in a container with a slightly looser seal or a traditional cookie tin to help maintain crunch.
- Decorated cookies: Store in a single layer when possible, or use parchment between layers.
Label and date containers
Especially useful if you’re freezing cookies or dough, so you know when to use them for best flavour and texture.
Storing cookies at room temperature
Soft and chewy cookies:
These include chocolate chip, oatmeal, molasses or peanut butter cookies.
How to store:
- Use an airtight container
- Add layers of parchment between cookies
- Store in a cool, dry spot
- Enjoy within 3 to 5 days
Crisp cookies
Think shortbread, biscotti, gingersnaps or crisp sugar cookies. Crisp cookies, such as these gingersnaps, are best stored layered in containers that are less than airtight, like a sweet holiday-themed cookie tin. Exposure to a little bit of air helps maintain the desired snap. Store crisp cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Do not refrigerate crisp cookies as the moisture can cause them to soften.
How to store:
- Use a cookie tin or container with a lightly vented lid
- Keep them in a dry place
- Best within 1 to 2 weeks
Cookie bars
Sticky-topped cookies, soft set iced cookies or gooey topped bars, like these glorious blackberry cheesecake brownies are best stored in a single layer in an appropriate sized container to prevent each treat losing their shape or getting stuck together in an unsightly (but delicious) clump. Whether brownies, blondies or sliceable bar cookies:
How to store:
- Keep in the baking pan (covered) or place in an airtight container
- Layer parchment if stacking
- Enjoy within 3 to 4 days
How to freeze baked cookies
Freezing is a smart way to prep for holidays, bake sales or gifting — and almost all cookies freeze well. Make an extra batch or two when you’ve got time. Pop them in the freezer to keep yourself stocked for impromptu holiday visits.
Which cookies freeze well
Most cookies freeze beautifully, including:
- Drop cookies
- Shortbread
- Biscotti
- Sugar cookies
- Bar cookies
Delicate cookies (like meringues) are less ideal for freezing as they can lose their texture.
How to freeze baked cookies (step-by-step)
- Cool completely
- Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (this prevents sticking)
- Transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers
- Add parchment between layers
- Label and freeze for up to 3 months
How to thaw baked cookies
- Remove cookies from the freezer and thaw at room temperature
- If cookies seem soft or less crisp, refresh in the oven for a few minutes
How to freeze cookie dough
Freeze cookie dough to have on hand to bake cookies at a moment’s notice. Remember to date and label your dough.
Drop cookie dough
- Scoop dough into balls
- Freeze on a baking sheet
- Transfer to a sealed freezer bag
- Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes
Slice-and-bake dough (Icebox Cookies)
- Shape into logs
- Wrap tightly
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw slightly before slicing
Rolled/cut-out dough (Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread)
- Flatten into discs
- Wrap tightly before freezing
- Thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting
Storing decorated & iced cookies
Decorated cookies require special care to protect designs and prevent sticking. From gingerbread people to intricate sugar cookie stars and ornaments, iced and decorated cookies are a holiday staple. Make sure the icing is entirely set before storing decorated or iced cookies. This can take up to 4 hours depending on the thickness of the icing. Layer iced cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Get our sugar cookie decorating tips here.
- Make sure icing is completely dry before storing
- Store cookies in a single layer to preserve designs
- If stacking is necessary, add parchment between layers
- Keep at room temperature and enjoy within about a week
- Freeze only once icing is fully set; thaw at room temperature to avoid condensation
FAQ
Can I freeze cookies with icing?
Yes — as long as the icing is fully set and dry.
Is it better to freeze baked cookies or dough?
Both work well. Dough gives you the freshest results; baked cookies offer convenience.
Can I store different cookie types together?
It’s best not to. Soft cookies will soften crisp cookies, and flavours can blend.
How can I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container and avoid refrigeration, which can dry them out.
