Tips for Storing Cookies

You have spent the afternoon baking and your kitchen is overflowing. But unless you intend eating them all at once, (a tempting thought I'll admit) you will need to store your baked goodies to keep them as fresh as possible.

Fortunately most cookies are easily stored.

The key to storing cookies is to choose an airtight container. This could be either a jar or tin with a tight-fitting lid, or a sturdy plastic container with an airtight lid.

Of course different types need to be stored differently.

Delicate ones, such as decorated sugar cookies will need to be treated more carefully than say chocolate chip.

If stored correctly most cookies will retain their taste and texture for up to a week.

For longer storage try freezing. For tips on freezing go here.

Tips for Storing Cookies

Always allow to cool completely before storing.

They can be stored in glass or ceramic jars, cookie tins or plastic containers, any container really as long as it has a tight fitting lid. If you are unsure about the fit of the lid, put the cookies in a sealed plastic bag first.

Separate the soft ones from the crisp ones to prevent them becoming soggy.

Store different flavored and strong flavored cookies separately.

Unfilled cookies will keep up to a week if stored in an airtight container.

Filled cookies, however, should be eaten as soon as possible to avoid becoming soggy. If fillings contain any dairy products they will need to be refrigerated and eaten as soon as possible.

Bars and brownies can be stored in the baking pan. Simply cover with foil or plastic wrap.

Decorated Cookies

Iced and decorated cookies can be successfully stored but remember to allow the icing to harden and set first. Otherwise you will destroy your beautiful handiwork.

Fragile ones should be stored in a shallow tin. Separate each layer with a sheet of waxed paper and don’t have more than 3 layers. Too much weight may crack the bottom layer.

Soft Cookies

Soft cookies should be stored in an airtight container. Trapping the moisture inside will keep them soft and chewy.

To freshen soft cookies that have become hard, add a piece of apple or a slice of brown bread to the container. Replace the bread daily.

If the lid of the container doesn’t seal properly, place them into a plastic bag first.

Separate the layers with waxed paper to prevent them sticking together.

Crisp Cookies

Crisp cookies can be stored in a container with a loose fitting lid. This will allow any moisture that may have accumulated to escape, thus keeping them nice and crisp.

However if you live in an area of high humidity, use a tight fitting lid to keep the moisture out.

Glass jars and ceramic containers are ideal for storing crisp cookies.

Place a crumpled tissue paper in the base of the jar to help absorb any moisture.

If they become soft, place them on a baking sheet and put in a preheated oven at 150°C / 300°F for about 3 minutes. This will restore their crispness.

Remember to cool before storing again.

Cookie Jars

Of course the best way to store your fabulous creations is in a beautifully decorated cookie jar.

Cookie jars are not just functional. They can be ornamental, showy or just plain fun and amusing.

Or they can be plain. Storing cookies in glass jars allows them to be seen and enables you to show off the results of your baking endeavours.