Stored properly, chewy cookies should last for up to a week at room temperature. Without storing them in an airtight container, chewy cookies get stale very quickly – in two to three days.
Curious how long cookies last at room temperature? Most homemade cookies will maintain their taste and texture for up to 3 days. If you leave them out for too long, the cookies begin to harden or dry out. To prevent cookies from becoming stale, cover them with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container.
At room temperature: Eat these cookies as quickly as possible—within three days is best. If you have cookies with fillings, like brandy snaps, keep them in the fridge. In the freezer: Delicate cookies like these do not store well in the freezer.
Why You Need to Chill Your Cookie Dough
Popping your dough in the fridge allows the fats to cool. As a result, the cookies will expand more slowly, holding onto their texture. If you skip the chilling step, you’re more likely to wind up with flat, sad disks instead of lovely, chewy cookies.
The answer is yes. Cookies do go stale. However, the good news is you can still eat them. They may not taste as great, but they are still edible.
Stored properly, chewy cookies should last for up to a week at room temperature. Without storing them in an airtight container, chewy cookies get stale very quickly – in two to three days.
Storing Cookies
This keeps them from sticking together or losing crispness. Metal tins keep cookies firmer than plastic bins. Let cookies cool before storing.
Unless otherwise noted, don’t store cookies in the refrigerator: The cool air can rob cookies of their moisture and make them taste bland. In general, store cookies at room temperature or freeze them, as specified above.
“If you do eat a food past the expiration date [and the food] is spoiled, you could develop symptoms of food poisoning,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Summer Yule, MS. The symptoms of foodborne illness can include fever, chills, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
How to Soften Chilled Cookie Dough
- Merrill recommends putting dough near a warm stove, and pounding it with a rolling pin once it starts to soften.
- Trena cuts the dough into smaller pieces using a pastry cutter, figuring that they will come to room temperature faster.
Most cookie dough can be refrigerated, well-wrapped, for three to five days before baking. If you want to make it farther in advance, freeze the dough. See my previous post on freezing cookie dough for more information. If you need ideas for your holiday baking, see our collection of Cookie Recipes.
The cookie dough doesn’t need to be refrigerated – although it will remain firmer if kept in the fridge. It is best to eat the dough within 2-3 days. The dough can also be frozen, for 2-3 months. Just defrost at room temperature.