Have you found yourself wondering how long sugar cookies last? Maybe you have just baked a fresh batch of cookies and want to know how long they will last?
Or are you curious and want to know more? No matter what the question is that brought you here today, we have the answer for you!
Sugar cookies are a wonderful treat, there is no getting away from it. But they taste better when they are fresh from the oven, rather than sitting stale for weeks.
So how do we know how long sugar cookies will last? And how can you store your cookies to keep them as fresh as possible?
These questions can swim around your brain, leaving you unable to sleep or think of anything but cookies!
But when you head online for the answers, you are met with conflicting and contradicting information that leaves you unsure where to turn or who to trust.
Well, no more! Today, we are here with the answers that you need!
Keep reading to find out how long sugar cookies last and get some helpful tips on how to keep them as fresh as possible.
What Are Sugar Cookies?
Before we get into today’s article, let’s have a quick recap for those that need it!
Sugar cookies are a plain type of cookie typically made with sugar, butter, flour, and eggs.
These cookies have a sweet taste and are either served decorated with frosting or as they are.
Usually, sugar cookies are made during the holidays like Christmas and shared with family and friends.
There are so many sugar cookie recipes out there these days.
Whether you want to make a traditional sugar cookie, a gluten-free, or vegan option, there is sure to be a recipe that suits you!
Now that we have briefly established what a sugar cookie is, let’s move on to why you came here and find out how long sugar cookies last!
How Long Do Sugar Cookies Last?
Let’s get straight into it! Providing that you have stored your sugar cookies correctly, they can last for roughly two weeks.
These two weeks are based on your sugar cookies being stored in an airtight container either on your kitchen counter or your pantry.
How long your sugar cookies last will not only depend on how you store them but the state they are stored in too.
Frosted and unfrosted sugar cookies last different lengths of time, so it is important that you check how long they can last before you store them!
Keep reading to find out more about storing your frosted and unfrosted sugar cookies now.
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Frosted sugar cookies will stay fresh for roughly five to seven days depending on how you store them.
While that is more than enough time for you to enjoy them, you need to consider how the frosting you have prepared will last.
Frostings made with fresh buttercream should be kept in the refrigerator to avoid them going bad, but this can dry your cookie out, leaving it hard and difficult to enjoy!
And if you leave frosted sugar cookies out on the counter for too long, moisture from the frosting can enter the cookie, leaving you with soggy sugar cookies, yuck!
It’s better to only frost the sugar cookies that you plan to eat in the next day or two.
That way, you can enjoy fresh sugar cookies without worrying about the frosting going bad. Plus this way your decorated sugar cookies won’t smudge!
Unfrosted Sugar Cookies
Unfrosted sugar cookies will stay fresh for about two weeks when kept in airtight containers in your pantry or on your kitchen counter.
You can store the cookies staked on top of each other, or you can individually wrap them in some parchment paper to keep them fresher for longer.
Wrapping them in parchment paper does take some time, but we think it is worth it to keep the cookies as fresh as possible!
Keep your containers out of direct sunlight and ensure they are left at room temperature.
This will prevent any ingredients in the cookies from melting and keep them tasting as fresh as possible.
How To Make Sugar Cookies Last Longer
Now, you might be wondering if there is a way to make your sugar cookies last even longer than we have just said. Well, there is a way!
You can use our storage tips below for your homemade sugar cookies to keep them tasting fresh and delicious.
Keep reading to also find out how you can make your sugar cookies stay fresh for up to six months!
Can I Freeze Sugar Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze sugar cookies! Freezing sugar cookies can keep them fresh for up to six months, which is perfect if you made a large batch of sugar cookies and can’t eat them all in one go.
You can use our steps below to freeze your sugar cookies.
- Cook your sugar cookies as normal and leave them to fully cool at room temperature.
- Place your cookies on a cookie sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. This pre-freezing step is the best way to keep your cookies fresh!
- Remove your cookies from the cookie sheet and place them in either an airtight container or a freezer bag.
- Whichever method you use, layer your cookies and place a sheet of wax paper between each layer, this prevents them from sticking together.
- Seal the packaging tightly before labeling your cookies and placing them in the freezer.
It is super simple to freeze your sugar cookies! When you want your cookies, simply pull them from the freezer and leave them to thaw at room temperature.
You can then enjoy them over the next few days and they should taste exactly as they did before!
Storage Tips For Sugar Cookies
Before you go, check out our quick list of tips for storing your sugar cookies!
- Store your cookies in layers with wax paper in between each layer to keep them fresh
- When storing decorated cookies, individually wrap them to avoid the frosting transferring to other cookies.
- Make sure your storage container is airtight and large enough for your cookies. The lid needs to sit on securely.
- When thawing your sugar cookies, do so on a kitchen counter and avoid putting them in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, sugar cookies can stay fresh for two weeks, or if you freeze them your sugar cookies will last for up to six months!
Just be sure that any cookies are thawed completely before you enjoy them and always store them in an airtight container.
