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One of the most challenging things in the world is how to keep cookies fresh. In this post, I will share the best way to store cookies and keep them fresh for longer.
Contents
What Makes Cookies, Soft & Fresh?
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Several factors affect cookies' texture, such as oven temperature, ingredients used, and storage.
For example, butter contains water and fat that adds flavor and tenderness to the cookies. Brown sugar is moist and contributes to the cookies' softness, especially when you underbake them. Using light corn syrup, cake flour, and egg yolks also helps make your cookies soft and chewy.
Baking cookies at 375 degrees F will also help your homemade cookies be soft and fresh. This way, the chocolate cookies will bake faster and not dry out in the oven's hot hair.
You should also know how to store cookies to keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container.
How To Keep Cookies Fresh: 6 Ways To Keep Them Fresh For A Long Time
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It is possible to keep cookies fresh and last longer, whether baking them for special occasions, as a business venture, or to satisfy your cravings. It all boils down to proper storage and the proper use of ingredients.
Way #1. Store cookings according to their profile.
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Soft and chewy cookies should be stored in ceramic cookie jars with a tight-fitting lid. Meanwhile, you can store crisp cookies in a cookie jar with a loose cover.
Way #2. Layer up your cookies.
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Baked goods tend to stick together when you store them in a container. To prevent this, keep them in layers. Add a piece of wax paper or parchment paper in between chewy cookie layers.
Way #3. Keep them cool.
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Bar cookies will stay fresh the longest when stored in a cool, dry place such as the back portion of the pantry. Keeping it this way can last for several days. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life and last for up to six months. Ensure to thaw them first until they reach room temperature before heating them in a 325F oven for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Way #4. Freeze the cookie dough.
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You can make cookie dough for today's baking session and freeze the excess for later use. Place scoops of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze for 30 minutes, then store in a resealable plastic bag. Bake it straight from the freezer for about 3 to 5 minutes longer than usual.
Way #5. Store cookies without decoration or frosting.
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As much as possible, avoid storing frosted or decorated cookies. They will lose their consistency and flavor and affect their texture if you leave them in the freezer for too long.
Way #6. Put a slice of bread in the container.
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Insert a slice of fresh white bread in the container to soften the cookies. Fresh bread is usually moist, and the moisture will transfer to the chocolate chip cookie. Make sure to use specifically white bread so that no other flavor will transfer to your cookies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Who doesn't love fresh and soft cookies? By now, you already have an idea of what to do to keep cookies soft and fresh. However, there are still some related questions that are not in your mind, but now you do.
How long can cookies be stored to retain freshness?
Cookies can retain their quality when you store them at room temperatures for up to three weeks, up to two months in the fridge, and up to 12 months in the freezer. However, food experts usually do not recommend storing it in the refrigerator unless it contains frosting. Otherwise, it's either you keep them at room temperature or freeze them.
Should I refrigerate cookies after baking?
As mentioned, you can store cookies in the refrigerator if it has decoration or icing. Otherwise, it is not usually recommended to store them in the fridge, especially after baking. Keep them at room temperature or freeze them instead.
How to make a jar of baked cookies airtight?
One useful tip is to put your cookies in a Ziploc bag first before putting them inside the jar. Choose a jar or container with an airtight lid. Don't forget to add a sheet of parchment paper between cookie layers so they won't stick together.
What if it has icing on the cookies? Will they still be the same?
It is better to store cookies with icing in the refrigerator to retain the icing quality. Avoid keeping them at room temperature as the icing will melt. Don't freeze them either, as it will affect the icing quality.
How do you tell if your cookies have gone bad?
One way is to taste it. If it tastes stale, has a hard and dry texture (if it is originally soft), has become soft (if it is originally hard), or has the presence of mold, then it is better to dispose of the cookies ASAP.
More Interesting Articles
Everyone, no matter the age, loves cookies. They come in different shapes, textures, toppings, and flavors. The abovementioned tips will help keep your cookies fresh and tasty. Some may not need these tips anymore as they might even eat all of the cookies in one sitting!
Meanwhile, here are other useful topics that you can also check out for your future reference:
- Is it your first time taking care of succulents? Here are useful tips on how to propagate succulents and keep them healthy.
- Have you ever wondered how many calories in tequila? You have to check this out!
- This article will teach you how to plant blueberries and other fruits and produce in your garden.
In Conclusion
There is a right and wrong way of storing cookies. If you want to retain your cookies' quality and savor the flavor even days after baking them, you should know how to keep them properly.
There is no need to wonder how to keep cookies fresh because these tips should help you ensure your cookies' quality with the right ingredients and proper storage.
