How Long Do Cookies Last?

How long do cookies last? The shelf life of cookies depends on a variety of factors, such as the sell by date, the preparation method and how the cookies were stored. Because of their relatively low cost and high calorie density, cookies are a popular and very portable dessert.

Most cookies are generally made of sugar, butter, flour and an unlimited number of other ingredients. Cookies come in all shapes, densities and sizes. Homemade cookies and bakery shop cookies can provide some decadent indulgence, while packaged cookies are a reliable stand-by.

So, how long do cookies last? When properly stored, the shelf life of most cookies past their best by date is approximately ...

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Cookies Expiration Date

(Unopened) Pantry Freezer
Past Printed Date Past Printed Date
Bakery Cookies last for 2-3 Days 4-5 Months
Packaged Cookies (Soft) last for 1-2 Months 4-5 Months
Packaged Cookies (Hard) last for 1-2 Months 4-5 Months
(Opened) Pantry Freezer
Packaged Cookies (Soft) last for 7-10 Days 4-5 Months
Packaged Cookies (Hard) last for 2-3 Weeks 4-5 Months
Homemade Cookies (Soft) last for 2-3 Days 4-5 Months
Homemade Cookies (Hard) last for 2-3 Weeks 4-5 Months

Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. Remember that cookies, like a lot of other sweets, usually have a best by date and not an expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use them to satisfy your sweet tooth even after the best before date has lapsed.

How to tell if Cookies are bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Although not a perfect test, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your cookies have gone bad. Some common traits of stale cookies are a hard and dry texture (if they started soft), or a soft texture (if they started hard).

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Cookies to extend their shelf life?

Cookies should be stored in a tightly closed container or wrapped with plastic wrap to keep out air and other contaminants. For a long-term option, you can freeze your cookies while preserving their taste if you use an air-tight freezer safe container. After freezing, try microwaving them very briefly before eating for a close replication of that just baked taste.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

Interesting facts about Cookies:

Here at Eat By Date we believe in using your own fresh ingredients to make homemade cookies whenever possible, because nothing beats warm from the oven. But sometimes, you'd like to cheer someone up who lives across the country. There are lots of options for sending gifts of food, but we like ones that offer a bit of customization so that your recipient knows you care. Cookies by Design is a place where you can create a special bouquet that will delight the eyes and sweet tooth of any recipient.

How long are Cookies good for when prepared in a dish?

How long do cookies last? That depends. How long does milk last? In general, foods last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Cookies lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Cookies.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Cookies shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!

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With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

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