How long do sugar cookies last? The Sugar Cookie Recipe I use is quite long lasting, and will remain fresh at least a week after being baked (when properly stored). They are perfectly edible and delicious (when properly stored) up to two weeks, but begin to dry out after a week.
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.
Although I’ve tested them for longer and the batches I’ve tried seem fine for up to 4 weeks, my general rule of thumb is up to 2 weeks.
If you don’t have a heat sealer or cello bags, an airtight container will keep them fresh for a few days. Store the cookies in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight (not in the refrigerator!).
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. When you are ready to bake, scoop the dough into balls and follow the recipe baking instructions. Freezing Butter Cookie dough: Scoop cookie dough by the tablespoon onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Cookie dough: You can make these types of cookie dough in advance. Cookie dough for either recipe can be made up to three days ahead of time (chilling is actually recommended for shortbread). You can also pop disks of dough into the freezer for about three months.
Can sugar cookies be left out overnight? Yes. Sugar cookies can be stored in a cookie jar at room temperature for 2-3 days or in a cool, dry, airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Make sure cookies cool completely before storing. Store them at room temperature in an air-tight container, like Tupperware. Store different flavors separately. Over time, strongly flavored cookies like molasses or mint will seep into other cookies, so if possible store each flavor in its own container.
How far in advance can you bake the cookies? I bake the cookies up to a week ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready for use.
Storing Fresh Sugar Cookies at Room Temperature
- Keep out of direct heat or sunlight.
- Store in layers separated by plastic wrap or wax paper.
- Store in small portions.
- Store in an airtight method.
- Don’t use a cookie jar.
As for storing dough, we recommend that you can make it and store the batter 2-3 days in the refrigerator, tightly covered. You can also freeze most drop and roll cookie batters for a few weeks. That should be enough to get you started, but let us know if you have other questions.