Let me tell you - life happens! Whether your event was cancelled, postponed, or you simply want to make your cookies last a little longer, you may be wondering what to do with your cookies. While your cookies have an expiration date, they can last longer with the proper care!
How long do cookies normally last?
When cookies are packaged in heat sealed bags, they generally have a shelf life of 2 weeks. If you get your cookies a few days before your event, you are set up for success. However, if you’re an over planner like me and get your cookies over a week in advance, I would highly recommend freezing your cookies to ensure they are still ready when the day of the event comes.
How to properly freeze cookies.
If you’ve purchased custom sugar cookies, there’s a good chance they are already in heat seal bags. However, if you make your own and you want to freeze them you will need to package them yourself. I would recommend running to a store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels where they sell self seal bags. Once you seal up the cookies in bags, you will need to put the cookies in an airtight container. Make sure to lay them flat and do not squish too many cookies into one container so you can make sure your cookies maintain their designs.
Once you have ensured the lid to the container is airtight, place the container in the freezer. Make sure to put the container in a spot where the cookies remain upright without risk of the container falling over. It is very important that you always freeze your cookies when you want to make them last longer and resist the temptation to put them in the fridge. Due to the royal icing on custom cookies, the fridge will release moisture and cause designs to become smeared.
How to thaw your cookies.
Now it’s the day of the event, or maybe even just time to eat, so let’s thaw the cookies out! It’s time to do some planning because it is recommended to take cookies out of the freezer the night before you want the cookies to be ready. Keep the lid on the container and keep the cookies on the counter overnight so both the cookies and the container come to room temperature. It is important not to take the cookies out of the container so the condensation from thawing does not affect the design of the cookies.
Once the container comes to room temperature, you are free to remove the lid of the container! It’s up to you whether you take the cookies out of their bags to eat or leave them in their individual packing to help them stay fresh for a few more days.
This method has been tried and trusted by bakers and customers alike. Just ask my family, you can’t even tell the difference between fresh and frozen cookies. Just keep in mind, it is only recommended to freeze and thaw cookies once.