How Long Can You Store Cookie Dough For?
Hey there, cookie lovers! Grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let's dive into the delightful world of cookie dough storage. You might be wondering how long you can keep that precious dough before it loses its magic. Fear not, my friends, for today we unravel the secrets of extending the lifespan of three cookie dough variations: fresh homemade, store-bought refrigerated, and homemade or store-bought frozen dough. So, let's embark on this dough-licious journey together!
1. Fresh Homemade Cookie Dough: What Made You All Fall In Love with Cookies
There's something truly enchanting about baking cookies from scratch. The aroma that wafts through the kitchen, the joy of licking the spoon, and the anticipation of golden, homemade goodness straight from the oven. Oh, I can almost taste it! But how long can we savor that fresh dough?
Fresh homemade cookie dough typically lasts around 2 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Of course, remember to keep it well covered to protect it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods. Pro tip: Roll the dough into individual cookie portions and freeze them for future use. That way, you can have a freshly baked batch whenever the craving strikes!
If you are on the hunt for a couple of cookie dough recipes that were proven over the years by the hardest critics (aka my friends and family, and now any consumer that purchases ReeRee’s Frozen Cookie Dough), see ReeRee’s Recipes for my original recipes that started it all.
2. Store-Bought Refrigerated Cookie Dough: The Convenient Substitute
We've all been there – in need of a quick cookie fix but lacking the time or energy to start from scratch. I tried many store-bought refrigerated cookie doughs, but their taste just didn’t do the trick for me personally (which is why I started freezing and then selling my own dough, read my story). However, since store-bought refrigerated cookie dough is the most widely available cookie dough in retail stores, it often comes to the rescue when there is no time to bake your own cookies for an occasion, so let's talk about how long we can rely on this convenience.
Most store-bought refrigerated cookie dough has a shelf life of about 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or whatever the package expiration date is. Of course you can freeze purchased refrigerated dough too (usually at least a few months). Simply follow the same guidelines as homemade dough – portion it out and freeze it for future baking adventures.
3. Frozen Cookie Dough: My Secret Weapon for Cookie Cravings
When life gets busy, but the craving for homemade, warm, freshly baked cookie taste never fades, frozen cookie dough is your only true bet as a substitute for freshly made dough. With some pre-planning, you can have a stash of dough waiting patiently in the freezer for those moments when you need instant cookie gratification. Or, now you can purchase ReeRee’s Frozen Cookie Dough at a store near you, and you don’t have to sacrifice the homemade taste at all!
Frozen cookie dough can last up to 9-12 months in the freezer, so frozen cookie dough gives you the most flexibility in terms of longevity. But let's be honest – it's rarely untouched for that long! Having a batch of frozen dough ready to go means you're only moments away (only 9-13 minutes usually, per ReeRee’s How To Bake instructions) from the tantalizing aroma and the comforting taste of a homemade treat. Of course this is what I do (bake and freeze my own cookies), so go ahead bake your own!
4. A Final Word on Cookie Dough Storage: See What Others Say, and Decide For Yourself
Of course you don’t have to take only my word for it. Here is a USDA Food Safety recommendation for Cookie Dough from their Foodkeeper App, but it only touches on store-bought refrigerated cookie dough.
Store-Bought Refrigerated Cookie Dough USDA Storage Guideline
Another more comprehensive resource is Bob’s Red Mill Blog Post that has this handy infographic to show you how long each type of cookie dough lasts. No surprise here, the frozen dough is the winner of lasting the longest in your fridge, and dare I say, it tastes the best as well!
Cookie Dough Storage Longevity
5. The Best Cookie Dough Is the One You Create Memories With
Of course, cookie dough is not just a mixture of ingredients; it's a vessel of joy, comfort, and cherished memories. Whether you opt for fresh homemade, store-bought refrigerated, or homemade or store-bought frozen dough, the experience of creating and sharing cookies is what matters most. So, my fellow sugar enthusiasts, embrace the dough-licious journey, experiment with flavors and formats, and let the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home and heart.
Remember, the best cookies are the ones made with love and shared with loved ones. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or craving a simple sweet indulgence, cookie dough is your ticket to creating moments of delight and connection. So go ahead, store your dough wisely, let it surprise you with its versatility, and let the cookie adventures begin!
Until next time, keep baking and spreading the cookie love, and Subscribe to our newsletter to get ReeRee’s Frozen Cookie Dough promotions, recipes, and new blog posts in your inbox. And if you are craving a cookie after reading this post, try ReeRee’s Frozen Cookie Dough with a $2 off offer by purchasing it at a retailer near you!
Note: Always follow proper food safety guidelines and consult specific instructions on store-bought packaging for storing that cookie dough.
