Once you make a big batch of homemade cookie dough, you may wonder, how long is cookie dough good for in the fridge? Making cookies is one of the most fun things you can bake in your kitchen, and be sure to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
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The best part about saving cookie dough in the fridge is that you can make fresh cookies every day.
If you make 60 cookies on the same day, how likely is it that you'll be able to eat them all before they go stale?
This is perfect if you want to give them away as gifts or sell them at a bake sale, and it's not so perfect if you are baking them for your family.
The best way to keep your cookie dough fresh for the longest time is to save them in the refrigerator.
How long is cookie dough good for in the fridge?
Cookie dough can stay fresh in the refrigerator for five days.
It's best to bake and eat on the first day and will get drier the longer it stays in the fridge, and this will result in crumbly and dry cookies after too long.
What's the best way to store it in the fridge?
How you store the cookies will impact how long they stay fresh. It's best to put them in an airtight container or a large plastic zip-top bag.
You can also add an extra layer of protection by tightly wrapping the dough with plastic wrap before placing the lid on a container.
Does cookie dough go bad?
Cookie dough can go bad if left in the fridge or on the counter for too long.
If it's on the counter, it's susceptible to bacteria growth while in the danger zone of 40° - 140°F. If bacteria have a chance to grow, the dough will make you sick even if it's baked and especially if it's eaten raw.
Kept in the refrigerator, it takes a lot longer to go bad. Bacteria have a much harder time growing under 40°F, but it's certainly possible if it sits there long enough.
Can you freeze cookie dough?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze cookie dough. The best way to keep cookie dough fresh for the longest time is to freeze it.
There are different ways you can do this depending on your needs and how you'll bake them in the future.
Be sure to label the container or bag with what they are and the date so you know exactly how long they've been in the freezer. You can also add a cooking temp and time to cook if you're worried you may not remember later.
How long does frozen cookie dough last?
You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months in an airtight container or plastic zip-top freezer bag. Any longer than that, the cookie dough will get too dry, get freezer burn, and won't bake well.
If you try to bake cookies from dough that's been in the freezer for too long, they will have a particular freezer taste, won't rise very well, and will get hard much more quickly.
What's the best way to freeze cookie dough?
Believe it or not, there is a perfect way to freeze cookie dough.
Roll the cookie dough into balls, place them all on a baking sheet, and put it in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, move all the partially frozen balls to a large plastic freezer bag and put the bag back in the freezer.
This will make it much easier to make exactly as many cookies as you want without having to thaw the entire container.
Conclusion
Cookies are magical little desserts that everyone loves, especially kids. But, you don't need to bake a huge batch all at once just because you make the dough.
So how long is cookie dough good for in the fridge? You can keep the leftover dough in the fridge for up to five days and in the freezer for three months. However, if they stay in there too long, they're likely to get hard and crumbly when you bake them.
Make fresh cookies whenever you want without making a new batch of dough every time by keeping them fresh in the refrigerator.
Check out some of our cookie recipes
We've got lots of great cookie recipes to use some of that cookie dough you have stored. Also, check out our guide on how to win a cookie competition!
Helene says
I cannot seem to find an answer to this question : when you freeze your extra cookie dough and take out to defrost in the refrigerator, how long will previously frozen, defrosted cookie dough last in the refrigerator.... THANKU HELENE
Heather says
Great question Helene! I usually use mine within 24 hours. However, assuming you froze the cookie dough immediately after you made it. The previously frozen and now defrosted dough should be good for up to five days.
Greg says
Hi,
Cookie dough in fridge over night
How do I soften it up?
Heather says
Hi Greg, this will depend on your recipe. If you've already made your balls of dough, I usually put them straight into the oven and add 2-3 minutes of baking time. If you have yet to shape the cookie dough balls, I like to let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping. Good luck!