Do Cookie Jars Keep Cookies Fresh? [Inc. special tips]

Baking cookies is a fun activity, and you might want to keep the cookies fresh as long as you can. If you have a love fun cookie jars, you may wonder if they are effective at for keeping your cookies fresh? We researched this, as well as a variety of ways to help you make the most of your cookie baking!

Cookie jars can keep your cookies fresh, as long as you have one with an airtight seal. Most common ceramic cookie jars are not usually airtight; therefore, they will not keep your cookies fresh.

There are a lot of variables when it comes to keeping cookies fresh, from the container type to the kind of cookie. Keep reading to get all the details on what works best for your baked goods!

Do Cookie Jars Keep Cookies Fresh?

To keep most cookie types fresh for any meaningful amount of time, it is essential to keep then in an airtight container. The most common types of cookie jars are ceramic, usually in a cute decorative style. They are designed more for fashion than function. But you can still use them to hold your cookies; you need to put them in an airtight zipper bag first.

When purchasing a cookie jar, look for one that has an airtight seal, like this cute vintage style jar.

Click here to see this on Amazon.

How Long Can Cookies Stay in a Cookie Jar?

Cookies in an unsealed cookie jar won’t last long, usually for three days. The fat in cookies tends to turn rancid, and the flour becomes stale for cookies in an unsealed cookie jar. Because bacteria, humidity, dirt, and dust can reach the cookies, causing the cookies to grow moldy and unpalatable. Storing cookies in an unsealed cookie jar, no matter how treasured or decorative, is of limited usefulness.

The cookie type also determines the length of time that a cookie can be stored.

Sliced Cookies

Sliced cookies are also called icebox cookies. Like drop cookies, icebox cookies will keep in the freezer for about six months. You can freeze the baked cookies for about six months and will keep at room temperature for three days.

Drop Cookies

Drop cookies are sturdy, and you can store these on top of each other. At room temperature, these cookies will last about three days.

Bar Cookies

You can store baked bar cookies at room temperature in the pan with a lid or plastic wrap for three days.

Cutout Cookies

Cutout cookies don’t last long on the shelf, only about two days.

Cookie Press Cookies

Spritz cookies and other cookie press cookies, such as shortbread cookies will last for two weeks if you store them in an airtight container.

Twice-baked cookies

Store biscotti or similar cookies for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Do Cookie Tins Keep Cookies Fresh?

If you can’t keep cookies fresh in a cookie jar, do cookie tins keep cookies fresh? Again, this depends on whether the cookie tin seals appropriately and how you prepare the cookies.

First, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet until they cool. Second, place the cookies on a wire rack. Let the cookies “breathe” in this way to release excess moisture. Excess moisture can cause cookies to mold and crumble. Cookies without moisture and stored in airtight tins can last up to a few weeks. Be sure to store cookies in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh.

Check out these airtight cookie tins on Amazon.

How Do You Keep Cookies Fresh in a Container?

The key to keeping any cookie type fresh is preventing humidity, dust, dirt, and mold from reaching the cookies. Use an airtight container when storing cookies at room temperature. However, loosely storing cookies can lead to crumbled cookies. Use sheets of wax paper between cookie layers to prevent crumbling.

Freezer Cookies

Cookie dough that you put in the refrigerator should be in an airtight container. Wrap dough logs or disks in wax paper and then in plastic wrap. Cookie dough can last in the fridge for up to a week. Cookie dough can last in the freezer for several months, depending on the cookie type. Wrap the cookie dough in wax paper, then in meatpacking paper or aluminum foil. Tape the wrapped dough logs or disks shut and label these with the date you wrapped the dough.

Mailed Cookies

There may be times when you want to send cookies to a friend or loved one. Using the right containers is a precaution that is especially necessary if you are mailing cookies. First, let the cookies rest overnight, so moisture is released. Make sure the can is free of moisture and is airtight, and place sheets of wax paper between cookie layers. Make sure you separate cookie types, so flavors don’t mix. Strongly flavored cookies such as anise should be mailed separately from less flavored cookies. Fill the can to the top with alternating layers of cookies and wax paper. Be sure to make the last tier one of wax paper to keep the topmost cookies from being crushed. Don’t pack the cookies too tightly to avoid breaking the cookies.

Should You Refrigerate Cookies?

It’s better to refrigerate the cookie dough than the cookies. How long you can refrigerate the cookies depends on the cookie type. The cookie dough types you can freeze are

Drop Cookies

Drop cookie dough will last in the freezer for about six months.

Cutout Cookies

You can freeze cutout cookies in the freezer for six months. You can also freeze the non-decorated cookies for six months. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze the cookies.  Stack the cookies in an airtight and hard container until you’re ready to use them.

Bar Cookies

Bake bar cookie dough immediately because the cookie dough does not last well in the freezer. You can store baked bar cookies in plastic wrap or foil in the freezer for six months.

Cookie Press Cookies

Spritz cookies and other cookie press cookies, such as shortbread cookies shouldn’t be frozen.

Twice-baked Cookies

Biscotti or similar cookie dough shouldn’t be frozen, and twice-baked cookies tend to be tough if frozen.

How to Tell If Cookies Are Spoiled

Don’t taste the cookies. Sniff. Discard the cookies if the cookies have an off smell or appearance or look moldy. Don’t keep cookies past the time when the cookies would go bad for the specific cookie type. For example, discard drop cookies after three days.

For more great food storage tips, check out these other posts on Kitchenseer.com!

Do Airtight Containers Keep Bugs Out?

What is the Best Container to Store Flour In? (7 Suggestions)