Cookies make a delicious treat, easily stored atop your counter. Keeping cookies fresh depends on the container, and an airtight seal proves the best method for longer-term storage. But how do you ensure that your cookie jar is airtight? We've researched foolproof storage methods for cookies and reviewed cookie jars to find all of the best tips and products to keep your cookies fresher, longer.
You can use a cookie jar with an airtight lid that has a silicone or rubber seal for an optimal storage container. If your cookie jar's lid lacks a seal, easily add your own by:
- adhering rubber seal weatherstripping, or
- applying Sugru moldable glue to the lid's inner rim.
To really achieve airtight freshness, place cookies into a resealable, interlocking-zip plastic baggie, then store inside the closed, well-sealed cookie jar.
Storing cookies is not an exact science, and results can vary depending on the type of cookie and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Stay with us as we discuss airtight, top-quality cookie jars of various materials, demonstrate how to add weatherstripping seal, and how long you can expect stored cookies to last.
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Best Methods for Cookie Storage
Now that you know cookies should be stored in an airtight container for optimal freshness, how do you go about packaging the cookies? You don't want soft cookies becoming brittle or crisp cookies becoming soggy. We've got a few helpful tips:
- Ensure cookies have completely cooled before packaging them for storage.
- Store cookies at room temperature, preferably in an area with low humidity that does not experience temperature fluctuations throughout the day or night.
- Separate different cookie flavors for individual storage --this ensures flavors won't intermingle.
Let's put these pre-packaging tips to good use and ensure your cookie jar's lid provides an airtight seal. If the jar is not already equipped with a silicone or rubber edging 'round the lid's inner rim, you can add one!
Self Adhesive Rubber Seal
You might also know this product as weatherstrip --it is available as rubber or foam. To line a cookie jar lid, use rubber. First, remove the lid and make sure it is clean and dry. While slowly removing the backing tape to expose the adhesive, gently press the rubber seal alongside the innermost edge of the lid's rim. It's that simple!
Click here to see rubber weatherstrip on Amazon.
Sugru Moldable Glue
This multi-purpose glue will bond to nearly any surface, including metal, glass, ceramic, and wood cookie jar lids. It is flexible, so you can mold and shape it for 30-minutes to get a flawless fit before it sets into waterproof silicone rubber. Roll the glue into a string-like shape, then press gently into the inner rim of a clean, dry lid. While the glue is still moldable, screw or press the lid onto the cookie jar so the glue's shape will conform to the closed jar. Carefully remove the lid; allow 12 to 24 hours for the glue to set.
Click here to see Sugru glue on Amazon.
Should a Cookie Jar Be Airtight?
Moisture is a cookie's biggest enemy. An excess of moisture makes cookies soggy, and a lack of moisture dries cookies, making them brittle. So using an airtight container is the key to locking in freshness because it ensures that cookies are stored in a stable environment at room temperature, no matter the humidity level. Non-porous containers, glass or metal, ensure the best moisture management. Conversely, ceramic and plastic containers are somewhat porous and can allow minimal amounts of moisture to penetrate over time.
Airtight Cookie Jars
Klikel glass canisters have tightly sealing lids, ideal for cookies and other dry snacks. Screw on the metal for stylish, 68-ounces of cookie storage.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The Outshine vintage cookie jar boasts an airtight lid and farmhouse-chic design. Store up to 20 large cookies in this 10" by 8" metal container.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Go retro for this stylish Mud Pie ceramic cookie jar, but don't skimp on freshness. A rubber seal on the lid keeps cookies airtight inside this spacious 12" by 7" container.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
The OXO pop canister is an excellent example of a high-quality plastic food storage container. Equipped with a push-button, airtight sealing lid, this BPA-free container provides three-quarts of cookie storage.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Resealable Food Storage Bags
For added security against air penetration, we've recommended that you can place cookies into a resealable plastic baggie inside the cookie jar. You can do this by lining the jar with a large baggie or simply packaging the cookies into smaller baggies and dropping them inside. This could make it slightly more difficult to grab a treat having to open and reseal the bag, but that might also help the cookies last longer by slowing down hungry fingers!
Check out "Are Ziploc Bags Airtight? [And how to make them so]" for tips on achieving an ultimate seal.
Check out these food-grade resealable bags on Amazon.
Resealable plastic baggies meant for the freezer are a good option for longer-term storage of pre-baked cookies. We'll discuss some freezer wrapping techniques next, but to use a plastic freezer bag, simply fill with cookies leaving enough space to easily close the locking seal and expunge any remaining air as you seal the bag. Pop it into the freezer for up to six months of freshness.
Click here to see Ziplock Grip'n'Seal freezer bags on Amazon.
How Long Will Cookies Stay Fresh in an Airtight Container?
Homemade or store-bought cookies will stay fresh, stored properly at room temperature for anywhere between two to five days or as long as two weeks, depending on the cookie type. If your wondering which cookies keep the longest, check out "Do Cookie Jars Keep Cookies Fresh? [Inc. special tips]."
An alternative storage method is to freeze cookies as another airtight option. For best results, wrap cookies snugly in plastic or saran wrap and then place them into an airtight container. Frozen, pre-baked cookies will last for up to six months. Just remember to take them out with plenty of time to thaw before crunching into a frozen solid morsel.
How Do You Keep Cookies Crisp in a Cookie Jar?
Selecting the right material for your cookie jar is the first step toward taking a crisp bite out of every stored cookie. Glass jars tend to be preferred, as glass is a non-porous substance that will mitigate moisture best. For the best results, use a glass jar with an airtight lid. The Anchor Hocking Montana glass jar has excellent reviews for preserving crisp cookies thanks to a tightly sealing lid (available in black or brushed metal).
Click here to see 1.5-liter Anchor Hocking Montana jar on Amazon.
You can also select from metal, ceramic, and plastic cookie jars. An airtight lid is the best bet to ensure freshness for any of these materials. Store your cookies among other baking supplies, like flour and sugar, with this brushed stainless steel set of canisters equipped with fresh seal lids.
Click here to see Old Dutch canisters, various sizes, on Amazon.
Once you've got the ideal container for freshness and style atop your countertop, you can layer the cookies inside the jar for added crispness. Place a piece of parchment paper between each one-cookie-thick layer; the paper will prevent cookies from absorbing moisture from one another or mingling flavors, especially if storing various types in one jar.
Although we've discussed a few preferred airtight storage methods, crisp cookies can handle a little bit of air exposure. Remember, we mentioned earlier that dry air makes cookies brittle. So if you prefer a snappy bite, air can prove tasty results. However, cookies should still be covered to protect them from dust and other free-floating debris. Do not store cookies in the refrigerator, even if intended crispy, because the dry air's coolness will cause the cookies to crumble outright.
Final Thoughts
Cookies are a tasty treat that you can easily keep fresh atop your counter. Start by using a container with an airtight seal and store cookies in a resealable plastic food storage bag inside your container for added benefit. For extended, airtight storage, you can freeze pre-baked cookies wrapped in saran wrap or sealed in a plastic baggie.
![Chocolate cookies in a glass jars, Do Cookie Jars Keep Cookies Fresh? [Inc. special tips]](https://kitchenseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Chocolate-cookies-in-a-glass-jar-250x250.jpg)
