If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably often wondered, “How long does cookie dough last in freezer?” After all, cookie dough is an amazing treat, both raw and baked, but can be hard to get through in one day. If you feel the same way, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll break down exactly how long you can expect your frozen cookie dough to last, as well as give you a few pointers on how to best preserve your cookie dough over time.
Table of Contents
- How Long Does Frozen Cookie Dough Last?
- Does Cookie Dough Go Bad in the Freezer?
- What’s the Best Way to Freeze Cookie Dough?
- How Long Is Cookie Dough Good for in the Fridge?
- How to Tell if Cookie Dough Is Bad
- How Long Does Cookie Dough Last in Freezer? Longer Than You Might Think!
- FAQs
How Long Does Frozen Cookie Dough Last?
Frozen cookie dough typically lasts about 2 months in the freezer. But this estimation comes with caveats.
Assuming that your cookie dough is store bought, you may be able to get away with storing your leftover dough in the freezer for an additional month. However, know that if you do this, the quality of the raw dough may begin to wane, especially if it isn’t properly sealed.
If you’re freezing homemade cookie dough, the dough will last two months before its taste and texture is affected.
Know that though these guidelines should be followed to maximize flavor and freshness, raw cookie dough stored for longer than this in the freezer isn’t likely to make you sick. In fact, you may be able to wait about 9-12 months before having to pitch the cookie dough. Just know that the consistency, taste, and quality may be affected when hanging on to it this long.
How Long Can You Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?
If you plan to move your cookie dough from the fridge to the freezer, remember that your freshly stored cookie dough will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Beyond this point, frozen dough may develop ice crystals and may have an odd, stale, or unfresh flavor.
Does Cookie Dough Go Bad in the Freezer?
Yes, cookie dough can eventually go bad in the freezer.
Remember that though cookie dough will remain unaffected for about 2-3 months in the freezer, you technically have up to 9-12 months before you officially throw it out. And while not every instance of eating cookie dough beyond this date will be harmful to your health, it may be best to simply whip up a fresh batch rather than risk eating old cookie dough that you aren’t certain is still safe to eat.
How Long Can You Use Frozen Cookie Dough?
Frozen cookie dough can be used up to 2-3 months after it has been frozen at best quality. Beyond that, you could technically hold onto the cookie dough for up to 9-12 months. However, you should not expect the taste and consistency to stay the same.
What’s the Best Way to Freeze Cookie Dough?
When it comes to freezing cookie dough, it’s best to use an airtight container or freezer bag. This is because when storing cookie dough, it is important that you keep air out to preserve the taste and texture. If you only throw your cookie dough in the freezer wrapped in foil, on a plate, or in an unwrapped bowl, you shouldn’t expect that cookie dough to stay fresh for very long.
How to Freeze Cookie Dough
When you freeze cookie dough, especially homemade cookie dough, how you store it is important. For the best results, follow these guidelines when you freeze cookie dough:
- Start with fresh cookie dough that is completely cool.
- Use plastic wrap to wrap the cookie dough. Though you can wrap it in one whole lump, it will be easier to thaw if you portion your dough before prepping it for the freezer.
- Once your cookie dough is wrapped, place it in either a sealed freezer bag or freezer-safe container, like glass.
- Position the container in the freezer and allow it to freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Once you are ready to bake the cookies (or eat raw cookie dough, in the case of an simple edible cookie dough recipe), simply thaw the dough in the fridge. If you’re in a rush, you can thaw cookie dough on the counter, but know that cookie dough that has been left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
How Long Is Cookie Dough Good for in the Fridge?
How long cookie dough can last in the fridge will vary depending on the type of cookie dough.
Some types will last only 2 two days, while others will last up to several months. The difference between these types is whether or not they are store-bought or homemade.
Homemade cookie dough doesn’t rely on preservatives and other ingredients to keep it fresh. For this reason, you can expect stored dough in the fridge to last only 2-3 days before it is affected. Homemade edible cookie dough may last slightly longer, at 5-7 days, depending on the ingredients used.
Store-bought cookie dough, on the other hand, typically lasts in the fridge up to the date printed on the package. This is true of both opened and unopened cookie dough. Nevertheless, if you plan on keeping your store-bought cookie dough for a very long time, we recommend that you wrap it up and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake it, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for amazing taste and texture!
Cookie Dough in Fridge for a Week
If you’ve kept your cookie dough in the fridge for a week, it may or may not be feasible to eat it.
Remember that any cookie dough, including your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, only remains good for about 2 days in the fridge. Edible cookie dough varieties may last a bit longer, at 5-7 days.
Store-bought cookie dough, however, tends to last quite a while. You can expect this sort of dough to be edible after a week in the fridge and then some. This is because store-bought cookie doughs contain ingredients that help them stay fresh. This results in cookie dough that can last up until the date printed on the package and even beyond, especially when is frozen.
How to Tell if Cookie Dough Is Bad
With all of this talk surrounding whether or not cookie dough is fresh, you may be wondering about the signs that cookie dough is rancid. The best way to determine whether or not any food is fit for consumption is to look at, taste, and smell it.
Before baking your cookie dough, consider how long it has been in the refrigerator or freezer. If it is store-bought, check the date on the package. If all seems well in that department, it is time to inspect the physical appearance and smell of the dough.
Cookie dough should have a sweet and pleasant odor, if it has any smell at all! If there is a hint of rancid stink, you’ll want to throw the cookie dough out.
Cookie dough should also be checked for molding and changes in color. If your cookie dough seems to be taking on a myriad of interesting hues, it may be time to bid the cookie dough adieu.
Never take a chance on baking or consuming edible cookie dough whose color isn’t exactly what it was before or has noticeable mold growing on the surface.
Lastly, if your cookie dough tastes funny or has changed in consistency, it may be best to throw it out.
You should note that thawing raw cookie dough from the freezer can sometimes affect the consistency and the way that it bakes up. This is totally normal!
Nevertheless, if the cookie dough seems really weird tasting or looks unappetizing, chances are that the jig is up, and you’ll need to make up fresh batch of dough.
How Long Does Cookie Dough Last in Freezer? Longer Than You Might Think!
Ultimately, frozen cookie dough lasts about 2-3 months at best quality in the freezer. Beyond this point, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 9-12 months.
Know that if you are using store-bought dough that the frozen dough will remain edible for up until the date posted on the package. This is true even of store-bought dough that is kept in the refrigerator. Frozen cookie dough can be baked from frozen by simply adding a minute or two extra to the bake time.
I hope this has helped clear up any confusion surrounding how long you can freeze cookie dough. Happy munching!
FAQs
Can you eat 2 year old frozen cookie dough?
No, we wouldn’t recommend eating cookie dough that is this old.
What makes cookie dough go bad?
Like with any other food, cookie dough can grow mold and bacteria when left over time. Remember that cookie dough often contains eggs, milk, butter, and other ingredients that can cause the dough to go rancid quickly, especially when left unrefrigerated.
What happens if you eat bad cookie dough?
Eating bad cookie dough may or may not hurt you. The worst case scenario is that you could develop a bout of food poisoning that could render some pretty nasty outcomes.
Can you freeze homemade cookie dough?
Yes, you can! In fact, it’s recommended.
How long does Nestle cookie dough last in the fridge?
Nestle cookie dough will last in the fridge until the date printed on the label.
How long do unbaked cookies last in freezer?
Frozen cookie dough remains at best quality for 2-3 months.
How long to freeze cookie dough before baking?
If you’re looking to firm up your dough before baking, pop it in the freezer for anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. Larger batches of dough may take longer to solidify.
