December 7, 2023, 3:17 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Whether it’s butter cookies, vanilla crescents, gingerbread, or coconut macaroons, baking during Advent is a must for many. Otherwise, it would be like Christmas without presents. To keep the cookies delicious for a long time, there are a few things to consider when storing them.
Perhaps you’ve already baked your first cookies of the Christmas season? Even though these delicious treats often disappear quickly, it’s nice to have a small stash. To ensure your baked goods last, we’ve got some tips on how to best store cookies.
How to Best Store Cookies?
First, the cookies should cool properly, and all decorations, such as chocolate or icing, should dry. Then, it’s best to store the cookies in tin or plastic boxes. Keep them dry and not too cool, around room temperature. However, with plastic, the cookies might take on a plastic-like smell or taste. Also, shortcrust cookies can become soft in plastic containers.
Each type of cookie should have its own container. If that’s not possible, separate the cookies with parchment paper to preserve their individual aromas. Do not store chocolate-covered cookies in the fridge, as the chocolate can turn gray–and we eat with our eyes, after all!
Also interesting: 8 Hacks to Make Baking Easier
The Apple Trick
Soft baked goods like gingerbread, cinnamon stars, or macaroons should be stored with a piece of apple. Simply cut an apple and place a piece in the tin–this keeps the baked goods nice and soft. But be careful: Replace the apple every two to three days, as moisture can lead to mold. Otherwise, gingerbread and the like will end up in the trash.
The Easiest Recipe for Grandma-Style Cookies
With our recipe, the chocolate bread turns out especially moist.
How Long Do Cookies Last?
Dry cookies made from shortcrust pastry, such as spritz cookies or butter cookies, stay fresh for up to four weeks when well-packaged in tins and kept at room temperature. Gingerbread or cinnamon stars last even longer. Coconut macaroons can remain moist for up to three weeks if stored correctly. Cookies filled with cream, however, should be kept in the fridge and will only last about a week.
Freezing Cookies
If it happens that not all cookies are eaten during the Christmas season, they can be frozen. This is especially suitable for dry baked goods–anything without jam or other fillings. Let the cookies cool and pack them in freezer bags or containers. Baked goods made from meringue, like macaroons, or cookies decorated with icing and chocolate are not suitable for freezing.