Whether you’re baking for your annual holiday cookie exchange or just need to satisfy a late-night cookie craving, there’s nothing like a fresh batch of cookies. To satisfy our sweet tooth, many of us rely on store-bought or homemade cookie dough. But no matter how the cookies are made, one common question is: How long can cookie dough last in the fridge?
As someone who preps her holiday cookie collection weeks in advance, I label my refrigerated dough so I know when to start baking. In some instances, recipes include their storage recommendations and store-bought labels often have guidance. But, what’s the straight scoop when it comes to storing cookie dough?
To make sure your sweets are safe, we talked to food safety experts to get advice straight from the pros. After reading this article, you’ll know for sure how long dough remains safe to eat and how to spot signs that it’s time to toss it. So when it's cookie time (no matter if it’s sugar or chocolate chip), here’s what you need to know about how long cookie dough lasts in the fridge.
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How Long Does Cookie Dough Last in the Fridge?
For homemade cookie dough, the good news is that it typically lasts 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. This timeframe is because the raw ingredients, like butter and eggs, are more perishable. Store-bought cookie dough contains preservatives, so it can usually remain fresh for 1 to 2 weeks beyond its expiration date. To play it safe, check the package instructions. Regardless of the type, cookie dough should be stored at 40° or less to avoid the dreaded temperature danger zone (aka when bacteria start to grow).
Dr. Donald W. Schaffner, Chair of Food Science and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University, echoes the package recommendation, but he also notes that storage may differ by recipe. When asked whether homemade cookie dough lasts longer or shorter than store-bought dough in the fridge, Dr. Schaffner says, “that probably depends on the recipe, and how the homemade cookie dough was made. The best advice on how long store-bought dough will last in your refrigerator is probably the manufacturer of that product. If they have a recommended best quality date, that is the one to use.”
He goes on to explain that “we don't have any hard science on how long homemade cookie dough can last, but the general recommendation for any refrigerated leftovers would be 3 to 4 days. Certainly that would be a conservative recommendation. You'll never get into trouble following that recommendation.”
What about vegan recipes? “There is no hard data on this topic, and vegan recipes might last longer but without more specifics about the recipe, it's hard to say,” says Dr. Schaffner.
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As we addressed, the sensitivity of fresh ingredients and the inclusion of preservatives (or lack thereof) impact the length of cookie dough storage. But, as Dr. Schaffner points out, “the most important [factor] is probably the temperature of your home refrigerator. Your refrigerator should be at 41° or less. If your fridge does not have a thermometer or a way for you to know the temperature, investing in an inexpensive refrigerator thermometer is a good idea.”
Something else to consider is how much fat is included in the dough. “Fat is prone to oxidation, so cookie dough with higher fat content might start to taste rancid sooner,” says Dr. Schaffner.
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How to Know if Cookie Dough Has Gone Bad
Unlike other types of food that are more prone to showing spoilage, cookie dough likes to hide its fall from grace. As Dr. Schaffner explains, “unfortunately, since you can't see bacteria, there is no way to tell visually.”
Still, determining if cookie dough is still good comes down to appearance, smell and taste. If the dough is discolored (green or gray) or smells abnormal (it shouldn’t smell sour), toss it. Other outward signs include hardened edges or excessively dry dough, which means the moisture has dissipated. Tasting a small portion is another option, but eating raw cookie dough should be a last resort. Trust your senses.
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Freezing cookie dough is a great way to prolong its life, and you’ll always have some handy for last-minute get-togethers or snack attacks. You’ll want to freeze your cookie dough by the package use-by date if you know you’re not going to bake them soon.
The USDA recommends freezing commercially prepared and homemade cookie dough for up to two months. The agency also suggests freezing dough in small quantities. For best results, shape the dough into balls or logs for easy portion sizes. You can bake cookies directly from the freezer, so if they're already shaped all you have to do it put them on a baking sheet and stick them in the oven. An alternative method is to bake your cookies and store them in freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat some, thaw them at room temperature.
Related: This Super Simple, No-Roll Sugar Cookie Is Perfect for Holiday Baking
General Raw Cookie Dough Tips
Unless you’re making your own edible cookie dough, it’s better to wait until the oven timer goes off to eat cookies. Trust me, we all nibbled on raw cookie dough as kids, but that doesn’t make it safe. Here are a few handy cookie dough tips to keep you safe:
Follow basic kitchen hygiene. The folks at foodsafety.gov have detailed steps on the proper way to store uncooked cookie dough, and it starts by washing your hands.Stay out of the ‘danger zone’. Any uncooked cookie dough should be refrigerated if it has been out for more than two hours. Food poisoning from raw flour is real. The Centers for Disease Control and the Food & Drug Administration have seen cases of folks getting food poisoning from Salmonella or Escherichia coli (E. coli) found in raw flour.Sources:
Caitlin Mellendorf, MS, RD, Nutrition & Wellness Educator, University of Illinois ExtensionDonald W. Schaffner, PhD, Department Chair, Distinguished Professor, Extension Specialist in Food Science, Rutgers University USDA.gov, What is the Shelf Life of Cookie Dough?FDA.gov, Flour Is a Raw Food and Other Safety FactsUp Next:
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