How long do cookies last?

Packaged crispy cookies keep 4 to 6 months in the pantry from purchase, and soft cookies 2 to 3 months. Homemade cookies, without preservatives, are best within a few days to a week. Both freeze well for 8 to 12 months.

Food	Freezer	Pantry
Crispy cookies	8–12 monthsfrom purchase	4–6 monthsfrom purchase
Soft cookies	8–12 monthsfrom purchase	2–3 monthsfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if cookies have gone bad

A rancid, stale or off smell from the butter or oil.
Mold, more likely on soft cookies or those with fruit or cream fillings.
Soft crispy cookies or hard soft cookies are stale, not spoiled.

How to store cookies

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, with crispy and soft cookies in separate containers.
A slice of bread in a container of soft cookies keeps them soft.
Refrigerate cookies with cream, cheese or fresh-fruit fillings.

Can you freeze cookies?

Yes, for 8 to 12 months. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then pack them in an airtight container or bag. Cookie dough also freezes well: scoop it into balls and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two.

Questions

How long do homemade cookies last?

Without preservatives, they're best within a few days to a week in an airtight container; freeze them for longer.

How do you soften hard cookies?

Put them in a container with a slice of bread overnight, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Can you eat cookies after the date?

Usually yes, if they don't smell rancid or show mold. They may be stale.

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