How Long is Cookie Dough Good for in the Fridge?

It’s always good to have cookie dough ready in the fridge, just in case you need it for baking. But do you have any idea on how long you can leave this deliciousness in the fridge? 

Whether you’ve whipped up your cookie dough at home or you grab it from the store, it’s important to know how to properly store your dough or how long you can keep it in the fridge.

How long is cookie dough good for in the fridge?

Cookie dough can last its deliciousness in the fridge for three to five days. As for the homemade cookie dough, expect it will have a slightly shorter shelf life compared to store-bought because no preservatives added. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last for five days.

Store-bought cookie dough on the other hand can last longer in the fridge. If you store it properly in the fridge, most cookie dough has a shelf life of 12 months.

Most cookie dough, depending on the brand, will be safe to eat up to a month or even to its best by date. 

However, you should use your cookie dough within a week after thawing it because once you thaw it, it will spoil much quicker.

Otis Spunkmeyer Value Zone Chocolate Chip Cookies Dough, 1 Ounce -- 320 per case.

How to best store cookie dough?

Freezing is the best way to store your cookie dough. However, remember, your dough will become hard rock if you store it in the refrigerator, so it’s best to scoop them out on a flat tray or roll out your dough balls. This can make things easier for you anytime you need to bake your cookies.

Does cookie dough really expire?

Cookie dough does expire and if it does, you should not eat it. The cookie dough’s shelf life depends on a few factors.

Raw cookie dough with flour and eggs should not be cooked when it has reached its expiration date. Consuming it can only put you at risk of food poisoning.

How can you tell if cookie dough is bad?

If you notice the presence of mold in the cookie then you should not eat it because it is a sign that it has gone bad. Another sign is a bad smell.

Can I use cookie dough that was left out overnight?

You cannot use cookie dough anymore if it was left out overnight because harmful bacterias might grow in the ingredients incorporated in the dough. It is okay to bake cookie dough if it was left for a couple of hours but overnight is not a good one.

Can you put cookie dough in the freezer to chill?

You can put cookie dough in the freezer for a short period. About 15 minutes is enough to chill it. Chillin can stiffen up the dough and can help you manipulate the dough to form it.

What happens if you refrigerate cookie dough too long?

Cookie dough that has sat in the refrigerator for too long may appear visually off and may have an unpleasant taste. Also, you may notice flakes in the cookie dough and molds may become visible. Moreover, the taste of your cookie may not taste good.

How long does chocolate chip cookie dough last in the fridge?

Homemade chocolate chip dough will remain fresh for up to 5 days if you store it in the fridge while store-bought chocolate chip cookie dough can last 14 days past expiry date.

How long does shortbread cookie dough last in the fridge?

Shortbread dough freezes wonderfully but it can only last in the fridge for 5 days. It is best to dispose your leftover dough right away instead of keeping it in the refrigerator. 

How long does butter cookie dough last in the fridge?

Cookies that contain butter should be wrapped or frozen and should never be left at room temperature.It will last 5 days if you freeze it.

How long does homemade sugar cookie dough last in the fridge?

Just like any other cookies, homemade sugar cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for a few days. However, they may become hard to manipulate if you store it in the fridge for too long.

How long does peanut butter cookie dough last in the fridge?

Peanut butter cookie dough should not be left sitting in the fridge for more than 3 days.

How long does oatmeal cookie dough last in the fridge?

The rule of 3-5 days remains true for storing cookies in the fridge and that includes oatmeal cookies.

Melissa is a food enthusiast and one of the founders of Kitchen Study - a food blog about the vegan lifestyle, meal delivery services and cooking guides. She writes about delicious vegan dishes from all over the world. From quick and easy weekday lunches to perfect Sunday dinner recipes, we have it all covered!