Is there anything better than delicious cookies? Are you wondering how to reheat cookies? Whether you prefer chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, or oatmeal raisin, there are a few ways to keep leftover cookies fresh.
Honestly, in our household of six people, stale cookies aren’t a big problem, but just in case they last that long, we need to be prepared! Keep reading to find out our favorite methods for the best way to keep your treats fresh!
How do I store leftover cookies?
The best way to store leftover cookies is to be sure you don’t leave them out in the open for a long time. After you bake a batch of cookies, make sure they cool completely on a cooling rack. Place cookies in an airtight container or an airtight cookie jar.
As a general rule, fresh cookies have a shelf life of 3-4 days. Keep them at room temperature for the best results. Placing them in the refrigerator will result in hard cookies. If you want to keep them around longer, wrap them in plastic wrap and then store them in the freezer. You can also wrap them in aluminum foil in sealed freezer plastic bags.
For the best results, be sure to store different types of cookies separately. Keep crispy cookies from chewy texture ones. If you have multiple cookies, make a single layer and separate each layer with parchment paper or wax paper. Fresh cookies can remain in the freezer for up to six months!
How to reheat cookies Method #1: Microwave with a paper towel
Perhaps the best way and easiest method is to pop cookies into the microwave oven. It just takes a few simple steps. The quickest way is to lightly dampen a paper towel and thoroughly wring it out. You don’t want soggy cookies! Wrap the cookie in a damp paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat cookies ten seconds at a time until a gooey cookie emerges!
Another easy way to warm cookies in the microwave instead of using a paper towel is to just put a mug of hot water in the microwave next to the cookie. This will add a source of moisture to create the steam needed to soften hard cookies. This gives you a fresh cookie taste the second time around!
How to reheat cookies Method #2: Microwave in a paper bag
You read that correctly! If you don’t have a microwave-safe container, grab a paper lunch bag. Put your stale cookies in the bag and fold down the top. Again, keep an eye on the cookies, checking every 10-15 seconds to avoid overheating the cookies.
How to reheat cookies Method #3: Store with soft bread in an airtight container
Another easy way to soften hardened cookies is to store cookies in an airtight container with a small piece of white bread. It is one of the simple tricks that will soften hard cookies within 24 hours. Just be sure to choose a slice of white bread so you don’t give the cookies any additional flavors.
Simply place the plain white bread in the bottom of the container and layer cookies on top. Remember this tip the next time your cookies come out a little too crunchy!
How to reheat cookies Method #4: Reheat in the oven
Another simple way to get soft cookies and warm cookies is to simply reheat them in the oven! Place the cookies on a baking sheet and pop them into the regular oven or even a toaster oven. Bake on the cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 5-8 minutes.
Keep watchful eyes on them, as reheating time will vary depending on your oven. Reheating them in the oven will ensure you have that fresh bake cookies smell in the house again! It’s a great option for how to reheat cookies for your family.
How to reheat cookies Method #5: Warm up on the stovetop
You can also reheat cookies on the stovetop! Just grab a non-stick pan and warm it over medium heat. Wrap the cookies in some aluminum foil and cover the frying pan with a lid. The lid will make sure even the center of the cookie gets warmed.
Warming on the stovetop is best done in small batches over low heat if you have a few extra minutes. These warm cookies are perfect with some delicious vanilla ice cream!
Can I prevent overbaking cookies?
Some simple tricks for your cookie recipes can prevent overdone cookies. Consider these different methods when you are working with homemade cookie dough.
- Substitute brown sugar for white sugar to give a little extra moisture to the cookies.
- Don’t overbake your cookies. Cookies will continue to cook on the baking tray after they are pulled from the oven, so pull them from the oven before they look overly browned.
- Give your cookies plenty of time to cool on the baking sheet and cooling rack before you store them to extend their shelf life.
- Don’t overmix your cookie dough in the mixing process. A lot of cookies will toughen if you stir them for too long, so one of the simple ways to prevent this is to slowly fold your dough and stop before you overmix.
- Don’t be afraid of butter. Extra butter gives the cookies more decadence and moisture, so don’t be afraid to add enough butter to your cookie dough, whether it’s for shortbread, sugar cookies, or chocolate chip.
Can I warm store bought cookies?
Yes! If you don’t have plenty of time to make homemade cookies, you can always warm store-bought cookies for a homemade taste and flavor. Typically, store-bought cookies will have more preservatives resulting in crunchier cookies, but using one of these different methods for warming them will help!
I hope these tips for simple ways how to reheat cookies help you! One of the great simple joys can be found in a cookie, so let’s prolong it as long as we can! Keep reading for more great tips on cooking, travel, and life at home!
Easy Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Easy Charcuterie Board Breakfast Ideas
Easy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
