Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that can be enjoyed year-round. However, like most baked goods, they tend to go stale quickly. Stale gingerbread loses its signature chewy texture and spicy flavor. Fortunately, there are several tricks you can use to keep gingerbread soft and delicious for longer. Here are some tips on how to keep gingerbread cookies fresh for up to two weeks.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key for keeping gingerbread cookies fresh. Here are some storage tips:
Store in an airtight container
The enemy of fresh baked goods is exposure to air, which causes them to dry out. Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container like a cookie tin or plastic storage container. Make sure the lid seals tightly to lock in moisture. Glass cookie jars also work well.
Use wax paper
Line the storage container with wax paper before adding the gingerbread cookies. The wax paper creates a moisture barrier and prevents the cookies from sticking together.
Don’t crowd the container
Avoid stacking gingerbread cookies or overcrowding them in the container. This causes them to crush each other and lose their texture quicker. Store them in a single layer with wax paper between each layer.
Keep at Room Temperature
Cold temperatures make baked goods stale faster. Keep gingerbread cookies at room temperature in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. The ambient room temperature helps keep them chewy. Avoid refrigerating or freezing them unless you plan to eat them within 2-3 days.
Use an Airtight Bag
If you don’t have suitable airtight containers, a resealable plastic bag can work. Press out excess air and seal the bag tightly. However, this method won’t protect them from crushing like a sturdy container. Only use bags for short term storage of up to 3-4 days.
Refresh Stale Cookies
If your gingerbread cookies do end up drying out, you can refresh them. Place the stale cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This softens them back up. You can also let them sit overnight on the counter loosely covered with a kitchen towel. The ambient humidity will slightly re-moisten them.
Freeze for Long Term Storage
For long term storage of more than 2 weeks, freeze gingerbread cookies. Let them cool completely after baking, then seal in an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Add Pieces of Bread
Here’s a neat trick: place a piece of bread in the cookie container. Bread absorbs excess moisture to keep cookies crisp but also releases moisture to prevent drying. Use a thick slice of bread and replace it every 2-3 days.
Decorate with Royal Icing
Royal icing helps lock in moisture better than regular frosting. If decorating gingerbread cookies, pipe on royal icing designs instead of sugary buttercream frosting. Royal icing hardens like a seal.
Brush with Simple Syrup
For up to 5 extra days of freshness, lightly brush cooled gingerbread cookies with simple syrup. Make simple syrup by boiling equal parts sugar and water. Brush on cookies, let dry, then store. The syrup coating helps retain moisture.
Add a Slice of Apple
Here’s a moistness-locking trick used by bakers: add a slice of apple to the cookie container. The natural ethylene gas apples produce will keep cookies softer. Swap the apple slice every other day.
Use an Airtight Container with a Humidity Pack
Place a humidity controlling pack in your airtight cookie container. Look for humidity control packs made for storing baked goods. The pack regulates moisture levels inside the container.
Spritz Cookies with Water
Every few days, lightly mist stale gingerbread cookies with water. Then immediately seal them back up in the airtight container. The spritz of water moistens them just enough.
Keep Cookie Dough in the Fridge
Store leftover gingerbread cookie dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bake fresh cookies as needed. The refrigerated dough bakes up just as good as the original batch.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, gingerbread cookies can stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Seal them in an airtight container away from light and heat. You can also freeze baked cookies for months or keep dough refrigerated. Little tricks like humidity packs, bread slices, and apple slices also help extend freshness. Follow these gingerbread cookie storage tips, and your holiday treats will last well beyond the holidays.