Sugar cookies decorated with icing are a classic holiday treat. However, if not stored properly, the icing can become dried out or the cookies can become stale. Follow these tips to keep your iced sugar cookies fresh for as long as possible.
Storing Un-iced Sugar Cookies
Before decorating your sugar cookies with icing, it’s important to store the un-iced cookies properly so they stay fresh. Here are some tips for storing plain sugar cookies:
- Let the un-iced cookies cool completely before storing. The cookies need to be completely cool or else condensation can form inside the storage container, leading to soggy cookies.
- Store sugar cookies in an airtight container. An airtight plastic container or metal tin is best for preventing moisture loss and keeping cookies fresh. Avoid storing in paper bags or cardboard boxes.
- Layer cookies between pieces of parchment paper. The parchment prevents cookies from sticking together.
- Cookies will stay freshest stored at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Follow these steps and your plain sugar cookies will stay fresh until you are ready to decorate them.
Icing and Decorating Cookies
Icing and decorating the cookies is often the most fun part! Here are some tips for decorating with icing:
- Use a thick icing that will set and not run off the cookies. A buttercream, royal icing, or glaze works best.
- Beat icing until light and fluffy for easiest decorating. It should be a spreadable consistency.
- Keep icing bowls covered when not in use to prevent crusting or drying out.
- Use clean spoons and spatulas so you don’t transfer germs to the icing.
- Refrigerate iced cookies until the icing sets, about 15-20 minutes. This helps it set up.
- Decorate cookies with sprinkles, candies, nuts or any other desired toppings once icing has set.
Proper icing consistency and letting it set before decorating are keys for making beautifully iced sugar cookies.
Storing Iced Sugar Cookies
Once your sugar cookies are decorated, they need to be stored carefully to protect the icing and keep them tasting fresh. Here are some icing storage tips:
- Let the iced cookies sit out at room temperature until the icing has completely set and hardened, about 1-2 hours.
- Store iced cookies in a single layer so they don’t touch. This prevents icing smudges or cookies sticking together.
- Place cookies in an airtight container, plastic clamshell, or cake box. Seal tightly.
- If storing more than 3 days, place a piece of bread or an apple slice in the container to add moisture and keep cookies soft.
- For longer storage, freeze decorated cookies up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
With proper air-tight storage, iced sugar cookies can stay fresh for 1 week at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Freezing gives you even more time to eat them!
Troubleshooting Iced Cookie Storage Issues
Sometimes, despite your best storage efforts, stored iced cookies may still become dried out, soggy, or develop other problems. Here are some common cookie storage issues and how to troubleshoot them:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Hard, stiff icing | Cookies not sealed properly in storage container. Icing dried out. | Store cookies in air-tight container. Add apple slice to add moisture. |
| Runny, melting icing | Cookies stored in environment that is too warm and humid. | Move cookies to an area with lower humidity. Refrigerate cookies. |
| Soggy cookies | Condensation built up in storage container. | Allow cookies to cool completely before storing. Keep storage container in area with less humidity. |
| Discolored icing | Direct contact between icing colors, or icing absorbed cookie spices. | Separate different icing colors with parchment paper. Ice cookies completely so spices don’t bleed. |
Being aware of potential problems allows you to take steps to avoid them. With proper icing and correct storage methods, your decorated sugar cookies will look great and taste delicious.
How Long Do Decorated Sugar Cookies Last?
How long decorated sugar cookies last depends on storage conditions and the type of icing used. Here are general guidelines for how long iced cookies will stay fresh:
- Counter, room temperature: 1-3 days is best. The icing may get dried out after that.
- Refrigerator: 5-7 days. Refrigeration preserves freshness.
- Freezer: 2-3 months frozen. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Buttercream or cream cheese icing: Store 1 week maximum since dairy icings spoil faster.
- Royal icing: Hardens well so iced cookies can store 2-3 weeks.
- Glaze or fondant: Delicate so best consumed within 3-5 days.
No matter what icing you use, siempreairtightlympackaged cookies in the refrigerator or freezer for the longest lasting results.
Signs Your Iced Cookies Have Gone Bad
How can you tell if your decorated cookies have spoiled and are past their prime? Watch for these signs that indicate it’s time to toss the cookies:
- Hard, stiff, or cracking icing
- Weeping or melting icing
- Mold growth on icing or cookies
- Cookies that smell bad or taste stale
- Soggy cookie texture
- Discolored or dull icing
Trust your senses – if the cookies smell bad, taste stale, or look moldy, don’t eat them. When in doubt, throw them out.
Icing Recipes for Decorated Cookies
The type of icing you choose will impact both the decoration process and how long your cookies last. Here are some great icing recipes for decorated sugar cookies:
Buttercream Icing
A classic icing perfect for decorating. Add colors and flavors as desired.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1⁄4 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla or other flavor
Beat butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until combined and smooth. Add more milk for thinner icing or powdered sugar to thicken.
Royal Icing
Hardens well for decoration and storage. Can be colored or flavored.
- 3 egg whites or equivalent powdered egg whites
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Beat in vanilla. Adjust consistency with water or more powdered sugar as needed.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Delicious icing that pairs great with spice or fruit flavored cookies.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla
Beat cream cheese and butter together. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add milk for thinner icing or powdered sugar to thicken. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
Experiment with different icings to find your favorite decorating option. Proper storage will help maximize how long they last.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Iced Cookies
Have leftover decorated cookies that are past their prime? Don’t waste them! Give them new life with these creative ideas:
- Cookie crumb crust: Use in a crumb crust for pies or cheesecakes.
- Ice cream or pudding topping: Crush up cookies and sprinkle over ice cream, pudding, or other desserts.
- Mix into milkshake: Add cookie pieces into milkshakes or smoothies.
- Decorative crumbs: Crush and use crumbs to decorate cakes, cupcakes or other treats.
- Cookie butter: Process in a food processor to make cookie butter to spread.
- Bake into bars or balls: Incorporate into cookie bars, energy balls or other treats.
With a little creativity, you can give leftover cookies new life instead of throwing them out.
Conclusion
Storing sugar cookies with icing requires paying special attention to the moisture, sealing, and storage conditions to keep the cookies fresh and the icing from drying out or melting. Allow all components to fully cool and harden before packaging in airtight containers, using moisture absorbers as needed. Refrigerate or freeze for extended storage. Know the signs of spoiled cookies and when it’s time to toss them. With the proper recipes, decoration methods, and storage, your iced sugar cookies will stay beautifully decorated and delicious for as long as possible.