A cookie cake is a fun, delicious dessert perfect for celebrating birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. But like all baked goods, cookie cakes have a relatively short shelf life and need to be stored properly to prevent spoilage. So how long can a cookie cake last unrefrigerated before it goes bad?
What is a cookie cake?
A cookie cake is a large, flat cookie baked in the shape of a cake or pizza. It can be frosted with buttercream or cream cheese frosting and decorated with sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc. Cookie cakes are made using cookie dough or a cake-like sugar cookie batter. The most popular flavors are chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and peanut butter.
Cookie cakes are customizable and portioned for sharing. They are a popular choice for birthday cakes, graduation parties, baby showers, and office celebrations. Many bakeries sell pre-made cookie cakes that just need to be picked up, while others allow you to customize with your own message or theme.
How are cookie cakes stored?
Cookie cakes need to be stored properly to maintain freshness and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Here are some tips for storing cookie cakes:
- Leave in original packaging/box until ready to serve. This prevents the cake from drying out.
- Once cut, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate after cutting and eat within 3-5 days.
- Freeze for long term storage of up to 2-3 months.
- Double wrap cakes in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How long do cookie cakes last at room temperature?
An unrefrigerated cookie cake will last:
- 1-2 days at room temperature (68°F – 72°F)
- 3-4 days if stored somewhere cooler (55°F – 67°F)
The shelf life depends on the filling and frosting used. For example, a cake with whipped cream cheese frosting will spoil faster than one with a more stable buttercream frosting.
Here are some signs that a cookie cake has gone bad when left out:
- Mold development
- Dries out, cracks, or becomes hard
- Frosting weep or liquefies
- Smells sour or spoiled
How to tell if a cookie cake is still good?
Check for these signs of freshness in your cookie cake:
- Still feels soft and moist
- Bright, undamaged frosting
- No mold growth on surface
- Pleasant cookie aroma
Give the cake a small taste test if unsure. An unpleasant sour, bitter, or odd flavor is a sign it has spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out!
Does refrigeration extend the shelf life?
Yes, refrigerating a cookie cake after cutting will help extend its shelf life. Properly stored, a refrigerated cookie cake will last:
- 3-5 days in the fridge
- 2-3 months in the freezer
Make sure to wrap cakes well in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. This prevents them from picking up odors from other foods and from drying out.
A frozen cookie cake should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Let it come to room temperature about 30 minutes before decorating or serving.
Tips for maximizing cookie cake freshness
Here are some useful tips for keeping your cookie cake tasting great:
- Ask for thick icing – More frosting helps seal in moisture and prevents staling
- Request an icing dome if transporting – Helps prevent damage
- Use clean knife each time – Don’t re-use knife to cut cake as it spreads germs
- Seal well in airtight container – Use plastic wrap or lidded cake carrier
- Don’t display or serve off cardboard base – Cake will dry out
- Store on metal cake stand or platter with lid
Can you freeze a cookie cake?
Freezing is a great way to extend the life of a cookie cake for up to 2-3 months. To freeze properly:
- Double wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Let sit at room temperature about 30 minutes before decorating and serving.
A frozen cookie cake may suffer some textural changes after thawing, such as a slightly drier crumb. But it will still taste delicious!
Can a cookie cake be refrigerated and frozen again?
It’s best not to refreeze a cookie cake once it has been thawed. The changes in temperature allow moisture loss and affect the cake’s quality and texture. Refreezing also increases the risk of foodborne illnesses.
However, a cookie cake that has been refrigerated can safely be frozen again if it hasn’t been kept too long. Follow these guidelines:
- Only re-freeze if refrigerated 3 days or less
- Ensure cake still looks and smells fresh
- Double wrap again before returning to freezer
- Don’t refreeze more than once
When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take risks with food safety.
Conclusion
Cookie cakes don’t last too long at room temperature. For best quality and food safety, they need to be refrigerated or frozen. An unrefrigerated cookie cake will only last about 1-2 days before spoiling. Properly stored in the fridge or freezer, cookie cakes can last for several days or months. Be sure to double wrap cakes before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. With proper storage and handling, you can safely enjoy cookie cake for celebrations even days after purchasing or baking.