Powdered sugar cookies are a delicious treat that are fun to make and eat. Also known as dusted sugar cookies or frosted sugar cookies, they are sugar cookies that have been coated with a layer of powdered sugar, giving them a beautiful white finish. The powdered sugar adds a delightful sweetness and lovely presentation.
However, properly storing powdered sugar cookies is important for preserving texture and freshness. Powdered sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs ambient moisture very readily. In an environment with too much humidity, the powdered sugar coating will become sticky as it pulls moisture from the air. Eventually it may form into a wet glaze or paste on the surface of the cookies, ruining the delicate crispy texture.
Follow these tips for storing powdered sugar cookies to keep them tasting great for as long as possible:
Cool Completely Before Dusting with Powdered Sugar
It’s tempting to coat freshly baked cookies in powdered sugar as soon as they come out of the oven. However, this is a mistake. Warm or hot cookies will melt the powdered sugar, causing it to become wet and clumpy.
Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. The cookies should be at room temperature with no residual warmth. Cooling racks speed the cooling process. Cool cookies for at least 10-15 minutes before applying powdered sugar.
If cookies are decorated when still warm, the powdered sugar will liquify from the heat. It will then harden into globs or a crusty glaze as it cools. Wait for cookies to fully cool for a pristine dusting of powder that stays neatly in place.
Store in Airtight Container
To prevent moisture from affecting the powdered sugar layer, store the cookies in an airtight container. Any container with a tight fitting lid will help protect the cookies. Optimal choices include:
– Plastic container or tubberware with airtight lid
– Metal cookie tin
– Plastic freezer bags (squeeze out excess air before sealing)
– Food storage container with silicone seal lid
Avoid using paper bags, cardboard boxes, or open containers. Without a good seal, humidity will still penetrate and make the powdered sugar wet. The airtight container blocks moisture and keeps the cookies dry and crisp.
Use Wax Paper Layers
For even better protection, layer sheets of wax paper between each row of powdered sugar cookies when storing. The wax paper acts as a barrier to contain any moisture within each cookie, preventing it from spreading to neighboring cookies.
Simply place a sheet of wax paper in the storage container. Arrange a layer of cookies on top, making sure they are not touching each other. Cover with another sheet of wax paper before adding the next cookie layer.
Continue stacking cookies and sheets of wax paper until the container is full. The wax paper separation will keep cookies crisp on the outside.
Store at Room Temperature
For best results, store powdered sugar cookies at normal room temperature. Avoid refrigerator or freezer storage, as the cold air can dry the cookies out. Storing in a humid environment like a steamy kitchen or bathroom will make them soft.
The optimal storage temperature is between 68-72°F. This room temperature range will keep the cookies properly dry and texturally pleasing. Place them in a section of the pantry, cupboard, or counter that maintains typical indoor ambient room temperature.
Temperatures too far outside of the 68-72° range can accelerate staling or moisture absorption. For long term storage longer than a week, consider freezing the cookies. See the next section for freezing guidelines.
Freeze for Extended Storage
If wanting to keep powdered sugar cookies for longer than a week, the freezer can extend their shelf life. Use the following tips for successfully freezing cookies:
– Cool cookies completely before freezing. Freeze immediately after dusting with powdered sugar.
– Seal cookies in airtight freezer bags or containers. Exclude as much air as possible. Wax paper between layers is still a good idea when freezing.
– Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Cookies may last up to 6 months frozen but may suffer some loss of texture.
– Thaw cookies completely at room temperature before serving. Do not microwave or heat cookies after freezing.
– After thawing, cookies may benefit from a quick redusting with powdered sugar if needed.
Proper freezing prevents powdered sugar cookies from becoming hard, dry, or crumbly after thawing.
Watch for Humidity Signs
Inspect cookies periodically while stored to check for signs of humidity affecting the powdered sugar:
– Clumping or wet spots on the powdered sugar coating
– Cookies sticking together
– Hard or crystallized powdered sugar
– Cookies feeling soft or rubbery
If humidity has compromised the powdered sugar, the affected cookies should be eaten immediately before quality deteriorates further. For remaining cookies that still look fine, take measures to improve storage conditions. Switch to an airtight container if needed or move to a lower humidity area.
Consume Within 5-7 Days
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, powdered sugar cookies will taste best if eaten within 5-7 days. The cookies may still be safe to eat after this time, but texture and flavor will decline over longer storage.
For peak quality, plan to enjoy the cookies within one week of baking. Mini versions may stay fresher a day or two longer than large cookies. Discard any cookies that become moldy, smell odd, or otherwise seem off.
Freezing the dough before baking can also extend the shelf life of the finished cookies by keeping the dough fresher. Refrigerating the dough for up to 5 days before baking can also help.
Causes of Soft or Hard Cookies
Humidity isn’t the only factor that can lead to powdered sugar cookies becoming soft or hard during storage. Here are some other potential causes:
Soft cookies:
– Using too much butter in the dough leads to a softer, more tender cookie that stales faster. Reduce butter amount slightly.
– Overbeating the butter and sugar during creaming step makes a softer cookie. Mix just until combined.
– Cookies left on baking sheet too long after baking stay softer. Remove immediately to cooling rack.
Hard cookies:
– Too much flour can make a tough, crunchy cookie. Reduce flour slightly or add a tablespoon or two of milk to dough.
– Overbaking causes excessive hardness in cookies. Take cookies out of oven as soon as edges start to brown.
– Storing cookies in the freezer too long causes some hardness. Thaw completely before eating for best texture.
Ideas for Using Stale Powdered Sugar Cookies
What if cookies do eventually go stale, get hard, or absorb humidity during storage? Don’t toss them out! There are several ways to repurpose less-than-perfect powdered sugar cookies:
– Use as layers or crumb base in a trifle dessert. The moisture of the cream and fruit will soften them.
– Make cookie crumbs for sprinkling over ice cream sundaes. Process stale cookies in a food processor or blender.
– Make cookie crumbs to use as a pie crust. Combine crumbs with a little melted butter and press into pie plate. Great for refrigerator and custard pies.
– Use as a mix-in to homemade bread or muffin batter. Break down cookies into chunky crumbs before adding to batter.
– Make cookie croutons for baking or soup toppings. Cut stale cookies into cubes. Toss in oil and spices. Bake 10-15 minutes until crunchy.
– Make cookie crust for cheesecakes or dessert bars. Press crumbs into bottom of pan before adding filling.
Repurposing stale powdered sugar cookies reduces waste. With a little creativity, nothing goes to waste!
Conclusion
Powdered sugar cookies are a delightful treat, but their powdered sugar coating makes them highly vulnerable to moisture and humidity. Storing them properly is key to keeping the cookies tasting crispy and fresh.
Allow cookies to fully cool before applying powdered sugar. Store cookies in a sealed airtight container at room temperature. Place wax paper sheets between layers. Consume within 5-7 days for best quality and texture. Freezing extends shelf life for 3-6 months.
Monitor cookies for any clumping or crystallization of the powdered sugar. Soft or hard cookies can also indicate issues like incorrect ingredient ratios or overbaking. Reuse stale cookies creatively in desserts, breads, or croutons.
By following proper storage methods, even the most delicate powdered sugar cookies can stay tasty for enjoyment throughout the week. Careful storage rewards you with cookies that look and taste as good as homemade.
