The Secret to Keeping Cookies Fresh and Delicious
There’s something truly comforting about having a batch of homemade cookies on hand. They’re soft, chewy, and full of nostalgia. Whether you prefer chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or even 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies, one thing is for sure — cookies are best when they’re fresh. But what if you could keep them fresh for days without sacrificing their texture or flavor? According to Vivian Villa, chef and founder of Villa’s Authentic Sauces and UnButter, the answer might be as simple as adding sugar cubes to your cookie container.
Villa shared a surprisingly straightforward method that can help extend the freshness of your cookies. “Sugar is a hygroscopic ingredient that acts as a sponge for moisture,” she explained. “You’ll see this when it clumps due to humidity.” By placing sugar cubes in a cheesecloth or directly in an airtight container with your cookies, you can help maintain their freshness and preserve their taste. This trick works especially well for cookies that have been slightly over-baked or have started to lose their softness.
To try this method, Villa recommends placing granulated sugar in a folded paper towel secured with an elastic band or simply placing three to four sugar cubes at the bottom of an airtight container. It’s important to store the container away from direct light to ensure the best results.
When using this technique, it’s best to use white sugar. “White sugar is ideal for moisture absorption because of its fructose content,” Villa said. “Fructose is often used in baking to enhance moisture, trapping available water in the mix and holding it in.” For optimal results, make sure your container is airtight so the sugar can focus on absorbing any excess moisture inside.
If you’re working with hardened cookies, don’t expect immediate results. These baked goods will need at least 12 hours to start softening again. For freshly baked cookies, always let them cool completely before sealing them in the container with sugar. Any residual heat can lead to soggy cookies, which defeats the purpose of keeping them fresh.
It’s also worth noting that this hack works best for soft, chewy cookies that tend to dry out over time. If you have crispier cookies like homemade biscotti or shortbread, storing them this way could cause them to lose their crunch. Be sure to keep these types of cookies separate to maintain their texture.
With this simple sugar trick, you can enjoy the feeling of freshly-baked cookies for days to come. Whether you’re planning a snack time or preparing for a gathering, this method ensures that your cookies stay delicious and satisfying.
For more food and drink goodness, consider joining The Takeout’s newsletter. You’ll get taste tests, food and drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more!
