Making cookies was made 10x easier when premade cookie mixes were launched in the market. Moreover, it provides one with the liberty to experiment with different kinds of desserts and recipes. But how long do such mixes last?
Just like any other products, cookie mixes are bound to go bad after a point in time. But you can preserve its quality for some additional time with the correct storage conditions.
If that is something that will prove to be beneficial to you, we suggest going through the following article. It consists of the best ways to preserve cookie mixes so that you can enjoy their sweetness for an extended period.
How Long Does Cookie Mix Last?
Cookie mix is a dry mixture of flour, sugar, and leavening agents, these substances themselves last for very long in the pantry; hence cookie mix, if stored correctly, will stay for a long time!
The table below mentions the time for which cookie mix will stay fresh when stored correctly-
| Refrigerated | Pantry | |
| opened | 12-18 months | 12-18 months |
| Unopened | 12-18 months | 12-18 months |
How To Tell If Cookie Mix Has Gone Bad?
The cookie mix sitting in your pantry might take a long time to go bad, but it will one day. You can check if your cookie mix shows the below-mentioned signs –
For unopened boxes of cookie mix-
- The box looks bloated
If your box of cookie mix looks swollen or bloated, it is not in a usable condition; you should throw away such boxes.
Pro tip– when buying cookie mix from stores, always check the packaging and ensure it’s not bloated and is properly sealed.
- Mold
When you open the cookie mix, if you can see signs of mold growth, the cookie mix is not to be used, and you should throw it away.
- Worms
Before using old packs of cookie mix, place the contents on a flat plate and look for any movement or worm activity. If you can see them, then dispose of the whole packet.
- Smells funny
The cookie mix should usually smell pleasantly of flour and added flavors; if you are picking up a weird smell while smelling, don’t use the box of cookie mix.
- Taste
Take a little taste of the cookie mix. If the flavors feel off and you can feel it’s spoilt, it’s best to throw it away.
Remember – Old cookie mixes often lose their flavors, and maybe the cookies might not rise as the leavening agents ( baking soda and baking powder) have lost their efficiency – this does not mean you cannot eat the cookies. It may just not taste the best.
What Happens If You Eat Expired Cookie Mix?
Usually nothing! Assuming that you have stored the cookie mix properly and have no signs of mold or worms.
The use-by date mentioned on cookie mix packs is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long it will stay in top condition and yield the best cookies. After the mentioned period, the ingredients will start losing their efficiency.
Eating it will not be dangerous; the worst that could happen is you will have a batch of very bland cookies.
Author’s note – if you have eaten cookie mix, which shows signs of mold, you may experience nausea and stomach cramps. This is your body reacting to mold. If the situation worsens, consult a doctor.
Can You Freeze Cookie Mix?
Yes! You can freeze cookie mix.
If you find yourself left with a lot of mixes after making a batch of cookies, it might be a good idea to freeze them as it will help them stay fresh for about twelve months.
You can follow the following steps to keep them while freezing cookie mix-
- For unopened boxes of cookie mix- wrap the box in a heavy-duty aluminum sheet or put it in a freezer bag for maximum safety.
- For opened boxes– you should transfer the box’s contents ( the cookie mix) into an airtight jar or vacuum-sealed pouch.
Make sure you completely flatten the vacuum-sealed pouch and remove all air. Make sure to close the lid of containers tightly or put them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burns
Pro-tip– you can also store the cookie mix in batches using separate containers/pouches so that when you need one, you can simply take out a pouch while the others stay frozen.
- Place the container/packet/pouch in a safe place within the freezer.
Pro-tip– you can label the pouches with the date of storing to help you know when is the time to take them out.
How to thaw the cookie mix?
Simply place it in the freezer before using or on the pantry counter at room temperature. You can also directly use the mix after removing it from the freezer without any issues.
Refrigerated Vs. Shelf Stable
Cookie mix will not require storing in a fridge and will stay in good condition even in the pantry.
Refrigerated
Cookie mix does not need to be refrigerated, they are shelf-stable, but if you must store them in the refrigerator, you can simply put the unopened box in a safe place.
For opened boxes, you should transfer the contents into an airtight container and shut it tightly before placing it in the fridge.
Shelf Stable
Cookie mix is shelf-stable and can stay a long time in the pantry, considering you keep it away from moisture.
You can store the cookie mix in an airtight container in a cabinet that is cool, dry, and away from sunlight. For unopened packs, do not break the seal until you need to use them, as they will stay fresh that way for a long time.
What Is The Best Way To Store Cookie Mix?
The best way to store your cookie mix is in the pantry, it does not require much effort, but some small steps will help it stay usable for a long time!
You can look into the following ways-
For unopened cookie mix boxes
- The seal in the cookie mix box will help it stay fresh for a long time. So simply place the box in a cabinet or shelf away from moisture and ensure that it does not have direct sunlight exposure.
For opened boxes of cookie mix
- Transfer the contents of the box into an airtight jar and close the lid tightly. You can use plastic, glass, or steel containers. Just make sure the lid is airtight.
- Store the container of cookie mix in a cool, dry, and dark place. A shelf or cabinet in your pantry will work nicely.
- Though not necessary, you can keep the container in a fridge or freeze it using the steps mentioned above to prolong its life.
A tip for homemade cookie mixes–
- It would be best if you stored homemade mixes in the fridge in an airtight container ( considering they have added wet ingredients like butter), and they will stay safe for upto 12 months.
- But if you want to store them in the pantry, replace the butter with an additional cup of vegetable shortening to make it stay usable for a long time.
FAQs
Do cookie mix and cookie doughs share the same shelf life?
No, cookie mix is inherently dry, and cookie dough is made out of cookie mix by adding wet ingredients like butter, oil, etc. They do not share the same shelf life. You should store the cookie dough in a fridge to keep it fresh for a long time.
Are cookie mix and cake mix different?
No, the ingredients used in a cookie mix and cake mix are the same. The only thing that differs is the consistency of the batter. A cookie batter will be thicker, and the cake batter will be runny.
The Bottom Line
Cookie mixes make making a batch of cookies so much easy!
Now you also know storing it in an airtight container will keep it in good condition, and moisture is its worst enemy. You should also look for molds to make sure it’s not spoilt.
Tell us in the comments which information you found most useful!
