Baked Goods
How long does store-bought cookie dough last in the fridge?
Refrigerated cookie dough goes by the package use-by date in the fridge, or 2 months in the freezer — scoop it into balls before it goes in and bake them from solid.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge | Package use-by date |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 2 months |
Can you freeze cookie dough? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Refrigerated cookie dough is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if refrigerated cookie dough has gone bad
- A sour, fermented smell as the wrapper comes off
- Dough darkened or graying at the cut ends
- A dried, cracked skin over the surface
- Oil separated out and pooling in the tub
When in doubt, throw it out.
Frozen dough balls go into the oven solid — give them a couple of extra minutes and don’t let them soften on the sheet first.
Quick answers
How long does store-bought cookie dough last in the fridge?
Refrigerated cookie dough goes by the package use-by date in the fridge, or 2 months in the freezer — scoop it into balls before it goes in and bake them from solid.
Can you freeze refrigerated cookie dough?
Cookie dough freezes for 2 months and bakes from frozen — portion it into balls now and warm cookies are always ten minutes away.
How long can refrigerated cookie dough sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to refrigerated cookie dough. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).