Best tips to store buttercream frosted cookies

In this post, I’ll share some simple and effective ways to store buttercream frosted cookies, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible, whether you plan to enjoy them in a few days or weeks! It will be useful for any type of cookies, for example, chewy sugar cookies, soft sugar cookies, soft cookies, or Christmas cookies.

Buttercream frosted cookies are a treat we all love—whether it’s for a special occasion, a festive celebration, or just because they’re irresistibly delicious! The soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies paired with smooth, creamy frosting can easily make anyone’s day. 

But as much as we enjoy them fresh, properly storing them is essential to keeping them tasting as good as when they were first baked. Improper storage can cause the frosting to melt, become hard, or even make the cookies dry out.

Why do we need to store buttercream frosted cookies?

Buttercream frosting is rich and creamy, but its texture can be quite sensitive to changes in temperature and storage conditions. If not stored properly, the frosting can either melt or become too hard, ruining the appearance and taste of your cookies.

Melting frosting:
Buttercream frosting is made with butter, which can melt when exposed to heat. If you leave your buttercream cookies in a warm or humid place, the frosting may start to melt and slide off the cookies, making them look messy. This is especially common during the summer or in places with high temperatures.

Hardened frosting:
On the other hand, if you store your frosted cookies in a very cold place, like the fridge, for too long, the frosting can become hard and dry. The cold makes the butter in the frosting firm up, and it loses its soft, smooth texture. When this happens, the frosting may feel stiff and not as creamy when you bite into it.

Also, If the cookies aren’t stored in an air-tight container, they can dry out and become crumbly. This can make the cookies break apart easily, and the frosting might fall off, too. The cookies will also lose their fresh taste and texture.

How to store buttercream frosted cookies: step-by-step

The best way to store buttercream frosted cookies depends on how soon you plan to eat them. Depending on that, store them at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. 

Storing buttercream frosted cookies at Room Temperature (for short term)

If you’re planning to consume within 2 to 3 days, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat or sunlight. 

Storing them in an airtight container will make sure that cookies are not drying out.

Refrigerating buttercream frosted cookies (for longer storage)

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week—just make sure to place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking. Before storing them in the refrigerator, place them on a baking sheet and keep them in the freezer until the frosting hardens.

If stored in the refrigerator, the frosting will harden as it is primarily made using butter but don't worry about it. It will soften as soon as the cookies return to room temperature. 

Freezing buttercream frosted cookies (for long-term storage)

If you need to store buttercream sugar cookies for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Here is the step-by-step guide for freezing.

1. Freeze cookies individually on cookie sheets for 1-2 hours to prevent sticking.
2. Once frozen, place them in a Ziplock bag, freezer bag, or airtight container. Cover them with a layer of plastic wrap for additional protection.
3. Label the container with the date.
4. When ready to eat, thaw the cookies at room temperature.

When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature. Proper storage helps keep the frosting soft and the cookies fresh!

Tips to keep frosting intact during storage

Here are some simple tips to help keep the sugar cookie icing intact during storage.

1. Let cookies cool completely: Make sure they are fully cooled, at least for a couple of hours on wire rack, before storing them. This prevents condensation, which can make the frosting soggy.
2. Use an airtight container: Always store your frosted cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent the frosting from drying out.
3. Separate layers with parchment paper: If you're stacking the cookies, place a single layer of parchment paper between each one to stop the frosting from sticking to the next cookie.
4. Store in a cool place: Keep your cookies in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Excessive warmth can cause the frosting to melt.
5. Refrigerate for longer storage: If you need to store the cookies for more than a couple of days, refrigerate them, but make sure they’re in an airtight container to protect the frosting from becoming hard or dry.
6. Allow time to reach room temperature: If refrigerated or frozen, let the cookies come back to room temperature before serving. This helps the frosting soften and return to its creamy texture.

Common mistakes to avoid when storing buttercream frosted cookies

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when storing buttercream frosted cookies so that you can increase the shelf life of your decorated sugar cookies

• Not using an airtight container - Leaving cookies uncovered or in a container that isn’t airtight can cause them to dry out. The frosting will harden or lose its creamy texture, making the cookies less enjoyable.
• Storing in a warm place - Storing your frosted cookies in a warm or sunny spot can cause the buttercream to melt. Always keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain the frosting's shape and texture.
• Refrigerating too soon - If you store your cookies in the fridge while they’re still warm, the condensation can make the frosting soggy. Always let the cookies cool completely before putting them in the fridge.
• Stacking cookies without protection - Stacking frosted cookies directly on top of each other without parchment paper or a protective layer can cause the frosting to stick or get smudged. Use parchment paper or wax paper between layers to keep them looking neat.
• Leaving cookies in the fridge for too long - While refrigeration helps preserve cookies, leaving them in the fridge for too long can cause the frosting to harden and lose its smooth texture. If you plan to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them instead.
• Not thawing frozen cookies properly - If you freeze frosted cookies, don’t try to eat them straight from the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours so the frosting softens and the cookies regain their original texture.

How to revive stale buttercream frosted cookies

If your buttercream frosted cookies have become a little stale or dry, don’t worry—you can bring them back to life! Here are a few simple tricks.

1. Microwave for a few seconds: - Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for just 5-10 seconds. This will soften the frosting and the cookie, making them feel fresh again. Be careful not to heat them for too long, or the frosting might melt.
2. Add a fresh layer of frosting - If the frosting has become too hard or dry, you can add a fresh layer of buttercream on top. Simply whip up a small batch of frosting and spread it over the cookies to bring back that creamy texture.
3. Cover with a damp cloth - If your cookies are just slightly stale, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for a few seconds. The moisture will help soften the cookie and the frosting.
4. Leave out at room temperature - If you’ve stored the cookies in the fridge and the frosting has hardened, simply let them sit out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating. The frosting will soften and become more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Proper storage is key to keeping your buttercream frosted cookies fresh and delicious. If you store them the right way, you can keep the frosting smooth and creamy, and the cookies soft and tasty. 

Whether you're storing them at room temperature, in the fridge, or freezing them for later, the goal is to protect the frosting from melting or hardening and prevent the cookies from drying out. 

By following the above simple storage tips, your cookies will stay looking beautiful and tasting great for longer, so you can enjoy them whenever you want!

Which one would you use?

I encourage you to experiment with the different storage methods depending on how soon you plan to enjoy your buttercream frosted cookies. 

Don’t be afraid to try out these methods and see which one works best for you! Each method helps keep your cookies fresh in its own way, so have fun finding the perfect storage solution for your needs!

No matter how you store them, buttercream frosted cookies are always a delightful treat that’s worth the effort! Happy Baking!

Bonus section

Make your favorite sugar cookie recipe on special occasions and try out some of my different buttercream frosting recipe.

1. Chocolate cream cheese frosting
2. Fudgy chocolate frosting
3. Stable cream cheese frosting