How Long Can I Keep Cookie Dough in the Refrigerator Before Baking?

Maybe you planned to bake those cookies and haven't had time. How long is too long for refrigerating cookie dough?

By Marge Perry and Sara Bir
Published April 27, 2023
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (with Chocolate Pieces)

Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

Sometimes you make cookie dough and the day just does not go your way. There's no time to bake it. How long is too long for it to stay in the fridge?

Most cookie dough can be refrigerated, well-wrapped, for 3-5 days before baking.

If you want to make it farther in advance, freeze the dough. You can either freeze the entire brick of dough or divide it into portions for quick baking.

How Long Does Storebought Refrigerated Cookie Dough Last?

You can just go by the best-by date on the packages, as the shelf life will vary by brand. Just like with homemade dough, if it's getting close to the borderline, you can freeze it. According to the Nestlé Toll House website, their refrigerated tubes of dough "may be frozen for up to 2 months if frozen before 'use by' date on the package."

A version of this article originally appeared on MyRecipes.com