Baked Goods / Refrigerated Dough
How long does cookie dough last?
Quick answer
Cookie dough keeps use-by date on package in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer.
Fridge
Per the printed date
use-by date on package
Freezer
Can be frozen: yes
2months
Pantry
No known time
-
Mine has been in the fridge for
Refreeze after thawing in the fridge?
- United States
- Yes
- United Kingdom
- Only after cooking
How long does cookie dough last in the fridge?
- Cookie doughuse-by date on packagePer the printed date
Your fridge should be set between 0 and 5°C.
Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 °F or below.
How long does cookie dough last in the freezer?
- Cookie dough2 months
Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Your freezer should be around -18°C
A freezer acts as a pause button - food in a freezer won’t go bad and most bacteria cannot grow in it.
Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.
Can you freeze cookie dough?
Yes.
How to defrost cookie dough safely
- In the fridge
- In cold water, cook it straight after defrosting
- In the microwave, cook it straight after defrosting
- Cook it from frozen
You should defrost your food in the fridge so that it doesn’t get too warm
It’s also important to use food within 24 hours after it’s been fully defrosted
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Check the water frequently to be sure it stays cold. Change the water every 30 minutes. After thawing, cook immediately.
It is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
Can you refreeze cookie dough?
- In the United KingdomOnly after cooking
- In the United StatesYes
You can freeze food again once cooked, but you’ll only be able to reheat it once after that
Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing.
After cooking raw foods which were previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked foods.
Can cookie dough be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for cookie dough.
What the official sources say
“Cookie dough * * 2 months”
“Cookie dough Use by date 2 months”
“Unbaked cookie dough Use-by date 2 months”
Frequently asked questions
How long does cookie dough last in the fridge?
Cookie dough: use-by date on package.
How long does cookie dough last in the freezer?
Cookie dough: 2 months. Freezer times are for quality; frozen food stays safe.
Can you freeze cookie dough?
Yes.
Can you refreeze cookie dough?
In the United Kingdom: Only after cooking; In the United States: Yes.
Can cookie dough be kept out of the fridge?
Official sources give no room-temperature (cupboard) storage time for cookie dough.
Sources
We always show the most cautious time among official sources. Last checked: 1 October 2026.
- FoodSafety.gov Cold Food Storage Chart US
- Food Standards Agency - consumer food hygiene guidance GB
- University of Georgia Extension US
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension US
- North Dakota State University Extension US
- University of Kentucky Extension US
- USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data US
- USDA FSIS Safe Food Handling and Preparation US