Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by Lori Walker
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It is extremely convenient to have Toll House cookie dough in your pantry, as it saves time and enables you to quickly make delicious cookies for your pleasure.
However, you may not finish a pack and decide to save some for tomorrow.
If you’re wondering how long can Toll House cookie dough last once opened, keep reading as we give you in-depth details on the shelf life of an opened Toll House cookie dough.
Once Opened, How Long Will Toll House Cookie Dough Last?
Once opened, Toll House cookie dough products can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
However, it’s important to note that the dough should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
But how long does homemade cookie dough last?
Factors To Consider
Proper Storage
An opened Toll House cookie dough will last until the use-by date on the package if it’s tightly sealed, transferred to an airtight container, or refrigerated [1].
While you can place it in the pantry, it is best to refrigerate it because leaving it at room temperature exposes it to bacteria that could be bad for your health.
Storage Location
Pantry
A Toll House cookie dough will only last in the pantry for about 2 to 4 hours after opening, regardless if it is in an airtight container or sealed properly.
Additionally, an unopened Toll House cookie dough will get sticky if it isn’t refrigerated because the butter in the cookie dough will melt if it stays longer at room temperature.
Fridge
If the opened Toll House cookie dough is put in the fridge after opening, it can last for up to 2 weeks. Meanwhile, unopened cookie dough can last longer than an opened one.
Freezer
The freezer’s temperature can extend the shelf life of any food, including Toll House cookie dough [2].
If you place the Toll House cookie dough in the freezer after opening it, it can last for up to 2 months. However, the earlier you consume it, the better.
Best By Date
Some people believe that if the food is past the best-by date indicated in the packaging, it is considered unsafe to eat.
Before storing your Toll House dough anywhere, check its best-by-date first to ensure it is still safe to consume later.
But how can you make Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix better?
Does Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Expire?
Yes, it does. Since Nestle Toll House cookie dough contains ingredients like eggs and milk, it has an expiration date.
“In terms of texture, chilled cookie dough produces a more evenly golden-brown cookie with a crisper edge and chewier center.”
– Caitlin Haught Brown, Food Stylist and Recipe Developer
The good news is that it can last long if packed, sealed, or placed in an airtight container. Also, make sure to keep it inside the freezer so you can enjoy it longer.
How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad
Appearance
You can easily tell that the cookie dough has gone bad by looking at its appearance.
Some qualities to look for to know if it has gone bad include the presence of molds (make sure to check everywhere, some molds may be hard to spot) and discoloration in the dough.
Smell
If the odor of the cookie dough is sour or has changed from when it was first opened, then chances are, it is no longer safe to consume.
Once this happens, don’t think twice about throwing it in the trash to avoid food poisoning.
Texture
The texture of cookie dough should be soft and pliable.
When the dough becomes hard, crumbly, and too dry, this indicates that your dough is either improperly stored or is no longer safe to consume.
Related Post: What To Do If You Add Too Much Flour To Cookie Dough?
FAQs
What happens if you use old cookie dough?
Using old cookie dough may result in a cookie with bad taste, or worse, be the cause of food poisoning (if it is way past the expiration date and has a few molds).
Note that as the cookie dough ages, its flavor decreases as well as its’ quality.
What happens if you refrigerate Toll House cookie dough too long?
The Toll House cookie dough will become chewier and thicker if refrigerated for too long. Additionally, if it lasts more than 4 days in the refrigerator, then the dough will begin to dry out.
But how can you bake the Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie better?
Can you keep the unused dough in the fridge?
Yes, you can transfer the unused or leftover dough to an airtight container and then put it inside the fridge to help it last longer. You can also tightly seal it using plastic wrap.
Final Thoughts
The shelf life of the opened cookie dough depends on how you store it. Some important points to remember include:
- Placing the cookie dough inside the freezer can last longer than the best-by date printed on the packaging.
- You can store Toll House cookie dough for as long as 2 months after opening, considering the factors that affect its quality.
- Its appearance, smell, and texture determine whether the cookie dough is still safe to eat.
- Cookie dough that has gone bad tends to have mold, discoloration, a sour smell, and a dry and hard texture.
References:
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/why-chill-cookie-dough/
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/baking-guide/cookies-and-bars/how-to-freeze-cookie-dough
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