Butter Cookie

Butter cookies, if packaged and unopened, typically expire around 2-3 months past their printed date, when stored in a pantry at room temperature. Once opened, if resealed tightly after each use, they should stay good for about 1-2 weeks in the pantry. If you're dealing with homemade butter cookies, their shelf life decreases significantly to about 1 week at room temperature. If you need longer storage, freezing is a viable option. Frozen cookies can last up to 12 months before quality begins to degrade, but be sure to wrap them tightly and securely.

Spoiled butter cookies may not be as obvious to spot as rotten fruit, but there are still clear signs. The first signal that your cookies have turned bad is a change in their smell. They may give off a stale or slightly sour odor. Another telltale sign is a change in the cookie's texture. If they've become overly dry and incredibly hard, or the opposite, unusually chewy or moist, they've most likely gone bad. Also, any visible molds or discoloration means it's time to say goodbye to your cookies.

• Always store your butter cookies in an airtight container. Whether it's a sealed bag or a cookie tin, this will keep them fresher for longer. • If your pantry tends to get warm, consider keeping your cookies in a cooler location like a basement or even the refrigerator. • Homemade butter cookies should be allowed to cool completely before being stored. If placed in a sealed container while still warm, condensation can make them soggy and spoil faster. • When freezing cookies, make sure to wrap them tightly in cling wrap or a freezer bag. This will prevent freezer burn and preserve the cookies’ texture and flavor. To defrost, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. • If you only eat a few cookies at a time, consider storing them in smaller portioned bags so you only bring out what you'll consume. This way, less cookies are exposed to air and bacteria each time you snack.