We’ve all been in this situation: You’ve just finished baking some chocolate chip cookies and after you’ve eaten one (OK, three), you need to store them. But do they go in a cookie jar on the counter or do they have to be refrigerated? And what about other baked goods like an apple pie or lemon bars or that loaf of bread? No matter the baked good, keep reading to find out if it’s safe to leave them out at room temperature or if they need to be stored elsewhere.
Related: Does Flour Go Bad?
Is It Safe to Leave Baked Goods on the Counter?
While it’s safe to keep many baked goods at room temperature, it depends on the item and should be taken on a case-by-case basis. For instance, breads and rolls can last up to four days at room temperature, but any bread with meat or hard-boiled eggs should be refrigerated within two hours, according to the USDA.
How to Store Baked Goods
To ensure your cupcakes, bars and loaves stay fresh, follow this chart for proper storage. For items left out at room temperature, store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This advice only applies to baked items. For unbaked dough or batter, refer to the recipe’s make-ahead instructions.
| Baked Good | Room Temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Bars (such as cheesecake bars or lemon bars) | n/a | 7 days | 2-3 months |
| Breads and Rolls (with meat or hard-boiled eggs) | n/a | 7-14 days | 3 months |
| Breads and Rolls (without meat or hard-boiled eggs) | 2-4 days | 7-14 days | 3 months |
| Brownies (Note: Brownies with a cream cheese frosting or cream cheese swirl should be refrigerated.) | 3-4 days | 7 days | 3 months |
| Cakes and Cupcakes (Note: Cakes with fresh fruit, whipped cream or cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated.) | 3-7 days | 7-10 days | 6 months |
| Cheesecake | n/a | 5-7 days | 3-6 months |
| Cinnamon rolls (Note: Cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated.) | 1-3 days | n/a | 3 months |
| Cookies | 2-3 weeks | 2 months | 8-12 months |
| Cream Pies | n/a | 3-4 days | n/a |
| Fruit Pies | 1-2 days | 5-7 days | 8 months |
| Muffins | 3-7 days | n/a | 3 months |
| Pies (not including fruit or cream-based pies) | 2 hours | 3-4 days | 1-2 months |
Related: Learn the Right Way to Measure Ingredients for Baking
Bottom Line
While most baked goods can be left out at room temperature, there are some exceptions. Always store cakes with fresh fruit, whipped cream or cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator along with breads featuring meat or hard-boiled eggs. For baked goods that are stored at room temperature, place them in an airtight container.
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