If you don’t plan on consuming baked goods within 2-3 days, then it’s best to store them in the fridge to maintain freshness. For longer storage, baked goods can be frozen and will remain fresh for 3-6 months.
Cakes and Cupcakes
Cakes and cupcakes are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Properly stored, freshly baked cakes and cupcakes will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days at normal room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.
Cakes made or decorated with fresh ingredients, like fruit, or cream-based frosting, like whipped cream, should not be stored on counters for more than the time during which they are being served. These cakes should not be eaten if they are left out for more than 24 hours.
Cookies
Store freshly baked cookies in a dry area.
Properly stored, freshly baked cookies will last for about 2 to 3 weeks at normal room temperature.
Refrigerate immediately any cookies that contain frosting or filling made with dairy products or eggs, such as buttercream, whipped cream, cream cheese or custard frostings or fillings; these cookies will last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
When refrigerating, place in tightly covered airtight container or cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent cookies from drying out.
To maximize the shelf life of soft cookies, place the cookies in a tightly covered airtight container.
To maximize the shelf life of crisp cookies, place the cookies in a loosely covered container.
Macarons
Macarons are extremely sensitive to moisture in the air. If you plan to keep them for more than 3 days, store them in airtight plastic containers in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 7 days.
Meringues
Do not refridgerate. Moisture will ruin delicate texture of meringues. When stored in an airtight container and placed in a cool, dry place, meringues can stay fresh for 3 weeks.