9 Brilliant Ways to Use Old Cookies, From Ice Cream Shakes to Cake Pops

Whether you prefer your cookies hot off the baking sheet or cooled to the perfect chew, there’s no denying that even the best baked goods have a shelf life (about five days, in most cases)—after which they lose a lot of that cookie deliciousness. And if you happen to have a box of storebought cookies that are stale or broken into smithereens, the cookie experience will also be less than ideal.

Fortunately, the story doesn’t have to end there. Even if your cookies have passed their “best by” date, these upcycling ideas will help you make something greater than the sum of its parts. Read on for our favorite ways to use old cookies—complete with recommendations for the cookies best suited to each.

Make Pie Crust

Crumb crust is a classic for a reason. Any crispy, crumbly cookie will work beautifully in a pie crust—try graham crackers or chocolate wafers, both of which pair well with a mousse or cream filling.

Decorate Cakes

Ever since dessert chain Milk Bar debuted its famous birthday cake—which is both topped and layered with cake crumbs—we’ve loved the idea of a crumb-coated celebration cake. Sugar cookies with or without the sprinkles would work well with a classic vanilla cake, or try chocolate chip cookies for a fantastical fusion of childhood desserts. Peanut butter cookie crumbles on a chocolate cake? Yes, please.

Make Cookie Butter

Yes, you can make this delightful condiment yourself. Most cookie butter is made from speculaas cookies, the traditional Dutch spiced shortbread—but you can substitute your favorite ginger snap or spice cookie recipe for equally tasty results.

Make Cake Pops

Well, we could probably call them cookie pops. Mixed with frosting and dipped in a melted chocolate or candy coating, these addictive, bite-sized snacks are perfect for a child’s party—or to keep in the freezer for a late-night snack. Mix in cookie chunks and crumbs with the cake, or use the crumbs for a crunchy cookie coating.

Make Truffles

Just like cake pops, truffles please a crowd and keep well in the freezer. You can even give them away as holiday gifts. Mix pebble-size bookie crumbs into the truffle mixture or use finer crumbs to coat the delicious treats.

Toppings Galore

Sometimes, all it takes is a little texture to elevate a simple snack or meal. Put your old cookies in a plastic bag, grab a mallet or meat tenderizer, and release some inner aggression. We promise you’ll feel better on the other side.

Brighten Your Breakfast

A sprinkle of cookie crumbs or shards over yogurt or oatmeal gives dessert-for-breakfast vibes—while you’re still getting protein and fiber.

Sweeten a Sundae

A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Delicious. A scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookie crumbs on top? Next level. You could even mix them into ice cream made from scratch.

Make Cookie Milkshakes

Blended with ice cream—or frozen bananas, if you’re craving something healthier—and your milk of choice, cookie shakes make for a decadent, drinkable treat.

Twice-Bake a Treat

Imagine an apple crisp topped with ginger snaps or a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookie granola. You can even double down and mix in leftover cookie chunks into cookie batter! Anything can be cookie-fied if you believe.