by Annaliseon Dec 7, 2020 (updated Jun 14, 2023)
Here’s how to package and ship cookies to arrive safely (and still delicious!) at their destination.
Holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges aren’t taking place as usual in 2020, and I’m willing to bet more cookies will be shipped this year than ever before. But how do you ship cookies so they don’t break, still taste delicious, and look just as good as the day they were baked?
I’m here to break it down for you— the kind of cookies you should ship, the best packaging, and other tips!
Choose the Right Kind of Cookies
Not all cookies should be boxed up and sent through the mail. Delicate, fragile, and flaky cookies likely won’t arrive in the same piece. It’s better to chose sturdy cookies like chocolate chip, gingersnap, shortbread, and sugar cookies. Bar cookies like blondies and brownies are a great option too. (I’ve got a nice list of ship-able cookie recipes at the bottom of this post!)
For best results, package and ship cookies the day they are baked. But make sure the cookies have completely cooled before packaging, as moisture from warm cookies can change the texture of the cookie and even promote bacteria growth.
Package Cookies Airtight
If you want to cookies to still be soft and/or chewy, and fresh when they arrive, the most important thing to do is to put them in airtight packaging. The goal is to let as little air as possible in contact with your cookies. Here are some options:
- Tupperware container— choose a size that matches the amount of cookies you have, you don’t want too much extra space for cookies to bounce around in.
- Ziplock bag— try to remove as much air out of the bag as possible
- Plastic wrap— you can wrap individual cookies or a small stack of cookies
- Plastic cellophane treat bags— these are great for stacks of cookies, and for individual decorated cookies like sugar cookies. Make sure to remove as much excess air out of the bag.
If you want to package cookies in containers that aren’t airtight, like cookie tins or boxes, I recommend wrapping them in plastic wrap or inside treat bags first, and then putting them inside boxes or tins.
Don’t Forget Padding
Cookies that can bounce around inside a shipping box will be broken and smashed before they make it to their destination. Add enough padding so the cookies are supported, snuggled and safe. Pick a shipping box that is an appropriate size (not way too big) and use packing peanuts, tissue paper, bubble wrap, crinkle cut shred paper, or even newspaper to surround your cookie cargo completely.
Make it Cute!
There’s plenty of ways to make your cookie package cute, even while following all of the above steps. Craft stores and baking supply stores will have lots of options, especially around the holidays. And of course you can always find supplies online.
- I’ve already mentioned plastic cellophane treat bags, but they’re easy to find and a quick way to dress up your cookies.
- Place wrapped cookies in a holiday tin or paper box.
- Add a decorative ribbon or string.
- Include a card, gift tag, or even stickers. Search google or pinterest for free printables for stickers and tags. There’s a lot of cute stuff out there!
Use the Best Shipping Method
Most cookie recipes will last for about a week, maybe even longer. But you shouldn’t push it! Ship it as quickly as you can, though you don’t necessarily need to spend the big bucks for overnight shipping. USPS Priority or UPS Ground are both great options that will typically get your package to its destination within a few days.
Cookie Recipes that Ship Well
Okay, now you know all the rules, let’s get baking! All of these recipes will still great after shipping (as long as they’re packaged correctly, of course).
originally published on Dec 7, 2020 (last updated Jun 14, 2023)
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3 comments on “How to Package and Ship Cookies”
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Nia — Reply
How long do chocolate chip or chewy sugar cookies last when packaged individually in heat-sealed cellophane bags?
Thank you!
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Annalise — Reply
Well, they won’t go bad for weeks, but I’d say they’ll taste the best within 5-7 days. I would bake (and cool) just before packaging for optimal freshness.
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Jai — Reply
Hello,
How long would home made ragi cookies made of butter last, if stacked with 2 or 3 cookies in a plastic treat bags?
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As a seasoned enthusiast in the art of packaging and shipping cookies, I've not only delved into various cookie recipes but have also mastered the intricacies of ensuring they arrive at their destination unscathed and still delicious. My expertise spans selecting the right cookies for shipping, choosing optimal packaging materials, and employing effective shipping methods.
Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article "How to Package and Ship Cookies" by Annalise, updated on June 14, 2023:
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Selecting the Right Kind of Cookies:
- Sturdy cookies are recommended for shipping, such as chocolate chip, gingersnap, shortbread, and sugar cookies.
- Bar cookies like blondies and brownies are also mentioned as a great option.
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Packaging Cookies Airtight:
- Airtight packaging is crucial to maintain the softness, chewiness, and freshness of cookies during shipping.
- Options include Tupperware containers, Ziplock bags with air removal, plastic wrap for individual cookies or small stacks, and plastic cellophane treat bags for stacks or decorated cookies.
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Padding to Prevent Breakage:
- Cookies should be surrounded by adequate padding to prevent breakage during shipping.
- Suitable padding materials include packing peanuts, tissue paper, bubble wrap, crinkle cut shred paper, or newspaper.
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Adding a Cute Touch:
- While ensuring proper packaging, there are creative ways to make the cookie package visually appealing.
- Suggestions include using plastic cellophane treat bags, placing cookies in holiday tins or paper boxes, adding decorative ribbons or strings, and including cards, gift tags, or stickers.
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Choosing the Best Shipping Method:
- Most cookie recipes last about a week, so it's advised to ship them as quickly as possible.
- Recommended shipping methods include USPS Priority or UPS Ground, ensuring the package reaches its destination within a few days.
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Cookie Recipes that Ship Well:
- The article provides a list of cookie recipes that are known to withstand shipping and still taste great. Some examples include Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chewy Gingersnaps, Brown Butter Snickerdoodles, and Sugar Cookie Bars.
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Reader Interaction:
- The article includes reader comments seeking advice on the shelf life of individually packaged chocolate chip or chewy sugar cookies, demonstrating an engaged community seeking further insights.
In conclusion, with my comprehensive understanding of these concepts, I'm well-equipped to guide and assist others in successfully packaging and shipping cookies, ensuring a delightful treat reaches its destination intact.
