How to ship cookies without breaking

Now that you’ve done the baking, it’s time to send those homemade goodies to friends and family. I’m going to show you how to ship cookies so they don’t break apart in the mail and how to pack them so they stay fresh for the lucky recipient.

How to ship cookies without them breaking

There are a few tips and tricks to sending cookies in the mail. From guarding against breakage to avoiding stale cookies, we’re going to cover it all.

To mail cookies, you’ll need the following:

• A sturdy box
• A metal cookie tin
• Packing material, like peanuts or bubble wrap
• Parchment paper

I’m the queen of reusing boxes. I have a collection of them, but when I’m sending cookies, something delicate or perishable, I make sure that I use either a new box, or one that is like new. The last thing you want is to pack your cookies in a flimsy box.

A metal cookie tin will protect your baked goods during transit. Choose one that is appropriately sized so the treats don’t jostle around. Use small pieces of parchment to fill in the gaps and to cushion your baked goods.

Which cookies are best to mail

First, we need to choose the best cookies for shipping. Those would be sturdy cookies, like a chocolate chip or oatmeal. Trying to ship delicate cookies like pizzelles will only end in disaster and disappointment.

Bar cookies, brownies and blondies are also great options. As you are baking, or choosing what to bake, select the sturdier cookies for mailing to friends and family.

How to pack cookies for shipping

1. Make sure the packaging is food safe.
2. Pack cookies in small bundles or pairs. Combine like flavors together, keep strong flavored items (like peppermint or gingerbread) away from items with subtler flavors.
3. Wrap cookies in plastic wrap.
4. Place heavier cookies on the bottom of the tin.
5. Fill box with peanuts or crumpled newspaper to cushion cookie tin.

How to keep cookies fresh

The best way to ensure that your cookies don’t arrive stale is to bake them as close to mailing as possible and to wrap them in plastic wrap.

This will also help to keep the moisture in, so your cookies don’t dry out during transit.

It is imperative that cookies are completely cooled before packing. Factor in cooling time as well before packing up your treats for the mail.

The BEST cookies for shipping

• Butter pecan biscotti
• Gingerbread biscotti
• Classic sugar cookies – minimal icing and decorations, for best transport
• White chocolate peppermint Christmas brownies
• Rum balls
• Homemade dog treats – if there is a pup in the house too? A few homemade treats for the dogs are always a nice surprise.
• Chocolate bark – only if there is no threat of melting. Not a good option for warmer climates.
• Christmas Rice Krispie treats

Quick tips and tricks for shipping cookies

• Choose sturdier cookies. Avoid delicate cookies that break easily.
• Bake cookies as close to sending as possible – this also helps ensure freshness.
• Wrap them in plastic wrap or in small plastic gift bags – this helps to keep them fresh and also to contain any sprinkles, sanding sugar, etc.
• Use parchment paper to line your cookie tin if not wrapping cookies individually, use small pieces of parchment to pack in the gaps.
• Fill shipping box with crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts to cushion cookie tin.

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