Send the gift of homemade cookies this holiday season! Learn how to ship Christmas cookies without breaking them and keep them fresh in transit.
'Tis the season of twinkling lights, cozy sweaters and baking. Lots of baking! I love baking during Christmas and always end up with too many baked goods and sweet treats. What better way to spread Christmas cheer but than to share baked goods, specifically Christmas cookies, with your loved ones – even the ones that live far away!
There's nothing quite like opening a package to find homemade cookies inside. It's like receiving a hug in a box, isn't it? Below, I will detail tips and tricks on how to ship Christmas cookies to ensure they arrive fresh and unbroken. With this step-by-step guide, you can be sure your loved ones will enjoy your delicious holiday cookies no matter where they live.
Why Ship Cookies?
Homemade cookies are more than just a delicious snack; they're a personal and thoughtful gift. Imagine your loved ones' joy when they receive a cookie container filled with your handcrafted treats. It's a way to be present in spirit, even if you can't be there in person.
Cookie Shipping 101
Step-by-Step Guide: Packing and Shipping Cookies
Choose Your Cookies Wisely: Opt for sturdier varieties when preparing cookies for shipping. Certain types of cookies are better for shipping than others. Consider kinds of cookies like brownies, blondies, bar cookies, shortbread, sugar cookies and chewy cookies such as cranberry white chocolate chip cookies, shortbread cookies, gingerbread cookies or chocolate chip cookies. Rum balls, truffles, and sandwich cookies are also excellent options. These types tend to withstand shipping conditions better than delicate cookies. Thin cookies like wafers, lace and soft cookies are better suited for sharing with neighbors and co-workers.
Packing Materials: Gather your materials before you start baking – cookie tins (any type of sturdy airtight container), bubble wrap, wax paper, a sturdy shipping box and packing tape.
Baking and Cooling: Ensure your cookies are completely cool before packing. Warm cookies can create condensation and turn into a soggy mess.
Wrap Tightly: I like to pack cookies in pairs. Place the flat bottom sides of the cooled cookies together and place them in these cookie plastic bags. You could also wrap the cookie pairs tightly in plastic wrap. Wrap each cookie pair individually and snugly. This back-to-back wrapping technique enhances the cookies' stability for shipping. As long as the cookies aren't overly soft or crumbling, this method should prevent breakage or damage during shipping.
Layering Up:
- Start with a layer of bubble wrap or crumbled wax paper at the bottom of the metal cookie tin.
- Place the heavier cookies at the bottom of the metal tins and layer them until the tin is filled.
- Layer your cookie pairs with sheets of crumpled parchment or wax paper, bubble wrap or tissue paper in between.
- Ensure there's no room for cookies to move around.
- Fill gaps with additional padding if necessary.
Pack it Good: Close the cookie tin and place scotch tape on the lid to make sure it doesn't pop off during transit. Wrap the tin or hard cookie container in lots of bubble wrap before placing it in your shipping box. It's a good idea to fill any gaps in the box with more cushioning, such as packing peanuts. You don't want much space for the cookie tin to move around during the shipping process.
Labeling and Shipping: Clearly label your box and choose a shipping option that suits your timeline. Priority mail is often a good choice for timely delivery since its delivery window is 2-3 days, and your cookie care package contains perishable items.
I usually bake my cookies on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Once they are cooled, I will wrap the cookie pairs and pack the tins. Next, I will prepare my shipping boxes and preprint mailing labels online (via USPS or Paypal.com/Shipnow) so I can drop the shipping boxes off first thing Monday morning.
To make sure the cookies arrive fresh, I don't ship later than a Tuesday so the cookie tins aren't stuck in a delay and sitting somewhere over the weekend.
How to Ship Christmas Cookies FAQs
Absolutely! With the right packing techniques, your cookies can travel over the hills and through the woods to your loved ones. Spread holiday cheer with the detailed tips above!
The cheapest way to mail Christmas cookies depends on the weight and distance the package is traveling. However, USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes and Express Mail through the post office are generally great options for shipping cookies. They are affordable, arrive at their destination in 2-3 days, and provide tracking information. I find that shipping via USPS priority mail is the most affordable and fastest way to ship fresh cookies.
A cookie tin or sturdy container layered with bubble wrap around the outside of the container is your best bet for safe travel. Laying bubble wrap or crunched wax paper inside the container and between the layers of cookies is key, too! Detailed tips are above.
Make sure cookies have cooled completely before packing. Use airtight containers and individually wrapping cookie pairs to preserve freshness. Choose a shipping method that gets to your loved ones in 2-3 days.
It's not necessary and I usually don't recommend it. Freezing cookies can cause them to release condensation as they thaw. Condensation will cause cookies to become soft and sticky and lose their freshness more quickly.
Choose sturdy cookies so your loved ones aren't receiving a box of crumbs. Sturdier cookies like gingerbread, snickerdoodles, or oatmeal cookies are good choices. Opt for cookie types like brownies, blondies, bar cookies, shortbread and sugar cookies. Other great choices include chewy cookies like gingerbread or chocolate chip cookies. Rum balls, truffles and sandwich cookies also make excellent choices for shipping due to their stronger structure. These selections are more likely to endure the shipping process than more delicate cookies. Thinner, softer cookies like wafers or lace cookies are perfect for local sharing with neighbors and co-workers. Also, steer clear of varieties that are overly moist or easily crumble.
Favorite Cookies for Shipping
Now you're ready to spread the holiday spirit in the most delicious way possible. The key ingredients to successful cookie shipping are careful packing, timely shipping and a whole lot of love.
So, let's get those ovens preheated, those boxes packed and those cookies on their merry way. Happy baking and happy holidays!
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