In our deeply divided country, this month may go down in history. Regardless of who you stand behind, I sincerely hope and pray that you can lift up the good in our nation as a whole and, most importantly, within each other. This is not a space for politics or hate, but a place for compassion… and cookies. Cookies are what we can all agree on!
Here is the #1 question I am asked during the holiday season: what is the best way to ship cookies? Without breaking? And remaining fresh? First of all, there you are demonstrating compassion. I love it. There’s no better way to spread love than with homemade food. Plus, who doesn’t want to receive a box of goodies on their doorstep? After a couple years of trial and error (and broken cookies), I’ve found that there’s actually a very simple way to successfully ship cookies to loved ones. The cookies won’t bounce around or break and will arrive as fresh as can be.
The secret is… a sandwich.
But not your typical turkey club or roast beef sandwich– a cookie sandwich without the filling. Two cookies, back-to-back.
What now?
How to Ship Cookies
Place two cooled cookies together back to back. Wrap each sandwich up individually and tightly. I know this uses a little extra plastic wrap but you really don’t need much per cookie sandwich. Wrapping the cookies up, back to back, will keep them sturdy and confined, safe and strong. Unless the cookies are very soft and falling apart in your hands, they shouldn’t break or tear during the shipping process because they are confined and have the support from the cookie beneath it.
Place all of the wrapped sandwiches into a tin or Tupperware container. Stuff the tin or container with tissue paper (here’s a festive option!), crumbled newspaper, or packing peanuts to keep the cookies snug. Place the tin or container into a shipping box and use more crumbled newspaper or other shipping materials if needed. Then send off!
What Are the Best Cookies to Ship?
I find that cookies without chocolate drizzles and/or frosting are best to ship year-round. Stick to drop style cookies such as:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Snickerdoodles
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Butter Cookies or Chocolate Butter Cookies
- Drop Sugar Cookies
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
- Butterscotch Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies (pictured)
- Butterscotch Toffee Chocolate Fudge Cookies (pictured)
- Biscotti (wrap up two together back-to-back)
Decorated Cookies: If you’re sending decorated sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies, make sure your royal icing is completely set before sandwiching and wrapping. If you’re shipping cookies during the cooler months, chocolate dipped or drizzled would be just fine. Be careful with these in the heat of summer, though.
Here are all of my cookie recipes. I have hundreds to browse!
Which cookies don’t ship well? Use your best judgement here. Any delicate cookies or cookies that require immediate refrigeration aren’t ideal for shipping. (French macarons, lace cookies, etc) Stick with sturdier cookies.
What About Blondies, Brownies, and Bars?
Bars/brownies are another wonderful homemade treat to ship. I suggest wrapping each bar individually to preserve freshness, softness, and chew. Remember, pack them into the tin or tupperware container tightly. Some suggestions:
- Homemade Brownies (I like adding festive M&Ms on top before baking)
- Dark Chocolate Coconut Blondies
- Snickerdoodle Blondies
Some Favorite Cookie Tins
Here are some of my favorite cookie tins you can use for shipment. These are also great options for storing holiday cookies or gifting to neighbors and nearby friends and family.
It’s all pretty simple, right? Go send some love!
Cookies pictured above: butterscotch pretzel chocolate chip cookies and butterscotch toffee chocolate fudge cookies.
More Baking Tips
- 5 Best Cookie Baking Success Tips to Improve Your Next Batch
- Why Room Temperature Ingredients Make a Difference
- How to Freeze Cookie Dough (make them now, ship them later!)
- Soften Butter Quickly (helpful trick!)
- Baking Powder vs Baking Soda
- How to Properly Measure Baking Ingredients
- Salted Butter vs Unsalted Butter
Q: How do you usually ship goodies?
