Shipping Cookies

Cookies make excellent gifts. If you aren't able to give a gift in person, then do the next best thing. Send a batch of lovingly baked homemade cookies.

Shipping cookies is a simple matter and, by taking some care with packing, quite successful.

There is no better way of showing someone you care than by sending a gift box filled with your home baked sweet treats. Not only are they inexpensive but who wouldn’t like to open a parcel filled with your homemade delights.

However, that message will be lost if your baked creations arrive in less than pristine condition.

So to ensure that your cookies aren’t reduced to a crumbly mess they will need to be well protected and packaged.

How to Ship Cookies

So that they arrive as fresh as possible, bake them as close to the day of shipment as possible. Allow them to cool completely then store in an airtight container until ready for shipment.

You will need a suitable container. Strong boxes can be purchased at the post office or office supply stores.

If you are shipping several different types it may be worthwhile packing them separately in smaller boxes, which then pack inside a larger box. Or you can use decorative tins or unbreakable cookie jars.

Tips for Packing

Line containers with foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh.

For protection, use bubble wrap or crumpled wax paper. For extra protection line the box with bubble wrap then wrap jars or smaller boxes with extra bubble wrap.

Pack the cookies in tightly. This will prevent them from moving around and will lessen the likelihood of breakage.

They can be individually wrapped or in pairs. Place back to back if wrapping in pairs.

Place sheets of waxed paper between each layer.

Decorated or delicate cookies should be packed in single layers in shallow containers.

Don't stack them more than 3 layers deep, place the heaviest ones on the bottom.

Leave sufficient room at the top for more packing material.

If you are shipping different flavored cookies, wrap each type and flavor separately.

The Best Cookies for Shipping

Unless you choose the right cookies, it won't matter how careful you are with your packaging, they are unlikely to arrive intact. Some definitely travel better than others.

Avoid delicately shaped cookies, for example Christmas trees with pointed ends which can break off, or very thin ones.

You need to choose something sturdy that will survive being bumped and jostled.

Brownies, bars and the drop varieties are best for shipping and mailing.

If you want to ship some frosted cookies, ice them with royal icing, as the icing sets hard and gives some protection.

Cookies containing dried fruit have good keeping qualities, as do ones with spices and even chocolate chips.

Filled cookies will end up soft and soggy and never try shipping those with a cream or dairy type filling.

So what are the best cookies for mailing?

• Biscotti
• Shortbread
• Spritz
• Gingerbread
• Drop cookies such as chocolate chip, oatmeal, peanut butter
• Macaroons
• Madeleines
• Fruit Cookies

For a nice touch use plain or colored cellophane. Then secure with a pretty colored ribbon and a bow.

And of course don't forget to add a card, printed or hand written, showing the name and the recipe. This way your recipients can enjoy them again and again.