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.
But not your typical turkey club or roast beef sandwich– a cookie sandwich without the filling. Two cookies, back-to-back.
Choose a Sturdy Cookie You’re better off shipping a sturdier and denser cookie than a delicate one, which could crumble and break during shipping. Opt for chewy chocolate chip cookies, drop gingerbread cookie, oatmeal raisin, and crisp biscotti over thin and crispy cookies.
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:
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.
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!
How to Pack Cookies So They Arrive Safely When Shipping a Care Package
FAQ
What cookies are best to ship?
Do homemade cookies ship well?
How do you keep cookies fresh for shipping?
What kind of cookies should I ship?
You’re better off shipping a sturdier and denser cookie than a delicate one, which could crumble and break during shipping. Opt for chewy chocolate chip cookies, drop gingerbread cookie, oatmeal raisin, and crisp biscotti over thin and crispy cookies. Bar cookies, such as blondies and brownies, typically hold up as well during transportation too.
Are cookies safe to ship?
While every cookie is delicious, there are cookies that aren’t conducive for shipping. Any cookie that requires refrigeration such as mini cheesecake bites or a cookie that has a cream cheese filling are not safe to ship.
Which carriers ship cookies?
The largest ground carriers (USPS, FedEx, and UPS) have the capability to ship cookies. Regional carriers are also able to ship cookies – sometimes faster and cheaper. The best carrier will be the one that can get your shipment to the recipient in the shortest amount of time while offering the lowest shipping cost.
Can I ship cookies with USPS?
Aim to get your cookies to your recipient in a timely manner to preserve the freshness and quality of your items. 2-day or expedited shipping should be used when sending cookies via mail. Ideally, overnight shipping is best. Am I allowed to ship cookies with USPS? Cookies and other desserts can be mailed through USPS.