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)
- Butterscotch 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
- 4 Cookie Doughs to Master
Q: How do you usually ship goodies?
My grandchildren receive “ Love Grama” cookie batches every month. I bake , place cookies back to back/ plastic wrap then freeze. After a day they are in the mail
Cookies arrive delish, fresh and no crumbles!
Love that!
I bake several kinds of cookies in December. How long can you store cookies in tins?
Hi Enid, it’s best to defer to the best-by timelines for each specific cookie recipe.
Any special precautions for shipping in the heat?
I love your recipes and helpful tips. Do you have any tips for shipping pound cakes?
Hi Mika, we’d recommend wrapping in a layer of plastic wrap/Press N Seal, then aluminum foil. Make sure the package is well-padded so that the cake doesn’t get smushed!
Thank you for your tips! You mention in another post that a slice of white bread stored with the cookies keeps the cookies fresh. Would it help to put a piece of white bread in the package too since it could take a few days to arrive?
Hi Whitney, you certainly could try it!
I love baking your goodies. The family can’t get enough of your chocolate cake. (includes Black Forest). Getting ready to ship out heart shaped sugar cookies and you just told me how to ship them out. THANK YOU! I do modify some of your recipes to make sure everyone is happy (they are super picky). I now enjoy baking even more.
So glad to hear that you’re enjoying our recipes, Mary!
I love youre desserts it gives me ideas to do
For myself but I wanted to know the best shipping method for baked goods if they’re not in your area like I’m in New York and my friend is in El Paso Texas and I don’t really know how to ship stuff over there that is baked goods that won’t go bad
You are my favorite cookies chef. Thanks a lot.
Sally…. such a beautiful and touching message for all of us. You touch our lives every day with your friendship, recipes and suggestions, and you’ve become part of our lives…. part of our circle of friends. Thank you for all you do for all of us. May peace be everywhere and in everyone’s heart as we begin a new year. God bless you
Hi Sally and Awesome Bake Team!
I am getting ready to make my Dad some of your coconut macaroons and then then to him for Christmas. We won’t be together this year and I want to brighten his holiday since he won’t be able to see the grandkids or us. If I sandwich then and use some bubble wrap in the box, do you think they’ll travel ok without breaking up? I’m sending some thumbprints too, but those are a bit more sturdy I think so I’m not as concerned about them. Thanks so much! Merry Christmas!
Hi Caitlin, that should work well! Or you could store them in a small cookie tin. Note that the coconut macaroons are fresh at room temperature for only 3 days—just something to keep in mind with shipping timelines.
My sister’s and I have been shipping cookies to out of state family for years and never a problem. We send a variety too. Pack them tight, cushion with wax paper, close up the container and then into a box cushioned with newspaper. USPS is the best, cookies got across the country in 2 days one week before Christmas! Family always love them!!