How to Pack Cookies for Mailing (2024)

From special moments like graduations and birthdays to holidays like Valentine's Day and Christmas, sending a cookie care package to those you love is a great way to show you care. Make sure yourspecial delivery arrives in mint condition with these recommendations from our Test Kitchen. From suggested cookies to send to tips on how to properly pack them, sending cookies in the mail is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

Which cookies mail the best?

  • Bar, drop or dried fruit cookies can withstand mailing without much damage. Cranberry Orange Cookies are a tasty, festive cookie to send.

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  • Cookies with hard textures, like biscotti and shortbreads ship well. Chocolate chip cookies and gingersnaps are also great options. Crisp Chocolate Chip Shortbread combine two of those favorites and is great choicefor mailing.

How to Pack Cookies for Mailing (2)

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What Cookies Not to Mail

  • Cookies that require refrigeration, like cheesecake bars should be avoided. It getscomplicated to ensure cold foods stay cold during shipping.

  • Fragile cookies are more likely to fall apart when mailed. Delicate cookies like madeleines or blossom cookies tend to break apart no matter how carefully you package them.

How to Package Cookies for Mailing

  1. Use a durable, rigid box or empty tin as a mailing container. Place bubble wrap in the bottom of the container, then line the container with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap that is large enough to wrap over the cookies when the container is full. We also like to put Caramel Puff Corn into little bags and use it like packing peanuts–delicious and functional.

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  2. Wrap four to six cookies of the same size together in aluminum foil, plastic wrap or plastic bags. Double-wrap cookies if shipping more than one kind or flavor, so the flavors don’t blend.

  3. Don’t pack crisp and soft cookies together. By the time the cookies arive at their destination, the crisp cookies won’t be as crisp anymore.

  4. Place the heaviest cookies on the bottom of the container and layer the wrapped cookies with crumpled paper toweling or holiday tissue paper around them–but do not overstuff or under-pack the cookies. Put bubble wrap over the cookies. Then bring the lengths of aluminum foil or plastic food wrap up and over the contents.

  5. Pack the tin or container in a heavy cardboard box that is large enough to allow two inches of cushion between the container and the box. Place a large amount of packing material–bubble wrap, shipping peanuts or popcorn–between the container and box.

  6. Seal the container with freezer, plastic or adhesive tape. Mark the package “Perishable Food” and/or “Fragile.” (Not “Irresistibly Yummy, Delicious Cookies,” to avoid tempting the willpower of the delivery person.)

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Delivering Cookie Gifts

  • Allow enough time so your package won’t be left sitting in a post office or mailroom over a weekend. Use an express mail service if time is short or you want to be sure that your cookies will arrive intact.

  • Be aware of temperature differences. If sending to or from a warm climate, remember that nut brittles and foods containing chocolate may melt before delivery. Overnight delivery may be your best choice.

Do you have other tips regarding mailing cookies? Please share your ideas to help other bakers as they plan for the big holiday cookie send-off.

How to Pack Cookies for Mailing (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to send cookies? ›

Stuff the tin or container with tissue paper (I've purchased this set of Christmas colored tissue paper– it's great), 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.

Can I send a cookie through the mail? ›

Wrap each cookie in plastic. For extra security, double wrap cookies in pairs. Remember to use plenty of cushioning material beneath and around the cookies to keep them secure in your container. Select an express shipping option to get your cookies delivered right on time.

How do you send decorated cookies in the mail? ›

Place a piece of bubble wrap in the box, followed by a piece of tissue paper. Layer the cookies in the box, 4 cookies per layer, with bubble wrap and tissue paper in between each layer. I pack as many as 16 cookies in an 8x8x5" box. Place a piece of bubble wrap on top and close the lid.

How do you pack cookies so they don't break in the mail? ›

Use a durable, rigid box or empty tin as a mailing container. Place bubble wrap in the bottom of the container, then line the container with aluminum foil or plastic food wrap that is large enough to wrap over the cookies when the container is full.

How do you pack cookies for shipping so they don't break? ›

Line the bottom of a durable, rigid box or cookie tin with cushioning material (like some crumpled parchment), then place larger and heavier cookies on the bottom, and smaller cookies on top. You can also add a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each cookie for additional protection.

Can you ship cookies in a Ziploc bag? ›

Ziplock bag— try to remove as much air out of the bag as possible. Plastic wrap— you can wrap individual cookies or a small stack of cookies. Plastic cellophane treat bags— these are great for stacks of cookies, and for individual decorated cookies like sugar cookies.

Can you mail homemade cookies USPS? ›

Yes, you can mail cookies! You can mail them via USPS, Fedex and UPS and, depending on how fast you want them to arrive, you can choose expedited shipping. You want your cookies to arrive fresh so I recommend using, at a maximum, three to four-day shipping depending on the kind of cookie you're sending.

Can you ship cookies in a padded envelope? ›

Cookie Packaging Tips

Refrain from using zippered plastic bags as the only layer as this doesn't provide enough protection. Feel free to use them inside boxes or tins to make it airtight. Ship in a box rather than a padded envelope, sometimes they get beat up pretty good in transit.

Is it better to ship cookies UPS or USPS? ›

"The best way to ship cookies is fast," says UPS, and suggests express shipping options, such as the flat-priced UPS Simple Rate that offers four-speed options from Ground to Next Day Air Saver.

How do you send homemade treats in the mail? ›

Parchment paper, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap are the best materials to secure your food followed by an extra layer of covering or fitted in a ziplock bag. When packing cookies, brownies, or bars, place a sheet of wax/parchment paper between each layer if you are packing them together.

What is the cheapest way to ship cookies? ›

USPS First Class Package Is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Package of Cookies Under 1 Pound. If your package of cookies weighs under 1 lb (16 oz), then USPS First Class Package Service will hands down be your cheapest option to ship them.

Will cookies stay fresh in a Ziplock bag? ›

Cookies can last in the fridge for two weeks, but eating them sooner is better. Store cookies in the fridge in a fully sealable plastic bag or plastic container.

How do you pack Christmas cookies for shipping? ›

Arrange your cookies in individual airtight containers and wrap them snugly with tissue paper. You may even want to place them inside a sturdy cookie tin or another box before putting them inside the Priority Mail box.

How long do homemade cookies last in the mail? ›

Properly stored, freshly baked cookies will last for about 2 to 3 weeks at normal room temperature.

Should you put cookies in an airtight container? ›

Storing Soft Cookies

Like dry cookies, you want to store chewy cookies in an airtight container - like Tupperware - to help them retain their moisture.

How long do cookies last in an airtight container? ›

What is this? Regular homemade cookies will last for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature and up to 9 months if stored in the freezer.

Do cookies need airtight container? ›

While you might think an airtight container or zip-top plastic storage bag is the way to go, it will actually trap moisture inside, making the cookies soften. Instead, leave the bag partially unsealed. The cookies should stay fresh for several days.

Will cookies stay fresh in cellophane? ›

Once my cookies are baked, cooled, iced and dry, I package them in cello bags and seal them with a heat sealer. I use the 8″ size heat sealer from ULINE (you can also find them on Amazon). They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 weeks after that (depending on what cookie recipe you're using).

How long do cookies last in sealed bag? ›

At room temperature: Keep them sealed up in an airtight container. They'll be good for two weeks.

Can you ship cookies in Tupperware? ›

Other alternatives include placing the cookies in tins, airtight packaging like tupperware, or sealed ziptight bags. By placing the wrapped cookies in an airtight container within the box, you'll ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Can I vacuum seal cookies for shipping? ›

I bake the cookies as usual and let them cool completely overnight. I use a vacuum sealer and make little pouches that hold two or three cookies each. The vacuum sealing seems to make the cookies impervious to breakage, and the cookies last a long time. This procedure can be a little time-consuming but works great.

Can you mail baked goods USPS? ›

DON'T SHIP BEFORE THEY'RE READY!

For baked items, make sure the item is COMPLETELY COOLED before preparing to send. ORGANIZE YOUR GOODS PROPERLY: When mailing individual treats like cookies or bars, arrange them neatly in a plastic container or tin with wax paper between each item before packing into mailing box.

What kind of cookies can you send in the mail? ›

Sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, biscotti, bar cookies, shortbread, oatmeal cookies, and snickerdoodles do well. If you want to send cookies by mail that are frosted, choose those topped with a drier, firmer frosting, like a powdered sugar glaze or royal icing rather than a fluffy buttercream.

Does USPS consider a padded envelope a package? ›

Are Bubble Mailers Packages or Envelopes? This depends on the thickness of your bubble mailer. Once packed, if your bubble mailer is 3/4 of an inch thick or less, it's considered an envelope. If your bubble mailer is over 3/4 of an inch thick, it's considered a package.

Is it cheaper to ship a padded envelope or a box? ›

Shipping a padded envelope is almost always cheaper than shipping a box, but it may not be the best option for your package depending on what you're shipping. Fragile or valuable items or shipments of multiple items are always best packed in boxes.

Do cookies last in the mail? ›

Most cookie recipes last about a week; sometimes up to two weeks. The point is, you don't want them to arrive just as they're reaching their best-by date, so don't ship them via parcel post or any other method that will have your cookies in transit for a week or longer.

How much is it to send cookies in the mail? ›

Cookies can be shipped for $10 to $30 per package; you should pick a delivery option that gives your recipient a few extra days to enjoy the cookies while they're still at their freshest. Consider sending cookies early if you want to avoid shipping delays during the holidays.

Can I mail snacks through USPS? ›

Most nonperishable food items are mailable domestically if properly packaged. See USPS.com Shipping Restrictions.

How do you mail baked goods so they stay fresh? ›

How to Package Baked Goods for Shipping
  1. Cool baked goods before packing them. You should only package cooled baked goods.
  2. Secure each item. Wrap individual treats in food grade bags, parchment paper, or food liners to help keep them intact. ...
  3. Leave no wiggle room. ...
  4. Give your package a good shake.

What is the best way to send food through mail? ›

For perishable foods prepared at home and mailed, follow these guidelines:
  1. Ship in a sturdy box.
  2. Pack with a cold source, i.e., frozen gel packs or dry ice.
  3. When using dry ice: ...
  4. Wrap box in two layers of brown paper.
  5. Use permanent markers to label outside of the box.
30 Mar 2015

Should you freeze baked goods before shipping? ›

Before sending it off for shipping, you should place the baked goods in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours. This ensures the item will stay moist and fresh upon delivery. It's also crucial to note that dense baked goods tend to hold their shape better during shipping versus lighter baked goods like sponge cakes.

Can you mail cookies in flat rate boxes? ›

USPS, UPS, and FedEx offer medium flat-rate boxes that will get your cookies there in one to three days and will cost between $15 and $30, depending on the destination (you can get three- to four-dozen cookies in each box).

Are cookies perishable USPS? ›

Other softer cookies can potentially survive the trip, depending on how well they're packaged, says Rush, but delicate cookies like sugar, pizzelles, or even thin and crisp chocolate chip cookies are likely to break in the mail, no matter how meticulous the packaging.

What is the cheapest way to send cookies? ›

USPS First Class Package Is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Package of Cookies Under 1 Pound. If your package of cookies weighs under 1 lb (16 oz), then USPS First Class Package Service will hands down be your cheapest option to ship them.

Can you send cookies priority mail? ›

Depending on how the package is sent, domestic delivery can take up to five days, Frum says. To expedite and reduce the chance of spoilage when you send cookies by mail, choose Priority Mail Express (overnight to two days) or Priority Mail (one to three days) to help ensure it arrives in a timely manner, Frum says.

How do I mail homemade baked goods? ›

How to Package Baked Goods for Shipping
  1. Cool baked goods before packing them. You should only package cooled baked goods.
  2. Secure each item. Wrap individual treats in food grade bags, parchment paper, or food liners to help keep them intact. ...
  3. Leave no wiggle room. ...
  4. Give your package a good shake.

Will cookies stay fresh in a box? ›

How Long Do Baked Cookies Last? Baked cookies will stay fresh for three days in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

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