How To Ship Cookies

Mailing cookies to faraway friends or relatives is a great way to surprise them. These simple tips will ensure your package survives the bumpy journey.

Proper packaging techniques are essential when shipping cookies as they impact their delivery. Whether you send cookies to kids away at college, parents or grandparents, avoid any letdown by taking the time to package them carefully. This gives your edible gifts a good chance of arriving fresh and crumble-free.

Jump To

Choose the Best Cookies for Shipping

Choose sturdy or chewy cookies such as sugar, drop, or bar cookies. They hold their shape well, making them an excellent option for shipping.

These cookies also have a longer shelf life and are less likely to spoil or become stale during transit.

Some cookies that travel well include chocolate chip, gingerbread, oatmeal-raisin, brownies and biscotti.

Avoid shipping thin or delicate cookies such as macarons. They are prone to breaking or becoming damaged during shipping. These cookies can also become stale or soften quickly.

Cut-out cookies with pointed edges might break easier than those with rounded edges.

Some cookies that do not travel well include thin cookies, brandy snaps or lacey cookies.

Allow the Cookies to Cool

It’s crucial to let the cookies cool completely before packaging. Packaging warm cookies can cause condensation, making the cookies soften and spoil quickly. Cooling the cookies makes them firmer and helps maintain their shape during the trip.

Avoid packaging frosted cookies before the icing is set. The frosting may smudge or become damaged, affecting the appearance of the cookies.

Individually Wrap the Cookies

Wrap single or pairs of cookies, back-to-back, in wax paper, aluminum foil or cling film. This prevents them from sticking together, breaking or losing shape. This method also keeps out air and moisture.

Shrink-wrap or heat seal the cookies, if possible.

Choose Packaging for Freshness and Security

Tin cans have a classic appearance and are durable, but they are heavier and less convenient for mailing. They’re perfect for gifting, with the option to add custom or personalized labels.

Plastic storage containers are ideal for cookie packaging. They are a budget-friendly, lightweight choice that comes in various sizes and shapes. But, they may not offer the same level of protection against air and moisture as vacuum-sealed bags.

Zip-top and vacuum-sealed bags offer optimal protection against air and moisture. They keep cookies fresh but can be a pricier and less attractive option.

Protection against physical damage during shipping is crucial. Use cushioning materials such as bubble wrap or foam peanuts to prevent shifting.

Maintaining cookie freshness during shipping ensures they arrive in good condition. Using desiccants or moisture-absorbing packs helps to prevent moisture buildup inside the packaging. This extends the shelf life of the cookies and prevents staleness.

Pack the Cookies Securely

Line the bottom of the container with wax paper, parchment paper, or aluminum foil. This helps keep the cookies fresh and prevents them from absorbing other odors.
Layer the cookies in the container with the heaviest ones on the bottom. Add waxed paper between the layers.
Position the cookies in the container to prevent movement or breakage during transit. Alternate the direction to keep them tight and secure and avoid many gaps.
Fill the empty spaces with crumpled wax paper or tissue paper to prevent movement.
Tightly close the lid and tape it if necessary. Wrap the container in bubble wrap or tissue paper and place it in a sturdy shipping box.
Add extra cushioning materials to the box.

Clearly Label and Seal the Box

Ensure the box is labeled with the recipient’s name and address and your return address. Use a permanent marker and write in a clear and legible font.

A shipping label can help keep the information in place during transit.

Before closing and sealing the box, add an extra note with both addresses, in case the shipping label gets damaged.

Mark the package “Fragile” or “Perishable,” then close the box and seal it with waterproof tape.

Choose the Shipping Method

Select a shipping method based on the desired delivery time. Priory Mail or Overnight options are the quickest but also the priciest.
Choose a shipping method with tracking and insurance for gifts or purchases.
Ship packages earlier during the week to avoid them spending the weekend in a warehouse.
When determining the shipping cost, consider the package’s weight and size. Ensure accurate measurement and weight to select the best shipping option.
Compare prices from different carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and USPS, to find the best shipping rates.
During warm weather shipping, opt for a shipping method with temperature control. Try an insulated box with a cold pack.
Check customer reviews to find experiences others have had when shipping cookies.