How to Ship Christmas Cookies

Planning to ship cookies for Christmas or another festive occasion this holiday season? Here are a few tips to help ensure that your package makes the sweetest arrival possible!

Bake Cookies that Travel Well

Your first step is to choose cookies that can stand up to shipping. Opt for something sturdy and forgiving, like gingersnaps, snickerdoodles, or sugar cookies. Delicate varieties like shortbread or things like gooey lemon bars might not be able to make the trip in one piece.

Package Like Cookies Together

If you plan to ship different types of cookies in the same container, package similar cookie types together in zipped freezer bags or cellophane bags before adding them to your bag or can. This can prevent a strongly flavoured peppermint double chocolate chip cookie from interfering with the buttery sweetness of a traditional spritz cookie, or the spicy warmth of cranberry oat bars.

Choose the Right Container

The right container can make the difference between a beautifully presented treat and a package of crumbled cookies. For the best results, select a box or tin with firm walls and a tight fitting lid. A good selection should help prevent crushing and keep you cookies safely contained without spillage or interference from any outside elements like moisture or odor. Of course you may also want to consider the size, shape and weight of your container, because it will impact the cost of shipping your Christmas cookies.

Make Sure There’s Enough Cushion

Cushioning is an extremely important part of successfully shipping holiday cookies. There are plenty of bumps, shakes, and jarring jostles that can occur as your package makes its way from point A to point B, so give those cookies a safe nest to rest in.

Begin with a soft base layer in your cookie box or tin, such as bubble wrap or packing foam. Then add another more structured layer of paper shred or tissue paper to create a soft, yet supportive nest. This second layer not only helps to cushion your cookies from anything happening outside of the box (or tin), but it’s also helpful to prevent the cookies from knocking into each other inside of your container. Add another protective layer of bubble wrap on top of the nested cookies and seal your box or tin.

Double Package

For added protection from jostling, moisture or any potential damage, you can add a second layer of protection by adding your cookies box/tin to a larger shipping box. Choose a shipping box slightly larger than your cookies package, and fill the gaps with more cushioning. You want to prevent the inner cookie box from moving around as much as possible.

Opt for Labels that Resist Moisture or Scuffing

Ensure that your boxes of lovingly homemade cookies reach the right recipients by using labels that can stand up to winter shipping, especially when sending to snowy regions. Avery Waterproof labels are an excellent choice when applying shipping labels or for adding important messaging for your holiday packages, such as Fragile, This End Up, or Do Not Fold.

Avery Waterproof Labels stand up to moisture, tears, and scuffs. These rectangle labels are available in 2” x 4”, 1" x 2⅝", 3⅓” x 4” and 5 ½” x 8 ½” sizes, making them an excellent choice for holiday packages of all sizes. On cookie boxes, choose a larger rectangle for your shipping information and a smaller rectangle to add important messaging and care details. Don’t forget to use a fun template for some added holiday flair!