• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Midwest Nice logo

  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Recipe Index
  • ebooks
    • Venison ebook
    • Coffee ebook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • ebooks
    • Venison ebook
    • Coffee ebook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Cookies » How to Mail Homemade Cookies

    December 19, 2020 · Updated December 3, 2021

    How to Mail Homemade Cookies

    5 from 2 votes
    3 Comments

    · by Amanda Gajdosik

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A pin to share how to mail cookies

    Learn how to mail homemade cookies to friends and family with this definitive step-by-step guide. This is the method I’ve used to mail cookies for years! It results in a perfectly prepared package that sees the cookies shipped safely every single time.

    A pair of hands puts the lid on a tin of Christmas cookies that are ready to be mailed. The tin says "Merry Christmas" in red with a green wreath around it.

    ‘Tis the season for cookie baking! And for sharing those sweets with loved ones near and far. But how to do it? How do you safely pack and ship cookies in the mail?

    Read this post for a comprehensive breakdown of how I assemble packages of cookies for the mail and learn how you can too!

    A cookie tin full of Christmas cookies and treats lined with red and white striped tissue paper.

    Supplies for mailing cookies

    While the homemade cookies are obviously an important part of a cookie care package, the supplies you use to pack and ship them are just as crucial! Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

    All of the supplies needed to mail cookies with the USPS are on a grey backdrop and labeled.
    • A Box. My favorite box to use is the large, flat rate priority shipping box from the USPS. Because there’s a flat fee of $21.10 there’s no surprise shipping cost. No matter how many cookies you shove into the box! (Please don’t really shove the cookies into the box.)

    • Cookie Tin. While I love the whimsical boxes that are all over Instagram, it's best to choose a container with a lid when you're mailing cookies. Gotta protect the cookies! I like the metal ones that can be found at Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, and Target this time of year.

    • Bubble Wrap. Lining both the box and the tin with bubble wrap creates the first effective layer of cushion and crush protection.

    • Plastic Wrap. Wrapping groups of cookies in plastic wrap is the first step in keeping the cookies as fresh as possible while being shipped!

    • Plastic Bags. After being wrapped in plastic, the cookies get stored in zip-top plastic bags. Push out all the air before sealing to help ensure freshness! During the holiday season I like to use printed ones for added flair.

    • Tissue Paper/Shredded Paper. You can use tissue paper, newspaper, or even crumpled paper bags to further cushion your cookies. Save paper that stores like TJ Maxx and Home Goods use to wrap breakables as it makes great packing material! Shredded paper falls into all the nooks and crannies around your cookie box.

    • Ribbon/Twine. Wrap the cookie box in ribbon or twine to secure the lid tightly, if desired.

    • Tape. Quality packing tape around the outside of the box ensures the box won’t fall apart during shipping.

    The best stuffing for shipping cookies

    Want to know the biggest secret when it comes to packing and shipping a care package of cookies? Popcorn!

    Yes! Popcorn! Bags of popcorn arranged around the tin act as extra, edible cushion. Regular popcorn works, but fun options like puffed caramel corn or peppermint popcorn are extract special this time of year.

    How to ship cookies in the mail?

    Wrap the cookies in plastic wrap. Small stacks of 3 to 5 of the same cookies is best.

    Hands wrap a piece of plastic wrap around peppermint pinwheel cookies.

    Seal the wrapped cookies. In zip-top plastic bags. Printed ones are a festive, fun option during the holidays. Make sure all the air is removed from the bag before sealing.

    Hands seal a plastic zip-top bag filled with cookies while other stacks of wrapped cookies are arranged around the bag.

    Line the cookie tin. First with bubble wrap, then with tissue paper. Allow the paper to hang over the edges of the tin.

    Hands line a cookie tin with red and white striped tissue paper for mailing cookies.

    Pack the cookie tin. Place the cookie stacks on their sides. This will allow you to pack more cookies and protect them from getting smushed or crushed in the container. Add in candies and chocolates, too, if desired.

    Hands arrange bags of packaged homemade cookies in a tin to be shipped in the mail.

    Cover the tin. With the paper overhang and then close the lid.

    Hands fold tissue paper over a tin of cookies that will be sent in the mail.

    Place the tin in a box. Make sure the box is lined with bubble wrap and then crumpled paper before placing the cookies inside. Choose a box that is a few inches larger than your cookie tin. This will allow space for extra cushioning.

    A cookie tin sits in a USPS large priority box that is lined with bubble wrap and tissue paper.

    Cushion the tin. With more tissue or craft paper or POPCORN! Popcorn is a great packing material as well as snack!

    Bags of popcorn surround a cookie tin in a shipping box.

    Don’t forget the card! Be sure to add the card into the box so your recipient knows who the package is from.

    A holiday card sits on a tin of cookies that will be sent in the mail. There are bags of popcorn around the tin in a box to protect it from getting crushed.

    Cover the cookies. Top off the whole box with shredded paper before taping shut with packing tape.

    Brown shredded paper is set on top of the whole package before the box is sealed shut.

    Label the box. In addition to making sure the box is properly addressed, write the word “Fragile” on the box. This lets USPS carriers know to be extra careful when handling the cookies. If desired, write the word “Up” along the sides of the box with arrows pointing upwards. This will ensure the box doesn’t get flipped and tossed around.

    The word "FRAGILE" is written on a USPS shipping box in permanent marker.

    Tips for safely mailing cookies

    Fresh is best. Use the freshest cookies possible. Either ones made that day, or the evening before. If baked and packaged the same day, make sure the cookies are totally cool before wrapping in plastic!

    Less is more. We all want to make sure our loved ones are getting as many cookies as possible, but be sure not to overstuff the package. If the package is too full, you risk damaging the cookies during packing and the recipient could ruin the cookies when opening.

    A box filled with a cookie tin full of homemade cookies that will be sent through the mail.

    Above and beyond. To really ensure freshness you can use a vacuum sealer to suck out all the air from your cookie care package. I like to either do this with each individual cookie stack or seal the entire tin once it is packed.

    Forgo frosting. Not only can frosting spoil, but mailing frosted cookies is a more difficult process. It requires more packing materials for less cookies. Skip cookies covered in soft, squishy frosting and opt for unfrosted cookies or gingerbread men decorated with hard royal icing, if desired.

    A festive Christmas cookie tin filled with four different kinds of cookies and three types of chocolate candies.
    A white banner with black lettering and stars asking readers to leave a recipe rating or comment.

    Go forth and successfully mail cookies!

    Print
    5 from 2 votes

    How to Ship Cookies in the Mail

    Learn how to perfectly pack and safely ship homemade cookies with this definitive step-by-step guide for sending cooking in the mail.
    Active Time25 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Cookies, Mail Cookies with USPS, Mailing Cookies, Shipping Cookies
    Yield: 1 box
    Author: Amanda Gajdosik
    Cost: $21.10

    Equipment

    • Shipping Box
    • Bubble Wrap
    • Tissue/Craft Paper
    • Plastic Wrap
    • Zip-Top Bags
    • Cookie Tin
    • Shredded Paper
    • Packing Tape
    • Scissors
    • Permanent Marker
    • Homemade Cookies
    • Popcorn (optional)

    Instructions

    • Prepare your shipping box by taping the bottom shut with packing tape. Line the bottom with bubble wrap and crumpled tissue or craft paper and set aside. Be sure to choose a box that is a few inches larger than your cookie tin. This will allow space for extra cushioning.
    • Wrap small stacks of 3 to 5 of the same cookies in plastic wrap. Then seal each stack in individual zip-top bags. Gently press out the air before sealing each bag. During the holidays, printed, festive bags are extra fun!
    • Line the cookie tin. First with bubble wrap, then with tissue paper. Make sure the paper is hanging over the sides of the container.
    • Pack the cookie tin. Place the cookie stacks on their sides in the tin. This will allow you to pack more cookies and protect them from getting smushed or crushed in the container. Add in candies and chocolates, too, if desired.
    • Cover the cookies with the tissue paper overhang and close the lid. If desired, wrap tin in twine or ribbon to ensure it will remain close no matter what.
    • Place the tin in the prepared shipping box.
    • Cushion the tin. With more tissue or craft paper, or POPCORN! Popcorn is a great packing material as well as snack! Arrange small bags of popcorn around the edges of the box to ensure the cookie tin won’t move an inch.
    • Don’t forget the card! Be sure to add a card into the box so your recipient knows who the package is from.
    • Cover the cookies. Top off the whole box with shredded paper before taping shut with packing tape.
    • Label the box. In addition to making sure the box properly addressed, write the words “Fragile” on the box so USPS carriers know to be extra careful when handling the cookies. If desired, write the word “Up” with arrows pointing up toward the top of the box along the sides so the box doesn’t get flipped and tossed around.
    • Mail the box! As soon as it’s packed to ensure the cookies arrive quickly to your loved one.

    Browse More Recipes!

    • Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
    • Homemade dog biscuits
      Homemade Dog Biscuits
    • Giant Conversation Heart Cookie Cake
    • Peppermint Mocha Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
      Peppermint Mocha Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
    100 shares
    • Share this Recipe!
    • Send this Recipe!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anita says

      December 03, 2021 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      I love this so much! Just linked to it in my cookie box post! I can't wait to use your tips to send cookies to my far away friends and fam. Love you my friend! Happy Holidays. xo - Anita

      Reply
    2. Lynda smith says

      October 22, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      What box did you use for your Christmas cookie box

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        October 22, 2022 at 4:38 pm

        Hi Lynda,

        I bought the tin from a craft store and the box itself is a USPS large flat rate box. You can pick them up for free at your local post office and only pay for the flat rate shipping cost when mailing out the cookies. Hope this helps 🙂

        Amanda

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, Yall!

    Amanda, a food photographer and recipe developer, leans against a kitchen counter. She is smiling and holding a camera. She wears a white shirt and black jeans.
    Hi! I'm Amanda, and I believe in good food for good people. I hope you enjoy the homemade recipes you'll find on my site.
    • instagram
    • facebook
    • pinterest

    Choose a Category

    Looking For Something?

    Recently

    • 5 Minute Simple Syrup Recipe (Great for drinks!)
    • Ground Venison Tater Tot Nachos (Totchos!)
    • Smoked and Reverse Seared Venison Tenderloin
    • Making Venison Backstrap on a Pellet Grill
    • Grilled Duck Breast Tacos with Apple Slaw
    • Venison Patty Melt
    • How to Make a Holiday Simmer Pot (Great for gifting!)
    • Grilled Venison Philly Cheesesteak
    • Sugared Cranberries (3 Ingredients!)
    • Ultimate Venison Tenderloin Sandwich

    Archived Posts

    Meet Amanda

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Contact

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2020 - 2023 Midwest Nice

    100 shares