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Ship Happens! The Best Way To Ship Cookies
- Trendy Mint
- Aug 16, 2024
- 4 min read
What is the best way to ship decorated sugar cookies?
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Sugar cookies - the classic treat that brings back childhood memories of frosting masterpieces and stolen cookie dough bites. Now, imagine sharing your delightful creations with friends and family who live far away!
Shipping sugar cookies can seem impossible, but I have shipped cookies many times and I'm sharing my step-by-step process! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to ensure your cookies arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
Basing our shipping off of the advice in the YouTube video link to video, let's dig into the essentials of shipping sugar cookies like a pro.
Supplies Needed:
Mailing cookies certainly does take some preparation and I'm linking all of the products below so you can simplify your process by having it all delivered to your door. If you don't have time to wait for supplies in the mail, you'll likely be able to find everything on this list locally.
The best cookie shipping supplies:
ribbon (the one I usually use but I ran out!)
The Cookie Foundation: Sturdiness is Key
Start with a sturdy cookie dough. Aim for a slightly thicker dough than what you might use for a soft and chewy cookie. This extra sturdiness helps the cookies withstand the bumps and jostles of travel.
Bake to a golden brown. A fully baked cookie will hold its shape better during shipping. Avoid under-baking, as soft cookies are more prone to breakage.
Cooling and Decorating Strategies: Let Your Masterpieces Set
Royal icing to the rescue! Royal icing dries hard and provides a stable base for decorations. Choose a thicker consistency for piped details and lettering.
Rolled Buttercream: I have seen other baker's say that they have mailed their rolled buttercream cookies but with a shorter shelf-life than royal icing and a much softer texture, proceed with caution.
Less is often more when it comes to decorations. While intricate designs might tempt you, intricate details are more prone to damage during transit. Consider simpler designs or sturdier embellishments like sprinkles and candies. Avoid piped floral details and cookie shapes that are fragile.
Packing Like a Pro: Secure Those Delights
This is going to take some time but it will be worth it to insure your beautiful decorated cookies (that you probably spent hours decorating), arrive in perfect condition! The last thing you want is to deliver tears and not smiles!
So, take your time with cushioning every cookie!
Box it up! Choose sturdy cardboard boxes with enough headspace to prevent cookies from jostling against each other.
The best boxes for shipping cookies are boxes that offer extra support around the sides and will sometimes state that they are uncrushable. You can also find them under the term "literature mailer". They look like this:
The power of cushioning! Line the bottom, sides and top of your box with bubble wrap, tissue paper, or packing peanuts to absorb shock and prevent movement.
Individually wrap? Heat Sealing your cookies in individual bags isn’t an option. It keeps your cookies fresh and it adds another layer of protection.
The all-important dividers! For thicker cookies stacked on top of each other or for boxes that don't have the extra support, use cardboard dividers to create compartments and prevent crushing.
Seal it tight! Secure the box with strong packing tape to ensure it stays closed during transit.
Labels: I always put a "fragile" sticker on EVERY side of my package. I'm not naive enough to think that the postal worker actually pay attention to the millions of fragile stickers used everyday but it makes me feel a little better.
Shipping Considerations: Time and Temperature
Choose your shipping method wisely. Consider the distance and desired delivery time. Priority mail with tracking might be a good option for faster delivery.
Think about the weather. Consider taking a shipping-vacation during the hottest times of the year. Generally, ice-packs and decorated cookies don’t mix. You’ll risk the chance of ruining the design on your cookies! The heat can soften your cookies which will make them even more fragile. In fact, the only time I had cookies break in the mail is when it was scorching hot!
Bonus Tip: Include a personalized card with a "Made with Love" message for that extra special touch!
By following these tips and packing your cookies like the video here, you can confidently ship your sugar cookies and spread joy through deliciousness, no matter the distance.
Now, get baking and share your creations with the world!
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