Cookie Care Packages

by Pinkchic18

There are many reasons that people send care packages, but what makes a care package even better is packing it with cookies! Here is how you can do it yourself.

Why Cookies?

What is the best way to show you care? What is the best way to reach out and touch a loved one who is far away?  What is the best way to encourage a college student going through exams or comfort a soldier who is wishing for a piece of home? Cookies, of course! A cookie care package not only gives the recipients a tasty treat, it reminds them that someone cares about them and wants to put a smile on their face. 

Here are some tips for creating spectacular cookie care packages.

What Kind of Cookies?

If you will be mailing your care package, it is a good idea to make sure the cookies will arrive looking, and more importantly, tasting great.  The best cookies for transit include: biscotti, cookie bars, brownies, blondies, chocolate chip, sugar, hermits, oatmeal, peanut butter, and various “icebox” cookies.  You can find a terrific gallery at MarthaStewart.com, complete with recipes.

If you have a cookie-loving soldier who would rather have baked treats than things like beef jerky, coffee gifts, or hard candy, check out these helpful hints from the Toll House Kitchen.  In this case, be sure to follow regulations – and this is one time when store-bought may be better, because there are more preservatives.

If the weather will be warm wherever you are sending the package, it helps to freeze or refrigerate the cookies until you are ready to ship. You can also trade chocolate chips for more hardy things like raisins or M&Ms. Likewise, if the package will take a while to get where it’s going, under-bake the cookies a bit so they keep longer.

What type of cookies would you make?

Image by ineffable_pulchritude on Flickr
Image by ineffable_pulchritude on Flickr

When to Make, Bake, and Send?

You can pre-make and freeze your dough whenever you’d like. 

When you are ready to send your care package, bake the gourmet cookies as close to shipping time as possible, while allowing them ample time to cool completely. 

A day, or two at most, is ideal so they are fresh.  Package and send right away.

Let's Talk Packaging

There are some tips and tricks to make sure cookies arrive not only in one piece but in top condition.  First, if you have made both soft and crunchy cookies, make sure to package them in separate tins or containers.  The crunchy cookies will absorb the moisture from the soft, making them rather soggy.  If you make only soft cookies, consider upgrading to express delivery.

If you are making strong cookies, like gingerbread or those with nutmeg, cloves, and other strong flavors, pack them separately from more mild varieties.  For drop cookies, package in bundles of two (with bottoms facing each other).  While it may take slightly more room, make sure to individually wrap cookie bars.

If you don’t have as much time to wrap cookies two-by-two, stack them, cover with plastic wrap, and then wrap tightly with foil.  You could also put them in a plastic, airtight container, with a sheet of waxed paper between layers. Fill the box to within about an inch of the top and fill in gaps with clean bubble wrap, crumpled wax paper, or tissue paper.

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Shipping

Image by zyphbear on FlickrFind a suitable box or purchase a flat rate from the Post Office.  It should be just a bit larger than the cookie container. Put a layer of bubble wrap, paper towels, foam peanuts, bags of popped corn, or tissue paper in the bottom of the box to protect the box of cookies from jostling during transit. Put the box in, surround it with your packaging material, and then seal it up.  Mark it “Fragile” on the sides and top.

Cookie care packages are a perfect way to say, “I love you,” “I miss you,” or “Hope you’re doing well!”  Your recipient is bound to enjoy their treat and appreciate the thought that has gone into it.  A little baking and packaging preparation will help you send the very best.

More Helpful Links

Check These Out

How to Send a Cookie Care Package to the Troops

5 Artful Ways to Package Cookies as Gifts

Gift Basket - Online Care Packages

What to Include in a Back-to-School Care Package

Updated: 07/26/2013, Pinkchic18
 
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katiem2 on 04/22/2012

Who doesn't love cookies, this is a great idea and one sure to lift anyone's spirits.

dustytoes on 04/06/2012

I send chocolate chip cookies to my son in Florida for his birthday and the packaging is the most time consuming part! Great page.

janices7 on 04/05/2012

Cookies make great care packages for college students, military personnel, or friends that need a little pick-me-up. YUM!

BalletGifts on 04/04/2012

What can there be that's better than cookies for a special taste of home!

Marie on 04/02/2012

I'd definitely love to get a cookie care package - what a wonderful idea and how lovely for the recipient too.

teddletonmr on 03/31/2012

Cookie Care Packages are a great idea, kids away at school that need a bit of comforting, men and women in the military or a sweetheart working out of town.
A good cookie, glass of milk, cup of tea or coffee will work wonders when we are in need of a little treat pick-me-up.

Mladen on 03/29/2012

What a wonderful idea! Never thought of that. Congratulations!:)

Angel on 03/28/2012

Congratulations on your Editors Choice Award! I love receiving care packages. Love sending them even more. Great page.

Michael on 03/27/2012

Great tips!

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