Cookies might just be the ultimate gesture of neighborly kindness. Who doesn’t love a plate of freshly baked goodies at the holidays? Gifting cookies to the neighbors can help you spread joy and sweeten your relationships.
So, how do you go about crafting the perfect combination of treats to win the not-real-but-definitely-feels-real neighborhood Christmas bake-off? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you with everything from baking to delivering to make sure your Christmas cookie gift boxes are a hit.
(Pavel Danilyuk/pexels)
1. Bake the Perfect Variety
You can always opt for the classics: chocolate chip, gingerbread, iced sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, etc. These are the ones people usually crave, and you can rarely go wrong with such timeless choices.
But you might also consider mixing some of those age-old favorites with a few exciting new recipes—think lemon crinkle cookies, double chocolate peppermint, or anything else you find. Yep, our mouths are watering, too.
Or if you’re so over baking cookies already, you could try spicing it up by adding decadent fudge, ooey-gooey caramels, or colorful candies. You’ll add extra variety and sweetness and be more likely to include something for everyone with your soft, chewy, crispy, crunchy tower of deliciousness on the plate.
2. Package It Like a Pro
If you feel like you lack creativity in the cookie-baking area, let your juices flow when it comes to packing up the treats.
A simple paper plate is always acceptable, of course, but consider other fun ideas, too. There are festive baskets, fancy holiday tins, and brightly-patterned gift bags. If you still want to go the paper plate route, think about wrapping them with sparkly cellophane for an extra touch of cheer.
It’s great to vary the types of goodies, but at the packaging step, it’s probably best to bag each one individually so the flavors don’t mix. No one wants their lemon bars to taste like peppermint fudge.
Bonus tip: Adding handwritten notes or little tags gives your creation an extra sprinkle of love.
3. Consider Dietary Restrictions
You want everyone to enjoy your holiday cookie boxes, no matter their needs, so try your best to remember your friends’ and neighbors’ dietary restrictions as you bake.
Here are some ideas for treats that people with a variety of common dietary needs can eat:
- Gluten-Free Brownies: They’re rich and fudgy and can be made with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
- Nut-Free Pretzel Bark: It’s a sweet-and-salty treat that adds crunch—without the nuts.
- Vegan Cookies: Swap out eggs and butter for coconut oil or avocado butter.
As you bake for someone with dietary restrictions, especially allergies, wash surfaces and dishes to be extra mindful of cross-contamination. Showing that you remember someone’s dietary needs adds an extra thoughtful detail to the gift.
4. The Doorstep Delivery
When gifting goodies, timing is everything. For the freshest, tastiest treats, bake them the day before you plan to deliver. This gives everything the time it needs to cool properly while still keeping that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.
But wait—make sure your neighbors are actually home to enjoy your cookies. It’s a good idea to check their schedule beforehand to avoid delivering to an empty house. Early delivery is the move, especially around the holidays.
If you’re feeling extra festive (or you just want to avoid the awkwardness of a ding-dong-ditch), why not sing a little carol when you hand the cookies over? A friendly “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” could certainly add some extra cheer to your drop-off.
5. Mailing Your Cookie Gifts
If you’re planning to send your cookies by mail, remember that the post office gets absolutely swamped near the Christmas season, so your package could take double the time to arrive at its destination. That means you need to give plenty of lead time to help your goodies get around the nightmare that is holiday travel.
And don’t forget the safety of your sweet treats. A soft bed of squiggly confetti or even air-popped popcorn can cushion your cookies so they arrive in one piece. Packaging them tightly is key—bubble wrap for the win!
Sweeten up your neighborhood this holiday season by sharing the love through delicious goodies. No matter if you bake homemade cookies or choose professionally baked ones, it’s a thoughtful way to connect with your neighbors.
After all, even if this is the only interaction you have with them all year, it’s still a meaningful gesture to show you care. A simple act of kindness can go a long way, spreading warmth during the festive season.
But if that all sounds like too much work, there’s always the option to send cookies to someone through a professional bake and ship company like Chocolate Shipped Cookies. Choco Shipped makes sure your cookies are fresh, beautifully packaged, and delivered stress-free for both the giver and receiver.