There’s a fine line between sending someone a taste of home and comfort and a taste of cardboard because the cookies went stale. How can you ensure cookies stay fresh when you send a care package? Some bakers weighed in on how they ship cookies. Keep reading to learn their tips.
Rosie Elliott

Rosie Elliott

Let the Cookies Cool

The main enemies of fresh-baked cookies are moisture and heat. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do.

First, let the cookies cool completely after baking. Warm cookies will sweat and get soggy. Let them sit on the baking sheet for at least 10 to 15 minutes before packing.

Next, use layers to protect the cookies. Line the bottom of your box or tin with crispy parchment paper or paper towels which will absorb condensation. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Finally, insulate your container. Pack cookies tightly so they don’t shift around. Then surround them with soft packaging like styrofoam, crumpled paper or bubble wrap. This protects them from sudden temperature changes in transit which can cause sweating. If possible, ship early in the week using fast shipping so they don’t sit over hot weekends.

Ingredients That Naturally Extend Shelf-Life

Ensuring cookies remain fresh during delivery hinges on proper packaging and ingredient selection. Vacuum-sealing offers one of the most effective methods to lock in freshness by removing air that hastens deterioration.

Utilizing ingredients that naturally extend a cookie’s shelf life, such as honey or certain oils, can also help maintain quality. Our care packages feature cookies sealed individually to combat moisture and external contaminants. This approach has allowed us to deliver the same fresh, homemade taste one would expect straight from the oven to our clients’ doorsteps.

Balaram Thapa

Balaram Thapa

Director/Travel Advisor - Nepal Hiking Team.
Catherine Rall

Catherine Rall

Registered Dietitian at .

Use a Rigid, Air-tight Container

You’re ultimately in a race against time here. Even if you carefully pack and protect your cookies, they’re still going to get stale with time and damaged with rough handling on any shipping journey. The less time they spend on the road, the fresher they’ll be when they get there.

Use an air-tight container. This will help to cut down on staleness. I like to double-package mine, putting them in a plastic bag inside of a box. Use a rigid container like tupperware. This will protect your cookies from getting squished, especially if you pack them in with paper towels.

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