Shipping decorated cookies can feel intimidating, but with the right materials and method, your beautifully crafted cookies can arrive safe, fresh, and ready to impress. Whether you're shipping to family and friends or fulfilling orders for custom cookies, proper packaging is essential. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to safely prepare your cookies for shipping, using what I’ve learned through years of cookie decorating.
Why Careful Packaging Matters
Decorated cookies are fragile—their intricate designs make them delightful to receive but easy to break in transit. Proper packing protects your hard work and ensures they arrive just as intended.
Step 1: Gather the Right Materials
You don’t need fancy tools, but you do need reliable supplies. Here’s what I recommend:
Packaging Materials Checklist
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Cellophane bags (4x6” fits most standard cookies)
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Heat sealer or alternative sealing method
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Bubble wrap
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Gift or snug-fitting inner boxes
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Outer shipping boxes (2-3” larger than inner boxes)
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Packing peanuts, crinkle paper, or newsprint
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Clear packing tape
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Scissors
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"Fragile" stickers
Step 2: Bag and Seal Each Cookie
Place each cookie in a clear cello bag to keep it clean and fresh. If you have a heat sealer, this is the best option. It not only keeps air out but also gives a professional finish. No sealer? Use tape, or a sticker, but ensure the bag is completely closed.
Step 3: Wrap the Cookies
Place your cookie—already sealed in a cellophane bag—into a bubble pouch. Then pair two cookies back-to-back and wrap them together with an extra layer of bubble wrap. Make sure the decorated sides are facing outward, not toward each other, to prevent smudging or breakage. If you don’t have bubble pouches, wrapping the cookies in tissue paper works too, but I prefer the extra protection bubble pouches provide.
Step 4: Pack Cookies Vertically
Place the cookies in a snug-fitting gift box, standing up like file folders. Laying cookies flat may seem logical, but this vertical “plate-style” method helps reduce breakage from impact.
Layer additional bubble wrap or tissue between cookie rows if needed. Top the gift box with one last protective layer before closing.
Step 5: Double-Box for Safety
Place the inner gift box into a larger shipping box lined with cushioning materials like packing peanuts, crinkle paper, or newsprint. The inner box should not shift when you gently shake the package. Fill all gaps so the box is suspended in a cozy, protective nest.
Step 6: Seal and Label
Seal your shipping box with strong packing tape. Add "Fragile" stickers to all sides of the box. It doesn’t guarantee special treatment, but it helps.
Step 7: Choose the Right Shipping Method
For best results, use USPS Priority Mail or an equivalent service that ships within 1-3 days. The less time your cookies spend in transit, the better their condition upon arrival.
Bonus Tip for Success
Avoid Humidity
If you’re shipping from a humid area like Lexington, KY, be sure your cookies and icing are fully dry before packaging. Moisture can cause sticking, smudging, or spoilage.
In Conclusion: Shipping Decorated Cookies with Confidence
With a little preparation and care, shipping decorated cookies can be stress-free and successful. By using airtight packaging, double-boxing your cookies, and cushioning well, you’ll ensure that your creations arrive beautifully. Whether you’re a hobby baker or selling custom cookies, these shipping tips will help protect your artistry and keep your customers or loved ones smiling.
Want to learn more about cookie decorating and packaging tips? Browse our blog for more tutorials and insider tips from a cookie decorator who’s been there!
FAQs About Shipping Decorated Cookies
How far in advance can I ship decorated cookies?
You can ship cookies 2-3 days before you want them to arrive. Use a sturdy recipe and package them securely to stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Can decorated cookies be frozen before shipping?
Yes! You can freeze cookies ahead of time and thaw them before packaging. Just make sure they’re completely dry and at room temperature before wrapping. Here is a great blog article about freezing cookies.
What’s the best carrier for shipping decorated cookies?
USPS Priority Mail is a popular choice because of its 1–3 day delivery window. UPS and FedEx also offer reliable service for time-sensitive deliveries.
How do I keep the icing from getting damaged in transit?
Use cello bags, tissue paper, and bubble wrap to protect each cookie. Avoid placing decorated sides face-to-face and double-box every shipment.
Can I ship custom cookies internationally?
Shipping internationally is possible, but customs delays and longer transit times increase the risk of damage or spoilage. Stick to domestic shipping for best results unless you're experienced with international packaging.
What is The Cheerful Baker?
The Cheerful Baker is a cookie decorating business that offers monthly cookie cutter subscriptions, online decorating classes, and helpful resources for cookie artists of all skill levels.
Do you offer tutorials on cookie decorating?
Yes! I offer step-by-step cookie decorating tutorials that include supply lists, color guides, and techniques to help you decorate themed cookie sets with ease.
Where can I learn more about your cookie decorating subscription?
Visit HERE to learn about The Cheerful Box, our monthly subscription that includes themed cookie cutters, stencils, supply lists, and exclusive tutorials designed to make decorating easy and fun.