One question I get asked all the time is, "How do you ship cookies?"
Most of the time I answer, "Very carefully!"
Oddly, people fail to see the humor in that.
But I think I am ready to share with you how I ship cookies, most of the time.
This works for me because I often do round or square cookies. If you are baking cookies with small apendages or delicate arms and legs, I highly recommend using Bridgets method.
The reason I use this particular format is this.
Once upon a time Brides Magazine emailed and asked if I would ship them some facebook cookies for their magazine.
Um, yes. Yes I will.
When I walked into UPS carrying the precious cookie cargo, I explained in great (and annoying) detail how each and every cookie must arrive in mint condition and there was no room for error.
This is what they did. (interpretted by me)
Supplies I use. (Not pictured: packing popcorn. My sweet post office guy always gives me some.)
First I started out by wrapping each cookie in parchment paper. I them placed it in their own bag. I often double up the cookies to save room and matericals.
To double up just place cookies back to back and wrap parchment around.
Place cookies in some type of bag. I got these from my local hobby store.
Front cookie=incorrect.
Second cookie=correct.
I have found that the glaze icing I use can end up sticking to the bags if I do not use the parchment around them. And having someone recieve schmooshed cookies is not good.
They wrapped each cookie package in bubble wrap. So I wrap each cookie in bubble wrap.
They filled up a bigger then you would think you would need box with packing popcorn.
They placed the cookies in the box sporadically, filling in between with more popcorn.
They closed the box and sent me on my way trying to not laugh in my face for being so freaked out about cookies.
I also try to include a picture of the completed cookies in the box so the recipient knows exactly what they are reciveing!
(totally forgot with this particular order)
This was a science themed party for sweet Nicholas who is turning two. The invite said, "Our Little Monster is turning two." Ha! Love that.
I think that about covers it! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them on this post, and I will go ahead and answer them right here. :)
I know that this is supposed to be about packing cookies, but I just want you to know that I find your scientist cookies amazing! :D very nicely done! :))
Posted by: Joanna | Feb 25, 2011 at 11:17 AM
I think your joke is funny :). And the cookies are super cute. Thanks for the tips about packing cookies. I've wondered about it and it's like you've read my mind :).
Posted by: Jenn | Feb 25, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I don't want to say who I am but must tell you how much I love your cookies. Your efforts. Your abilities. I wish I could be just like you. God bless, Amanda :o)
Posted by: can't say | Feb 25, 2011 at 11:33 AM
what about melting? is that a risk to take into consideration??
Posted by: Bridgette | Feb 25, 2011 at 11:49 AM
great tips Amanda!! I've only shipped cookies a few times, and I'm SO nervous every time they leave my house!
Posted by: TidyMom | Feb 25, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Thanks for the shipping tips! I've shipped cookies once and I was so worried they'd arrive broken, but they survived :) Super cute cookies by the way!
Posted by: Renee | Feb 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM
thanks for this! I use glaze too, and it does want to stick to the bag. By the way, I got this fantabulous thing that I think everyone should have (my husband gave it to me for Christmas, since it's kind of on the frivolous side): http://www.amazon.com/12-Impulse-Sealer-Cellophane-sealer/dp/B000UYC55O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298661057&sr=8-1
I love love love it. No vacuum, so it won't make anything more likely to stick.
And yes, cookies are adorable, as usual. When I saw the green dotted background come up, I said, "Please let it be cookies today!"
Posted by: Jenny | Feb 25, 2011 at 01:13 PM
My only question is how soon can you send me some of your sugar cookies????
Posted by: janelle | Feb 25, 2011 at 01:24 PM
I AM so glad you posted this. I will be refferring people often. I'm a little biased but I love t best when you post cookies!
Posted by: SweetSugarBelle | Feb 25, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Such great info!
Posted by: Kristen | Feb 25, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Cookie packages are the best!
Posted by: Maria | Feb 25, 2011 at 02:08 PM
Oddly enough I was just thinking about this, well really more about shipping cakes!! ha ha!! I have a dear friend two states away who is having a craving!!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Lynn | Feb 25, 2011 at 02:12 PM
Great tips! I always panic a bit about shipping cookies.
Posted by: Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction | Feb 25, 2011 at 02:20 PM
such great tips, Amanda! You are oh-so very talented! x
Posted by: susan | Feb 25, 2011 at 02:29 PM
Very helpful love! Merci!
Posted by: Wenderly | Feb 25, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Um , those cookies are DARLiNG!!! And thanks for the shout-out, my dear!
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | Feb 25, 2011 at 04:18 PM
Brilliant post!! My oldest will be leaving for college in the fall and I was thinking about how I was going to ship cookies to him and starting to fret a bit about it. But now, I know exactly what to do!!!!
Posted by: Nancy@acommunaltable | Feb 25, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Great tips! I never know how to ship my stuff. It's always such a mess.
Posted by: Jessica @ How Sweet | Feb 25, 2011 at 04:50 PM
Great tips from both you and Bridget! I've only ever shipped cookies that stack well, so I had no idea.
Posted by: Shaina | Feb 25, 2011 at 06:51 PM
Great tips! I have never shipped cookies, but hey, now I know how to!
Posted by: Jamie | My Baking Addiction | Feb 25, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Amanda, this is such a helpful post. Hmmm, who should I send some cookies too. The little alien cookies are precious!
Posted by: marla {family fresh cooking} | Feb 25, 2011 at 08:50 PM
Thanks so much for the tips. I am always so scared of shipping and of the thought of my baked goods turning into a pile of crumbs or mush. This is going to be very helpful.
Posted by: Eliana | Feb 25, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Thanks for the great information, Amanda1
Posted by: Sue | Feb 25, 2011 at 10:33 PM
The cookies are so cute.
Posted by: Danee Kaplan | Feb 25, 2011 at 11:12 PM
oh, thank you for sharing this! it`s really helpful for me and I`m sure, that for other people too. I`d like to make such wonderful cookies as yours, by the way and I`m still trying. Some of the effects you can find on my blog :)
Posted by: Paula | Feb 26, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Great and useful info! I'm always hesitant to mail baked goods but I'd love to send them to friends and family more often. Thanks for sharing your method Amanda!
Posted by: Stephanie | Feb 26, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Great advice, thanks! Do you have any suggestions for shipping cupcakes?
Posted by: Jenn {Cookies Cupcakes Cardio} | Feb 26, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Looks great! Love your blog!!
Posted by: sarah | Feb 26, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Love the parchment paper tip! I bet the people on the other end are ALWAYS happy to received a shipment from YOU!
Posted by: Londa | Feb 26, 2011 at 04:33 PM
Can't wait to get cookies from you!
Posted by: Lucy Lean | Feb 26, 2011 at 09:57 PM
You are so talented - even when it comes to shipping your gorgeous cookies. Those cookies in these pictures are adorable!
Posted by: Robyn | Add a Pinch | Feb 27, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Hi Amanada,
This isn't really related but I did want to say I never miss any of your updates and you are truly and inspiring artist. Your designs are so simple yet complex and you take such pride in your work it just melts my heart.
I did my own take on your simple rose cake and I wanted to let you know - I did give you credit and thanks again for the tutorial. :)
http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1956445
Posted by: Sheena | Feb 27, 2011 at 08:53 PM
I know this post is about cookies, but since you do cakes, how to you cover them or transport them? Do you order big cake boxes, covers, etc?
Posted by: amber | Mar 02, 2011 at 09:12 AM
When you create special cakes, how would you transport them to the place you were going to attend? Such as birthday party, office party? I have such a hard time finding boxes large enough for cakes that are several layers. I'm sure fondant covered cakes are okay without covers, but what about just the ones with buttercream frosting?
Posted by: amber | Mar 02, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Dearest Amanda,
I was just browsing through your blog and noticed Nicholas' cookies!! They arrived in tip-top shape...not a single one was broken or smudged!! And of course, everyone not only loved your beautiful designs but they thoroughly enjoyed the taste! They are the best sugar cookies I've ever had! Thank you so much for making Nicholas' birthday extra special with your amazing cookies! You're truly the best!
Posted by: Kristie | Mar 21, 2011 at 06:24 PM
Thanks for the tips! Further tip is to use a shipping service to ship the cookies....they offer super cheap rates. I use them when shipping cookies to my grandkids about once a month. Hope it helps.
-Claire
Posted by: Claire | Apr 12, 2011 at 05:31 PM
It's THAN you think you would need, not then. Then is a period of time.
Posted by: c | Apr 25, 2011 at 08:44 AM