How to pack cookies

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Guidelines for Storing, Packing and Mailing Cookies

When it comes to sending gifts to far-off loved ones, coming up with new ideas can sometimes be a challenge. But nothing says "happy holidays" like a batch of freshly baked cookies.

• Always cool cookies before storing or packaging into a container.
  
• Store in an air tight plastic container, one that allows ample room and no "over crowding" of the cookies.
  
• Do not store soft cookies (chocolate chip or oatmeal) with hard or crunchy cookies (biscotti and shortbread). The moisture in the soft cookies will make the biscotti soft and visa versa.
  
• Package cookies for gift giving or mailing in air tight hard containers. Re-sealable plastic bags or wraps are not a good idea unless hand delivering.
  
• Harder cookies tend to mail the best but may be subject to breakage if packed too tightly, so leave ample room. Cookies should be packed snuggly, not overstuffed but also not under-packed.
  
• Delicate cookies such as meringues, are not good candidates to ship. Choose sturdy, heavier cookies.
  
• Most cookies are best at their freshest, so it's a good idea to express mail your handmade delectables.
  
• Most cookies are best at their freshest, so it's a good idea to express mail your handmade delectables.
  
• If there is room in the container, fill spaces between the cookies with crumbled wax paper (which won't cause moist cookies to dry out).
  
• Pack the container or tin with the cookies in a larger cardboard box for shipping. Place air popped popcorn (no butter please) on the bottom, top and around the sides - use a lot. Popcorn is cheaper and more degradable than shipping peanuts and won't crush like crumbled paper.
  
• Label the outside of box as "breakable" and mark with "this side up".