How to store and pack cookies for mailing

The good folks at Kraft Foods offer these guidelines for storing, packing and mailing cookies:

1. Always cool cookies before storing or packaging into a container. Packaging warm cookies will allow too much moisture to get trapped inside the package.

2. Store the cookies in an airtight plastic container, one that allows ample room and no “overcrowding” of the cookies.

3. Do not store soft cookies (such as chocolate chip or oatmeal) with hard or crunchy cookies (like biscotti or shortbread). The moisture in the soft cookies will make the biscotti soft and visa versa.

4. Package cookies for giftgiving or mailing in airtight, hard containers. Resealable plastic bags or wraps are not a good idea unless you’re hand delivering them.

5. 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.

6. Delicate cookies such as meringues are not good candidates for shipping. Choose sturdy, heavier cookies.

7. Most cookies are best at their freshest, so it’s a good idea to express mail your handmade delectables.

8. If there is room in the container, fill spaces between the cookies with crumbled wax paper, which will prevent moist cookies from drying out.

9. Pack the container or tin with cookies in a larger cardboard box for shipping. Place airpopped popcorn (no butter, please) on the bottom, top and around the sides. Use a lot. Popcorn is cheaper and more biodegradable than shipping peanuts and won’t crush like paper.

10. Label the outside of the box as “Breakable” and mark “This side up.” You cannot be assured that your package will be handled as such, but adding this caution can’t hurt.

Everyday Cheapskate
Budgetconscious tips for every household
By Mary Hunt