Holiday Helper : Mailing Cheer

If you've ever tried to send baked goods or sweets in the mail, you know that it can be a little tricky. Will the cookies break? Will the truffles melt? Will they go stale? How should I ship them, and will it eat my paycheck? These are all questions that make choosing and packing holiday treats a challenge.

You can easily alleviate these concerns, however, by carefully planning what you make and how you pack it. Here are some techniques for choosing and shipping baked goods easily and inexpensively:

1. Choose the right recipe: Not every baked good can be sent in the mail (without unfortunate results). Linzer tortes or delicate lattice suar cookies will not survive being jostled in a box, and chocolate truffles might end up becoming a sticky mess. Your best bet is to choose a high-endurance option that will not melt or break after being tossed around.

Here is a list of cookies and baked goods that do well in the mail:

a. Chocolate Crinkles

b. Oatmeal Raisin / Craisin Cookies


c. Chocolate Chip Cookies


d. Gingerbread Cookies


e. Fruitcake


f. Fudge


g. Biscotti


Of course, your options are not limited to my suggestions. If you have made something that seems like it could survive a few days in transit, go ahead and try it out!

2. Having the right equipment: Even if you have chosen a durable recipe, you need to choose durable packaging, as well, or you run the risk of your cookies arriving intact but stale. Purchase some tupperwares or metal cookie tins that will keep your treats air-tight and fresh, even after several days.

3. The Packing game: Your packaging of the treats will depend largely on what you are sending. For some cookies, you might want to wrap each individually in saran wrap. If you're sending fruitcake, wrap it tightly in plastic. For other items, being wrapped together will suffice. Always line your tins and containers with foil and wrap it around the contents before closing. This will ensure extra freshness.

4. The final touches: Once your tins and containers are sealed, it's time to pack them in a box. Pad the box with crumpled newspapers which will absorb shock and ensure tight packing and minimal jostling. Place your tin / box on the newspapers, and pad any empty areas with tissue paper or more newspaper. Finish with another paper layer, and, closing the box temporarily, shake it gently to see if anything is loose. If everything seems bolted down, tape the box closed.

5. Mailing options: You can mail baked goods without breaking the bank. In my experience, there is no need to use specialty shipping services such as FedEx and UPS. They're very expensive and won't provide that much of an advantage. If you've chosen durable treats and packed them well, there will be no need to rush the package (unless you're running late, of course!).

For most packages, the USPS will suffice. Flat Rate Priority boxes are often a good choice, as they will arrive quickly, and can be obtained for free at your post office (no buying boxes!). The downside is that, depending on the weight of the box, the flat rate might be a little pricey. Weigh the box you are sending and determine whether it is worth it to do flat rate. For example, if you are mailing something heavy, flat rate might save you money. If not, pick up a non-flat-rate priority mail box, that will ship based on weight and destination. Priority mail will arrive in no more that 5 days, and often after just 2.

If you are sending packages internationally, compare the rates of FedEx, UPS, and USPS to find the best option for where you are shipping, and how soon it needs to get there.