Shippable cookies, a nice treat for homesick students

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 11, 2016

School has started, and perhaps this is a student’s first or even fourth time away from home. An unexpected treat box can help homesick students carry on, knowing home is never too far away. But how can you ship cookies without them arriving in a pile of crumbs? Choose the right recipes, and pack them tight.

Ship ’em right

Packing cookies properly is essential for them to arrive intact. Follow these helpful hints for securely packaging the bounty for the lucky recipient. These work not only for domestic shipments, but also if you’re shipping to a service person overseas.

Bake and completely cool the cookies as close to packing time as possible to ensure freshness.

Wrap most cookies individually or in pairs, depending on the shape. Drop cookies work well back to back so the flat sides are together; bars work best wrapped individually. Use plastic wrap or foil for a secure covering, or put cookies in individual cellophane or plastic bags. You can use a vacuum sealer if you have one. Depending on the cookie size and shape, CD envelopes can hold single cookies.

Use two boxes for shipping — one inner box holding the cookies and one slightly larger outer box to hold the inner box and some cushioning.

Cushioning, such as bubble wrap, waxed paper or newspaper, is key to keep cookies from crumbling.

Use it in the bottom and top of the inner box, then again on the bottom, top and sides of the outer box to keep the inner container from shifting. Other cushioning options include air-popped popcorn (no oil), synthetic peanut packing material or even clothing or socks if you’re adding goodies to the package.

Another option for inner packing is to use a container, which becomes part of the gift itself in addition to protecting the bounty. This could be a lidded plastic container, a metal tin or even a bread pan.

Keep in mind seasonal temperatures at the cookie destination — if it’s hot, things like chocolate chips, marshmallows, jams and caramel can melt and create a gooey mess for the recipient.

Pick your pleasure

Soft and fluffy meringue cookies may be great for a tea party in your living room, but they’re not so great for sending to anyone but your closest neighbor — and those need to be carefully hand-delivered due to their fragility. On the other hand, chocolate chip cookie bars will make even the longest trip intact, ready for eager munchers at their destination.

When looking for shippable cookie recipes, consider bars, brownies and drop and refrigerator cookies for the best stability during shipping. Several “sturdy” recipes are included here for treats that will make the trip in style.

— Reporter: gwizdesigns@aol.com