A DIY Cookie Box is a fun way to say thank you.
We have so many kind and generous people in our lives. Neighbors who watch the house while we vacation, friends who volunteer to help in pinch, babysitters who go the extra mile… While a cookie may not repay a debt, a clever box of goodies takes a step showing a friend some love.
Best materials for a cookie box:
We love to use paper mache boxes for goodies because they are sturdy and simple. They make great primary containers for shipping, and pair beautifully with an array of tissue colors, paper shreds, and ribbons. Just as in cooking and baking, it’s key to use quality ingredients when you prepare a goodie gift box. Remember if you’re shipping or delivering your cookie box, your ingredients must maintain peak freshness. Ribbons, twine, tissue paper or paper shreds…all contribute to that “wow factor” when your recipient unwraps the package. We like to keep an eye out for these materials and stock up when we find them on sale. Note: you might also rummage around home for great package topper ideas – when in season, a little sprig of greenery or cut flowers makes a pretty package topper when the cookie box doesn’t have far to travel.
Three rules for a DIY cookie box:
- Steer clear of recipes that make a delicate cookie. You don’t want to spend time preparing your gift only to find your cookies break or fall apart in transport.
- Choose a recipe that won’t dry out quickly. This is a tough one because most recipes will eventually lose texture. However, some recipes retain moisture better than others (think big, chewy cookies, bars, brownies…).
- Be thoughtful about the appearance of your DIY cookie box. When you’re gifting food, looks matter! You want your recipient to be delighted when they open your box of goodies, and want to eat what’s inside.
What to include in a DIY cookie box?
Options abound!
- If you love to bake, you might consider including in your DIY cookie box a recipe like: decorated sugar cookies, decadent thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies, homemade biscotti, or your own signature recipe.
- If you prefer faster, simpler recipes you might try our bakery-style fudge brownies, or monster cookie bars (maybe omit the eyeballs if it’s not Halloween 🙂 ).
- If you’re not a baker, but want to send a food gift box, you might consider a thoughtful repackage of a store-bought item you love, like specialty candies or a s’more kit.
Happy gifting!
How to assemble a DIY cookie box – it’s easy.
Materials
- Goodies! Homemade are great but certainly not required. Try Chocolate Chip Cookies, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, Brownies, Blondies, or your favorite bar. Or better yet, fill your DIY cookie box with a variety!
- Paper mache, kraft or bakery boxes.
- Tissue paper, paper shreds, parchment paper, or other material for stuffing the boxes.
- Ribbons, twine, package toppers to tie up boxes.
Method
- Bake your goodies according to the recipe. Allow goodies to cool completely before wrapping them up. (Chocolate smears terribly and can quickly ruin a lovely package!)
- Add colorful stuffing of your choice to each box you’re gifting. We like to use tissue paper and/or food-safe paper shreds. Both of these materials provide a little cushion to prevent jostling and crumbles.
- If gifting brownies or cut bars, we like to wrap them individually in parchment paper before adding them to the box. Sometimes we also wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, depending on how long it will be before delivery.
- Arrange goodies in your box, include a hand-written note and tie it with pretty ribbon.
- Voila! Ready to deliver!
