The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread the cheer than by sharing delicious Christmas cookies with loved ones far and wide? However, shipping cookies can be a daunting task, especially if you want them to arrive at their destination fresh and intact. In this article, we'll explore six Christmas cookie recipes that are perfect for shipping, along with some valuable tips on how to package and send them with ease.
When it comes to shipping Christmas cookies, it's essential to choose recipes that are sturdy, dry, and less likely to break or become damaged during transit. Here are six cookie recipes that fit the bill:
1. Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a classic choice for shipping due to their dense and crumbly texture. They're also relatively simple to make and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, such as vanilla or lemon.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
2. Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are another popular choice for shipping due to their soft and chewy texture. They're also relatively easy to make and can be flavored with cinnamon or other spices.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a classic Christmas treat that can be shipped with ease. They're also relatively simple to make and can be flavored with a variety of spices, such as ginger or cinnamon.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms are a popular Christmas cookie that can be shipped with ease. They're also relatively simple to make and can be flavored with peanut butter or other nut butters.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together peanut butter and butter until smooth.
- Beat in sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
5. Linzer Cookies
Linzer cookies are a classic Christmas treat that can be shipped with ease. They're also relatively simple to make and can be flavored with jam or other fillings.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup jam or filling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool before filling with jam or other filling.
6. Russian Tea Cakes
Russian tea cakes are a popular Christmas cookie that can be shipped with ease. They're also relatively simple to make and can be flavored with nuts or other ingredients.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Tips for Shipping Christmas Cookies:
- Use a sturdy box or container to ship cookies.
- Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place cookies in a single layer in the box or container.
- Use packing peanuts or bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces in the box.
- Seal the box or container with packing tape.
- Label the box or container with the recipient's address and any relevant handling instructions.
Gallery of Christmas Cookies:
FAQs:
What is the best way to package Christmas cookies for shipping?
+Use a sturdy box or container and wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place cookies in a single layer in the box and use packing peanuts or bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces.
How long do Christmas cookies last when shipped?
+Christmas cookies can last for several days to a week when shipped, depending on the type of cookie and how they are packaged. It's best to ship cookies as soon as possible after baking for optimal freshness.
Can I ship Christmas cookies to other countries?
+Yes, you can ship Christmas cookies to other countries, but be sure to check with the recipient's country's customs regulations and restrictions before shipping. You may also need to use a specialized shipping service to ensure that your cookies arrive safely and on time.
Conclusion:
Shipping Christmas cookies can be a fun and rewarding way to share the holiday spirit with loved ones far and wide. By choosing the right recipes and following some simple packaging and shipping tips, you can ensure that your cookies arrive fresh and delicious. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, we hope that this article has provided you with some valuable insights and inspiration for your holiday baking.