Classic Holiday Cookie Boxes & Packaging Ideas
I know I promised an interior post for today, but Emmett & I haven’t quite finished it… we’ve been working on a little lighting project in the basement. I’m excited to show you, but in the meantime- I spent yesterday baking cookies and assembling boxes for gifts. I didn’t initially plan to share this as a blog post, but received so many questions and requests for the recipes & packaging links, I thought this may be appreciated. Click through for a peek at my simple and classic holiday cookie boxes, along with packaging ideas!
I think handmade gifts are always the most special. I love giving delicious treats for the holidays, and cookie boxes are one of my favorite seasonal traditions. While they are a simple gift, presentation is a big part of the appeal. Check out this post for inspiration: DIY food gifts & packaging ideas. Every year, I make boxes for friends & neighbors, but this year- Emmett asked me to make 30 cookie boxes for his co-workers. He works for a small business with the best people, so I loved the idea and obviously agreed. Wholesome! If you’d like a peek, tour Emmett’s workplace here… I helped design it. Anyway, scroll on for the requested links: recipes, packaging, cookie box ideas, and to see how mine turned out this year.
My Cookie Boxes
Since I was making quite a few boxes, I needed to keep these simple. I opted for more of a cookie sleeve- or elongated rectangular box. I ended up fitting a total of six cookies and peppermint bark into the box. I’ll link everything for you below…
Recipes
I wanted to make a few traditional Christmas cookie recipes that were easy, delicious, and beautiful for my boxes. There are three classic cookies I make every holiday season…
Classic Butter Sugar Cookies
First, I baked my Nan’s classic butter sugar cookies. It’s a family recipe that is very special to me (she passed away last Christmas), but these are always my most popular holiday cookie. I’ve received thousands of messages and it truly warms my heart hearing they’ve also become a family tradition in many of your homes!
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Next, I wanted to include a chocolatey favorite… crinkle cookies! The past few years, I’ve used this recipe, which is easy to make and is always a crowd pleaser. They’re softer, which I like.
Peanut Butter Cookies
This is my tried & true peanut butter cookie recipe, but I alternate between making a ganache center or using a readymade milk or dark chocolate (like melted chips or Hersey’s kisses). Unpopular opinion- I’m not a huge fan of Hershey’s, so I typically use a different chocolate and swirl the center for a similar look.
Packaging
I landed on these simple cookie boxes because they’re substantial, have a classic look, are a nice small size (for individual portions), and the price is really great. They come in a pack of 50 and also contain some handy extras: the clear sleeves, twine, and round gift tags.
Cookie Box Gift Recipients
Cookie boxes are a thoughtful idea for pretty much anyone on your list. If I’m making them, I always make extra because they always seem to fill gaps on my holiday gifting list.
- Neighbors
- Co-workers
- Friends
- Teachers (or classroom parties)
- Service workers (delivery people)
- Family members (especially handy for those that are difficult to shop for)
- Gift exchange parties
- Host gifts
Holiday Cookie Packaging Ideas
I have an entire Amazon board filled with food packaging (and regular boxes for gifting), ribbon, and baking favorites. Be sure to check that out for more inspiration and sources. These are typically my go-to packaging ideas for cookies, specifically…
- Boxes
- Sleeves
- Tins
- Bags
- Baskets
- Wood Crates
FAQ
I definitely had to watch the Amazon video to make sure I had it correct, but once I got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing. Emmett and I assembled 40 boxes in half an hour. They look really nice though! I’m happy with them.
I ended up making 40 boxes, and honestly- it was pretty manageable. I made three cookie types, so I made the dough (peanut butter, sugar cookie, and chocolate) one evening… the following day I spent half the day baking and assembling. I honestly love making these- I turn on holiday music and enjoy getting festive in my kitchen.
Holiday cookies? Yes. But- food gifts? No. I’m a fan of gifting treats and food year round. Of course the recipes change based on the season, but I love neatly packaging and delivering a thoughtful treat, breakfast, or dinner to a loved one. They’re great for special occasions, celebrations, house warming, thinking of you gifts, or simply when someone could use cheering up. I’ll neatly package lots of favorite recipes… these cinnamon rolls are another one I like to gift this time of year- with baking instructions attached.
Related
Looking for more holiday baking, crafting, or gifting posts? I’ll link some of my favorites for you below!
- Christmas Tour: Decorating the Kitchen for the Holidays
- DIY Sugar Scrub (one of my favorite gifts)
- The Best Gifts from Amazon
- How to Make Stamped Brass Gift Tags or Labels
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- My Annual Holiday Gift Guide
- Classic Monochromatic Gift Wrap
- My Go-To Resource for Custom Holiday Cards
- DIY Food Gifts & Packaging Ideas
I hope this post was helpful! I had so many unexpected messages roll in yesterday after I shared a peek into my cookie boxes. This is always a fun time of year to get creative in the kitchen… even better when you can gift something special to make someone smile. I’m hoping to finish and share our lighting project on Friday! Be sure to check back for that. I also have our big designer cookie exchange coming up! There will be so many delicious recipes to save and pin.
