Cheapest Way to Ship Cookies & Baked Goods
Perishable and fragile, cookies and baked goods need fast shipping and airtight packaging to arrive fresh.
Shipping Options for Cookies & Baked Goods
Shipping baked goods is a race against time and gravity. Cookies, brownies, and pastries are perishable and fragile, requiring both speed and careful packaging. The goal is to minimize transit time so items arrive fresh while preventing crumbling and breakage from handling. Wrap items individually, use airtight containers, and always choose the fastest affordable shipping option. Avoid shipping baked goods on Thursdays or Fridays, as packages may sit in warehouses over the weekend.
| Service | Carrier | Est. Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground AdvantageRecommended | USPS | $5-8 | 2-5 days | Shelf-stable baked goods like biscotti or shortbread |
| Priority Mail | USPS | $10-15 | 1-3 days | Best option for most cookie and baked good shipments |
| FedEx Ground | FedEx | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Large bakery orders with multiple boxes |
| UPS Ground | UPS | $12-18 | 3-7 days | Business catering orders and bulk bakery shipments |
Packaging Tips for Cookies & Baked Goods
Pro Tips
- Ship Monday or Tuesday to avoid your baked goods sitting in a warehouse over the weekend.
- Dense cookies like shortbread and biscotti ship better than delicate items like macarons or cream-filled pastries.
- Add a silica gel packet or oxygen absorber to the container to maintain freshness during transit.
Important Considerations
Baked goods are perishable and should be shipped via the fastest affordable service to ensure freshness. Items with dairy-based fillings, cream cheese, or fresh fruit toppings may require cold packs and insulated packaging. Check carrier policies on perishable food items, and clearly label packages as perishable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then arrange them snugly in a rigid tin or container with wax paper between layers. Fill any gaps with crumpled wax paper so cookies cannot shift. The container should then go into an outer box with additional cushioning to absorb impacts during handling.
Ship on Monday or Tuesday to ensure your package arrives before the weekend. Packages shipped late in the week may sit in sorting facilities or delivery trucks over Saturday and Sunday, adding days to transit time. For perishable items, every extra day significantly reduces freshness and quality.
It is possible but risky. Items with dairy-based frostings or cream fillings are highly perishable and can spoil without refrigeration. If you must ship them, use insulated packaging with frozen gel packs and expedited overnight shipping. Buttercream and royal icing hold up much better than whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
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