How to Create the Ultimate Cookie Gift Box
Learn how to create the ultimate cookie gift box for your family and friends! It makes the perfect hostess or thank you gift!
Tell me, would you be excited if someone brought you a cookie gift box?
I know I would be screaming of joy!
So many different holiday themed cookies and treats filled beautifully and neatly in a festive box.
Honestly I think this is the perfect gift to bring to family and friends over the holidays, but why stop there!
It’s actually the perfect gift to bring to anyone all year round. I mean, I know December is cookie season and all, but its not like people stop liking cookies the rest of the year!
How to create a cookie gift box:
First you need to know what kinds of cookies you are adding into your cookie gift box.
These can be either homemade or store-bought. Don’t be ashamed if you’re using store bought, you are taking the cookie out of the packaging anyways hehehe.
My recommendations when you’re thinking about cookie selections is to think of:
- Different shapes and sizes– You definitely want a variety here so that your cookie gift box has a dynamic look to it. That means some classic round cookies, but also a rectangular shortbread cookie, and then a fun shaped cookie like these raspberry lemon linzer cookies.
- Different flavors– Again you want the variety so that there are different flavors and your gift receiver cannot resist trying each one!
- Add in candies or other treats– The main focus of this box is obviously cookies but its fun to add in little treats to break up the space visually.
Love cookies?
Get my guide on how to make the ultimate cookie gift box here!
Including 15 cookie recipes, how to decorate and pack your gift, and cookie troubleshooting tips!
How to keep the cookies fresh
Start early. Make the cookies over a few days and freeze the cookie dough. Then bake on the day that you want to pack the cookies so they are fresh!
Here are all the cookie recipes that I added into my cookie gift box this year (2018):
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Orange Shortbread Cookies
- Chunky Cherry Pistachio Oatmeal Cookies
- Raspberry Lemon Linzer Cookies
- Chewy White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
- Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
I also added in some crushed peppermint candies, and some Trader Joe Christmas gummies for added fun.
Next, make it pretty!
How to decorate a cookie gift box:
First you need something to put all your delicious treats in.
You can definitely get something disposable like these boxes, but if you want to make it extra special and are looking for something prettier and more stable you need a box like this.
The box I used, I bought in store at my local Michaels. I looked for it online but cannot find it anywhere, sorry friends!
Basically what you want is a large, shallow-but not too shallow, tray or box that does not have a lid. Next get some fun ribbon, and maybe a small pretty napkin or two.
How to assemble:
This is my favorite part- when it all comes together.
Like I said before you want your cookie box to look dynamic and visually pleasing.
That means sectioning off and stacking the cookies in different ways, layering them either with napkins or cupcake liners, or tying them with ribbon.
I started decorating my cookie gift box by adding my cookies and treats to the corners first, then placed the raspberry linzer cookie in the middle to be the focal point.
Then I started to fill in all around them. There is no right or wrong way to do this so let your imagination run wild.
Some ideas to help you:
- Stack a few cookies, tie them with ribbon, then place them standing up.
- Stack a few cookies, tie them with ribbon, then place them on their side.
- Use pink cupcake liners to add visual appeal under smaller cookies.
- Use little containers to add your treats to like I did with my crushed peppermint candies. I actually used a stack of these instead of just one, to make sure it was on the same level as the cookies.
- If you need to section off a part for candy, I cut a heavier cardstock envelope to make a partition for the gummies.
Now that you’re done, stand back and admire your beautiful cookie gift box!
Isn’t she pretty?
So hard to give away something you love so much, but I know it will be so very much appreciated to whoever gets to receive something as special as this!
Happy cookie box gifting and holidays friends!
More cookie boxes!
Here is my cookie box from December 2019. Not all recipes are included but the ones I did use are:
Here is my cookie box from December 2020. Yes those are mini bottles of alcohol. No need to explain!
The recipes I included are:
- Gingersnap Cookies
- Eggnog Snickerdoodles
- Cranberry Orange Shortbread
- Lemon Shortbread
- Coffee Cookies
- Gingerbread Biscotti
How to Create the Ultimate Cookie Box
Materials
Assemble the box
- 1 large but shallow box
- Parchment paper or crinkle paper any color
- 6 cookie recipes homemade or storebought
- ribbon different size and color
- festive napkins for layering
- cupcake holders for layering
Instructions
- Take the box or tin you are using and layer it with a layer of parchment or crinkle paper.
- Group the cookies together to stack and tie them with the different ribbon. Start adding the cookies either on their side or right side up to the corners. Then place a cookie stack in the middle for a focal point.
- Fill in the gaps with more cookies or candies/treats. Use pretty napkins or cupcake liners to layer the cookies on top of to add dimension.
- Keep going and rearranging until you are happy with how it looks, theres no wrong way to do this!
Love this idea! Any homemade gift is way better than any store-bought one. I really liked the idea of tieing some cookies with the ribbon. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Aww thanks Paula!! So happy you enjoyed this post! I can’t wait for this years cookie season to make another one!
You said to make sure it doesn’t have a lid. How are you keeping the cookies protected/from getting stale?
Hey Michelle! You can wrap it in plastic wrap or wrap it in cellophane to give it as a gift!
I really loved the idea that you gave about how you can add in little treats in a cookie box to break up space in a visual way. My mom told me that she is having a hard time trying to figure out what to give her friend for her birthday, so I suggested getting her gourmet cookies. She loved the idea and now it evolved into getting her a cookie box, so we need to make sure we are prepared for it.
Hi Faylinn! I am so happy that your mom found this post helpful, what a lovely thing to do for a friend! Thank you for your sweet comment and hope you and the family are staying safe and healthy!
Can you share some ideas of what to put in a cookie/treat box if you need to send the gift (hi, Covid)? I don’t want anything to go stale, so what are the best options of treats that won’t go bad after several days?
Hey Ange! Ahh! YES! So the great thing about this is that you can totally stuff some candies in here along with some cookies. I would say any kind of caramel, or chocolate bark would be a great addition. Even some store bought lollypops. If you want to make sure the cookies stay fresh you can package them in plastic bags and then put them in the cookies box too. Hope that helps! Happy holidays and hopefully soon good riddance covid!!!
Thank you for sharing such information.
Your informative post has answered all of my questions.
I really appreciate the research work and effort it improves my knowledge.
Custom Cookie Boxes
Welcome!
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing! We are new to our neighborhood and I already knew I wanted to do cookies for the neighbors and this post was just the inspiration I needed!
Hooray Jenn! I am so happy you found this post helpful. I am sure you’ll be making friends in no time!! Happy Holidays!!
Hi Sam,
I love this creative giving idea. Can you share how you figure out how many cookies/treats to put in a box depending on the number of people you are providing the box for? I can’t wait to begin baking!
Kathleen
Hey Kathleen! So excited for you to get baking too- It depends on the size of the box or tin you are using and the various amount and size of the cookies you want to use. I like to fit in 5-6 types of cookies and will use 4-6 of them depending on the size! You cant go wrong with anything really, please let me know what you go with!
Love this idea for neighbors this holiday season! Thank you!
So welcome Serita! Please let me know how it goes!!
If you were going to sell these as a fundraiser any thoughts on what you would charge?
Hi Bev! It depends on how big the boxes are, what kind of box they are in, and how many cookies are in each. I wouldnt sell any of the boxes I made for less than $40-$45 dollars because of how elaborate these boxes are. You can totally make them smaller and use paper boxes with 4 kinds of cookies and sell them for 15-20! Please let me know what you decide 🙂
Hi Sam! Your cookie box idea is beautiful and I can’t wait to give my friends and family something like this. The link you have for the wooden box from Michaels is no longer valid. Do you remember the name of it? or approximate description? Thanks in advance!
Hi Susie! Thanks for letting me know,I will update it! The box is about 10×10 and 1 1/2 inches high. Hope you find a good one!
I absolutely love this idea….Im replacing the rectangle cookies this year with lil bananna breads and the copycat Starbucks lemon loaf. Both of these are big hits in my sphere of influence so I thought lil loafs would be doable. The hubby makes the boxes.
Omg so cute!!! Would love it if you sent me a pic when youre done! have fun!!!
This may be the best article I’ve read about creating a visually appealing treat box =) I do baked treats every year for friends, relatives, and neighbors, but I’m always looking for ways to spice them up. Last year I had a newborn so I picked the easiest of my recipes and ONLY did 6 things (I go overboard, hehe) but this year I’m all planned out and I have an extra set of hands to help me so I’m doing 10.
I always love seeing peoples reactions when they get those treats. One of my favorite things I’ve done is taking over baking for my husband’s bachelor uncle after his grandmother passed
Love this Melody! Congrats on the baby! I had one last march and I cant imagine doing any cookie boxes LOL- kudos to you! I would love to see your boxes when you are done! Send me an email 🙂
Lovely cookie box! I was wondering what gummies you used. Thank you!
Hi Jenna! I usually buy the gummies from trader joes because I like their themed seasonal gummies!