’Tis the season for baking, gifting, and bringing sweet treats to every gathering. Whether you’re baking for holiday parties, neighbors, classrooms, or family celebrations, these Cookie Packaging Ideas will help you present every batch beautifully. No more paper plates and plastic wrap!
At a Glance: Best Cookie Packaging Ideas
- Why it matters: Cute, intentional packaging instantly transforms homemade cookies into meaningful, giftable treats without spending much.
- Endless options: From cellophane bags and mason jars to cookie boxes, thrifted tins, and even upcycled Pringles cans, there’s a stylish (and budget-friendly) way to wrap every cookie type.
- Match the packaging to the cookie: Stackables, frosted cookies, delicate shapes, and large batches all have their ideal containers for freshness and protection.
- Easy upgrades: Ribbons, tags, ornaments, greenery, and tissue paper add a polished, personal touch in seconds.
- Gifting made simple: Includes tips for preventing breakage, keeping cookies fresh, mailing treats, and packaging for classrooms or teachers.
- Why keep reading: You’ll get step-by-step ideas, pro tips, and creative inspiration to make any cookie gift look like you spent way more time and money than you actually did.
I’ve always been a big fan of pretty packaging. The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy wrapping materials.
A simple, inexpensive package can instantly make a batch of homemade cookies feel extra special, and the person on the receiving end will love unwrapping something so adorable (and delicious)!
Jump to:
How to Package Cookies in Bags, Jars, and Boxes
There are so many creative ways to package cookies, from simple cellophane bags to jars, boxes, and even upcycled containers. Below are some of my favorite ways to wrap cookies for gifting.
Cookies in Cellophane Bags
When it comes to cookie gift bag ideas, my favorite way to go is cellophane! There’s no need to buy expensive holiday-themed bags when you can just decorate a clear bag yourself. I love using cellophane bags for my soft snickerdoodles and coconut chocolate chip cookies.
- Best for: Small or stackable cookies, quick gifts, and dropping off to neighbors
- You’ll need: Cellophane treat bags, ribbon or baker’s twine, gift tags, small ornaments
How to do it:
- Stack the cookies neatly so they sit evenly, then slide the stack into a clear cellophane bag.
- Gather the top of the bag and tie it with festive ribbon or baker’s twine to keep everything secure.
- Add a cute tag or even a small ornament for the perfect finishing touch.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Most standard cellophane bags fit 6–10 small cookies, depending on size and thickness. Most cookies will stay fresh for about 3–4 days when packaged this way. Cellophane bags work especially well for cookies that stack neatly and hold their shape.
Package Cookies in a Pringles Can
If you’re looking for cookie container ideas that are a little more sturdy and more likely to hold up during shipping, this is one I stole from my grandma years ago. I use an upcycled Pringles can to pack these oatmeal raisin cookies and white chocolate chip cookies every year!
- Best for: Gifting larger quantities, classroom treats, mailing cookies.
- You’ll need: An empty Pringles can (cleaned and dried), parchment or wax paper, wrapping paper or scrapbook paper, tape, ribbon or baker’s twine, and a gift tag or ornament
How to do it:
- Line the inside of the can with parchment or wax paper.
- Wrap the outside with wrapping or scrapbook paper and secure it with tape.
- Fill the can with cookies and close the lid.
- Tie on the gift tag or ornament using ribbon or twine.
⭐️ Pro Tip: A Pringles can comfortably fits about 10–14 cookies, depending on thickness. Cookies will stay fresh for about a week using this method.
Gift Cookies in a Mason Jar
Using a mason jar is one of the simplest cookie packaging ideas! Mason jars are inexpensive, easy to find (especially in bulk), and perfect for gifting these chocolate peppermint cookies and white chocolate raspberry cookies.
- Best for: Small cookies, neighbor gifts, teacher gifts, hostess gifts
- You’ll need: Mason jars (pint jars for 6–8 cookies; quart jars for 10–12), parchment circles, ribbon or twine, small ornaments or holiday greenery, and gift tags (optional).
How to do it:
- Stack the cookies inside the jar, placing a small square of parchment between each layer if needed to prevent sticking.
- Close the lid and dress up the jar with lace, twine, or ribbon
- Tie on ornaments or greenery and a gift tag (if using).
⭐️ Pro Tip: A pint-sized jar generally holds 6–8 small cookies, while a quart jar can fit 10–12. They’ll stay fresh anywhere from 3-7 days, depending on the type of cookies.
Cookie Gift Box
This is one of the best sugar cookie packaging ideas! If you’ve got decorated sugar cookies like these sour cream cookies, I highly recommend using a gift box. I also love using boxes for these ginger molasses cookies, chocolate waffle cookies, and gingerbread cookies.
- Best for: Oddly-shaped cookies, variety packs, frosted cookies
- You’ll need: Cookie or bakery boxes, parchment or tissue paper, cupcake liners or dividers, ribbon, small ornaments and/or gift tags
How to do it:
- Line the bottom of the box with parchment or tissue paper.
- Arrange the cookies on the paper, using cupcake liners or dividers if needed to separate different types.
- Fold the paper over the top and close the box.
- Decorate with ribbon and ornaments and/or gift tags.
⭐️ Pro Tip: Depending on the size, cookie boxes can hold anywhere from 8 to a couple of dozen cookies. They’ll stay fresh in the box for 3-5 days.
More Creative Cookie Gift Ideas
- Cookie Tins & Vintage Jars: For more homemade cookies packaging ideas, try using thrifted tins or old-fashioned jars. Think flea markets or antique stores! Plus, they’re a great two-in-one gift as the cookies are enjoyed now, while the jar becomes a keepsake.
- Tea Towel Wrap: Simply wrap a plate of cookies in a pretty kitchen towel. Then, gather the corners at the top, tie them together, and add greenery or a small ornament. It’s the “mom-in-a-hurry” version of zero-waste packaging with the towel becoming part of the present! If you need a gift in a pinch, this method is for you, and so is this quick and easy recipe for cake mix lemon cookies.
- Paper Cones & Bakery Bags: Paper cones made from festive scrapbook paper or parchment are a simple but cute cookie packaging idea. Bakery-style glassine bags also work well and typically can be found with festive designs already on them. These packaging ideas also work for snackable treats like candied pecans!
- Mini Baskets or Trays: Small baskets and metal or wooden trays are perfect for mixed cookie assortments or for combining cookies with other treats like this white chocolate fudge or these mint brownies. Line the bottom with parchment, arrange the cookies in layers, and cover with tissue paper or a clear wrap and a bow.
Cooking Packaging Ideas FAQs
Use sturdy containers and pack the cookies well so there isn’t any extra space for them to shift. Stack cookies of the same size and shape, separating layers with parchment. For delicate cookies, avoid stacking and try using cupcake liners. If you’re mailing them, fill any empty gaps in the shipping box with tissue paper or bubble wrap.
It depends on the type of cookie, but most will keep for at least 3 days, some up to a week. It’s best to bake them the day before gifting or mailing. If you need more time, most cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them fully before packaging.
Cellophane treat bags and upcycled containers (like cleaned Pringle cans or glass jars you already have) are the most budget-friendly options. Decorate with ribbon, twine, or a printed tag, and you’ll have a beautiful gift without spending too much.
First, make sure the icing is fully dry. Then, arrange the cookies in a box lined with parchment paper, adding a sheet of paper between the layers, or avoid stacking altogether. You can also place the cookies in cupcake liners to keep them from touching each other.
Individually packaged cookies are the safest and most practical option, especially when it comes to allergies. Package each one in an affordable cellophane bag or paper treat bag, and include a handwritten or typed note listing the ingredients. This makes them easy to distribute and considerate of any dietary restrictions.
As you can see, there are so many creative ways to package cookies for gifting this holiday season. I hope the ideas I’ve shared with you give you some inspiration for sharing your homemade treats and making someone’s day special.
More Best Cookie Recipes
Joann says
Can you share if you made or purchased the merry and bright gift tag? TY
Kadee says
They were a Christmas ornament repurposed as a tag. I believe it was from Target many years ago.
Jamie Tan says
Hi ...
can share how to make the Christmas wreath that you place in the Christmas cellophane bag.
Kadee says
Hi - the wreath is store bought. It was a christmas ornament that I repurposed as a gift tag.