Hey everyone, my name is Brittany and today we’re going to talk about Christmas cookie boxes.
The holidays are right around the corner, and I absolutely love making Christmas cookie boxes for my friends and family every year.
But before you start baking, decorating, or packaging, there is one major thing you need to focus on: the prep.
Preparation is the biggest part of creating Christmas cookie boxes, the most time-consuming part, and the step where many people struggle.
The biggest question people ask themselves is: How am I going to bake all of these cookies, package them beautifully, and deliver them—all in one go?
To make this easier, we’re breaking the process into parts so you can enjoy the holiday season without the stress. Let’s start with the most important step: preparing ahead of time.
Step 1: Decide What Cookies You Want to Make
The first decision you need to make is how many types of cookies you plan to include.
Do you want to make 10 different cookies? Three? Five? What do you want your final box to look like?
Ask yourself:
- Do you want a box of only cookies?
- Or would you prefer to add fudge, chocolate pieces, candies, or other treats?
- What combination brings you the most joy when imagining your holiday gift box?
There’s no right or wrong answer—your cookie box should reflect your personality, your favorites, and what you want to gift to friends and family.
Personally, I like to keep a theme and stick with just cookies, although many people enjoy adding multiple treat varieties.
Whatever you decide, start by making a list of everything you plan to include.
Step 2: Start Early and Give Yourself Enough Time
Cookie box success depends on starting early. Depending on how many items you plan to include, you need time to prepare each dough, freeze it, and eventually bake everything without feeling overwhelmed.
This year, here are some of the cookies I am thinking of adding to my boxes:
- Chocolate chip cookies – A classic!
This recipe is new to my family. My husband and my coworkers have tried them, and they loved them, so they’re definitely making the list this year. - Traditional shortbread cookies with strawberry or raspberry filling
These are similar to Linzer cookies but made with shortbread dough. You cut out Christmas shapes, add the jam in the middle, and dust them with powdered sugar. They look festive and beautiful. - Gingerbread cookies
Because it’s Christmas—and is it even the holidays without gingerbread?
I might add one or two more cookies, but I’m planning to keep it to a maximum of six types. The hardest part is narrowing down the favorites!
I would love to hear your suggestions too—what are your favorite cookies to include in a holiday cookie box?
Step 3: Choosing the Right Cookie Tin
Next, think about the packaging. What type of tin or box will you use?
You can use:
- Metal cookie tins
- Decorative cardboard boxes
- Holiday-themed treat boxes
But personally, I prefer metal tins because they are:
- Sturdy
- Secure
- Easy to stack in the car
- Less likely to get crushed
- Perfect for reusing
I usually deliver my boxes early in December so my friends and family can reuse the tins throughout the holiday season.
Some even refill the tins with other treats and gift them back to me—it’s such a sweet, fun way to recycle the container.
Step 4: Add a Holiday Card for a Personal Touch
One of my favorite parts of assembling the boxes is including a holiday card in each one.
I sign every card with my husband, wishing our friends and family a warm, happy holiday season.
Last year’s cards were adorable, and this year’s cards are even cuter—if you’re my family, stop looking!
Adding a card adds warmth, personality, and a special memory to the gift.
Be sure to include this in your planning stage so you don’t forget it when packaging everything.
Step 5: Prepare Tissue Paper and Cushioning
Inside each tin, I like to place tissue paper as a liner. It makes the box look more polished, clean, and festive.
If I’m mailing any cookie boxes, I also add cushioning materials to prevent cookies from breaking in transit. I usually:
- Put a little cushioning material at the bottom
- Add the cookies wrapped in tissue
- Add another layer of tissue
- Finish with more cushioning on top
We take the boxes to the post office to get them properly packaged, especially since they contain food.
My husband usually handles the shipping part, and he always makes sure the boxes are secured well.
This method successfully prevents cookies from breaking during delivery.
Step 6: The Most Important Step — Prep All Your Dough Ahead of Time
This is the step that will save you from getting stressed or exhausted.
Do NOT try to make all your cookie dough and bake everything in one day.
Do NOT try to do it in two days either.
It’s exhausting, frustrating, and it takes all the joy out of holiday baking.
Instead, here’s my method:
Make your dough every other day
Start 2–3 weeks before the date you plan to deliver your boxes.
- Make 1–2 cookie doughs every couple of days
- Scoop the dough immediately using one cookie scoop (so all cookies stay uniform)
- Place the scooped dough on parchment paper
- Freeze the dough
- Transfer the frozen dough to freezer-safe ziplock bags
- Label everything clearly
Don’t worry about freezing the dough—cookie dough stays fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Your cookies will taste delicious, fresh, and perfect.
Step 7: Baking Day — Make It Fun, Not Stressful
When baking day arrives:
- Pull all doughs from the freezer
- Let them thaw to room temperature
- Press them down if needed
- Bake each type of cookie in batches
I usually bake in an assembly-line style:
- Start with chocolate chip
- Then pull out peanut butter
- Then salted caramel
- And so on
While the cookies bake, I put on a Christmas movie or some holiday music. This keeps baking day fun, festive, and enjoyable—not stressful.
Last year I delivered 10 cookie boxes, and this year I’m making 18 because everyone loved them so much.
It can be a lot, but this system makes the whole process smooth and joyful.
Step 8: Enjoy the Holiday Spirit
At the end of the day, the holidays are about giving, sharing, and spending time with loved ones.
Creating Christmas cookie boxes is a beautiful way to give from the heart.
Even if you start small—just one or two boxes—it’s such a fun tradition and a wonderful way to spread joy.
I hope you feel inspired to make your own cookie boxes this year. I’ll be sharing updates on my cookie box journey as the season goes on.
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Happy baking, and happy holidays! 🎄🍪✨