Christmas Cookie Packaging Ideas

Every December, my kitchen turns into a cookie command center (I’m sure you’re not surprised by this, haha). The oven’s going nonstop, the counters are a powdered sugar disaster, and there’s usually a rogue chocolate chip stuck to the bottom of my sock. (It’s festive, really.)

Once the baking is done, I start my second favorite part of the process—packing them all up. There’s something gratifying about lining up little boxes and bags, tucking in cookies like they’re tiny treasures, and tying it all together with a bit of twine. It feels old-fashioned in the best way, like I’m running a tiny general store that only sells butter and joy (could I make this my new business?).

If you’re looking to level up your cookie gifting game this year—or you’re just tired of handing someone a Ziploc bag and calling it festive—here are a few of my favorite packaging ideas.

My Most Recommended Cookie Packaging Ideas

1. The Classic Tin (With a Twist)

You can find inexpensive tins everywhere this time of year—big box stores, thrift shops, even the dollar aisle—but I like to line mine with parchment paper printed with red ticking stripes or polka dots. It softens the inside and gives everything that little “ooh!” moment when the lid comes off. Add a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick on top with ribbon if you’re feeling really fancy.

2. Glass Jars with Personality

For cookies that don’t crumble too easily (think biscotti or ginger snaps), wide-mouth glass jars are both functional and adorable. I wrap a strip of kraft paper around the middle, add a handwritten label, and tie a ribbon around the lid. Instant charm. Bonus—the jar can be reused after the cookies disappear—which won’t take long (haha).

3. Brown Paper Lunch Bags (Seriously)

If you have a stash of brown lunch bags, grab your pinking shears and get crafty (in fact, check out this post too, but make it Christmas). Fill the bag with cookies, fold the top down, punch two holes, and thread some festive ribbon through. I like to slip in a little tag with the cookie names and a short note. You’d be amazed how cute a brown paper bag can be with just five minutes of effort.

4. Takeout Boxes, But Make It Christmas

Chinese takeout boxes (you can buy them new in bulk) are surprisingly great for cookies. I get the plain white (or brown) kind and dress them up with mini ornaments or even a hand-stamped message. They’re easy to stack, carry, and stash in someone’s mailbox when you’re doing stealth Santa drops.

5. Cellophane Bags with a Personal Touch

When I need to package cookies fast or for a large group (hello, neighborhood cookie exchange), I reach for clear cellophane bags. They show off the goods, which is a win if you’ve made something pretty like snowball cookies or peppermint bark. I fold over the top and seal it with washi tape or bunch it up with ribbon, and sometimes add a little recipe card or memory about the cookie inside. People LOVE it!

6. Mugs and Mittens (Yes, Really)

For smaller gifts, I’ve tucked cookies into cozy things—like stuffing a few shortbread cookies into a clean, thrifted mug or wrapping a couple of snickerdoodles in a new pair of mittens. Just bag them up and stuff them in—so cute. It’s part treat, part useful gift, and it’s always totally unexpected.

Recipe Ideas Already on the Blog

Now for my most favorite part of all this—the cookie recipes! Here are a few of my favorite Christmas cookies that are perfect for packaging and gifting:

1. Cut-out Sugar Cookies: These can be cut into festive shapes and decorated with buttercream or royal icing. Place them in a clear cellophane bag, tie with a colorful ribbon, and you have a classic Christmas gift.
2. Gingersnap Cookies: Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread flavored cookies. Arrange them on a holiday-themed plate or in a decorative tin.
3. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: These cracked chocolatey cookies can be layered in a mason jar, creating a beautiful and tasty gift.
4. Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies: Pack these cookies in a tin or cellophane bag, adding a few extra “kisses” for a festive touch.
5. Snowball Cookies: These round, powdered sugar-covered cookies look stunning in a clear container or mason jar.

So whether you’re giving a little bundle to a neighbor, bringing a box to a holiday party, or mailing a tin across the country to someone you love, the cookie packaging can be part of the gift. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just thoughtful. And if there’s a smudge of frosting on the ribbon or a slightly uneven bow, even better (if you ask me).

If you have a favorite cookie packaging trick (or an epic fail—I’ve had a few!), I’d love to hear it. Let’s swap stories in the comments. And now I’m off to tie up another dozen bags of peanut butter blossoms…with twine that somehow always ends up tangled in my hair (heh).