Mastering the Art of Baking and Shipping Cookies in the Summer Heat

Shipping cookies in the summer can be a challenge due to the soaring temperatures, but fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore some expert tips and tricks to ensure your cookies arrive at their destination fresh, intact, and just as delectable as when they came out of the oven.

• Choose Your Cookie Selection Wisely: Not all cookies are created equal when it comes to shipping in hot weather. Opt for cookies that are sturdy and can withstand heat without losing their texture or taste. Classic choices like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar cookies are ideal. Avoid delicate cookies with fillings or frosting that may melt easily. During the summer at Blue Chip Cookies, we track the cookie orders and weather and advise our customers if we don’t think it is a good idea to ship a certain cookies, like the sugar with buttercream icing or the triple chocolate, we have over 30 flavors to choose from.
• Bake and Cool Strategically: To minimize heat exposure, plan your baking schedule in advance. Aim to bake your cookies early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. Allow ample time for the cookies to cool completely before packing them to prevent condensation inside the packaging, which can lead to sogginess. Packaging is Key: Invest in high-quality packaging materials to keep your cookies fresh and protected during transit. Here are a few packaging options to consider:

1. 1. Airtight bags or containers, use food-safe bags to seal in freshness and prevent cookies from becoming stale.  Ziplock bags: For a budget-friendly option, place cookies in ziplock bags, remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly. Consider using multiple layers for added protection.
      Blue Chip Cookies Approach: we put our cookies in a special poly bag, packed 2 cookies same flavor,, and then seal each 2 pack of cookies airtight.  When a customer orders we put each flavor bag into a larger bag that holds up to 16 cookies…so we double bag, given 2 layers of protection.  Then they go into the gift box or the “All In One Box.”  We add crinkle paper to cushion the cookies.
   2. Wax paper or parchment paper: Place sheets of wax paper or parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
      Blue Chip Cookies Approach: we do this with our Sugar Iced and Sugar Iced with Sprinkle cookies, due to the icing.
   3. Ice Packs and Insulation: When shipping cookies in the summer, it’s crucial to keep them cool during transit. Consider including ice packs or frozen gel packs in your package to help maintain a lower temperature. Wrap the ice packs in plastic or place them in a resealable bag to prevent any moisture contact with the cookies. Insulating the package with bubble wrap or packing peanuts can also provide additional protection against heat.
      Blue Chip Cookies Approach: during the summer months we add a moisture reducing ice pack(s) to the box, which keeps the humidity low and the box cold.  It isalso reusable for our customers.  In addition, this week we will be adding an option of insulation packaging.
   4. Expedited Shipping: Choose a shipping method that guarantees faster delivery to minimize the time your cookies spend in transit. Expedited or overnight shipping options will help ensure that your delicious treats arrive promptly, reducing the risk of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
      Blue Chip Cookies Approach: 95% of our cookies ship to arrive between 1-2 days.  We look for the best shipping carrier that can deliver in that 2 day transit period. We use Shipstation to help us with that!
   5. Inform Recipients: Notify the recipient in advance about the package’s arrival to prevent the cookies from sitting outside in the sun for an extended period. Encourage them to retrieve the package as soon as it arrives or provide an alternative shipping address where someone can receive it.
      Blue Chip Cookies Approach: we inform our customers once we have shipped their cookies, so they can track them and inform their recipients when they arrive.

Conclusion: With the right techniques and precautions, shipping cookies in the summer can be a success. By selecting appropriate cookie varieties, packaging them meticulously, keeping them cool during transit, and opting for expedited shipping, you can share your homemade delights or your favorite cookies from Blue Chip, with loved ones near and far.

Next Blog Topic:  More Cookie Baking Tips for the Summer.