What is a Christmas Cookie Box?
A Christmas cookie box is a thoughtfully curated collection of homemade cookies packaged in an attractive box or cookie tin specifically for gift-giving. Christmas cookie boxes are hand delivered or mailed to friends and family during the holiday season. Cookie boxes can come in a large variety of sizes and cookie types so I’ll walk you through how to make this homemade gift during a very busy season.
RELATED: Not a baker? Full permission to buy the Christmas Cookie Box instead.
How many Cookies are in a Cookie Box?
Christmas cookie boxes can include anywhere from 12 to 24 cookies depending on the size of the box, the size of the cookies and who you are gifting them to. At Ampersand Bakehouse, our Christmas Cookie Box includes 12 full-sized cookies. This keeps the baking manageable while still providing a variety of cookie flavours and textures. A dozen cookies is also a great fit for most cookie tins if you’re going for a vintage aesthetic and keeps shipping costs low if you’re shipping them.
How do I Choose which Cookies to Include?
The Christmas season is known for its holiday baking so it’s easy to get overwhelmed with so many great options. Before even looking online, think back to your favourite Christmas cookie growing up or something your family bakes every year without fail. That’s the cookie to start with—your signature cookie. It adds a personal story to your cookie box and lets you share a bit of personal holiday tradition with your homemade treats. It’s a great story to include in your Christmas card.
How many types of Cookies are in a Cookie Box?
After you’ve selected your signature cookie, build out the rest of your cookie box with classic holiday flavours everyone loves. The ideal Christmas cookie gift box contains 4-6 different cookies. I love including the following recipes in our Christmas Cookie Box because they provide a good mix of flavours and textures while also being incredibly easy to bake.
Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle: This cookie hits all the basics. We have a chocolate cookie with the classic holiday flavour of peppermint. I roll my cookies in icing sugar for blustery snow vibes, but you could drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes instead. You do you.
Gingerbread Cookie: This Christmas favourite is packed with the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Rolling the cookie in coarse sugar before baking gives them an eye-catching sparkle and provides a nice crunch.
Sprinkle Shortbread Cookie: The holidays wouldn't be complete without melt in your mouth shortbread. We’re taking the easy way with a scoop and press recipe (no chilling or rolling the dough, thank you very much) Throw in some sprinkles and you’re done!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie: Nothing is as cozy as oatmeal.
Looking through your cookie recipes? Here are some things to keep in mind: Did you include your favorite holiday flavours? Gingerbread, Peppermint, Shortbread. Do your cookies have different textures? Crunchy, chewy, crumbly. Are your cookies a mix of colours? White, black, brown, multicolour. You can even switch up the size and shape of your cookies.
RELATED: Buy the full Christmas Cookie Recipe Bundle for easy holiday baking.
How do I make my Christmas Cookie Box Inclusive?
Deciding on an assortment of Christmas cookies is hard enough without worrying about allergens. Unfortunately, eggs and dairy are priority food allergens by Health Canada. The protein in cow’s milk can even cause a sensitivity in babies who are breastfeeding, causing their moms to avoid dairy altogether.
At Ampersand Bakehouse, I don’t have time to bake both a regular and vegan version of the same cookie. I’ve developed easy vegan recipes that taste just as good as the original. Instead of creating a custom cookie box for each of your friends, I suggest creating one amazing cookie box that everyone can enjoy. Each recipe in the Christmas Cookie Recipe Bundle is egg-free and dairy-free so you don’t have to add recipe testing to your already busy schedule.
RELATED: Browse our easy vegan Christmas Cookie Recipes
How do I plan my Holiday Baking?
I’m a big believer in baking and freezing your cookies to reduce holiday stress. This way you can plan a full baking day or slowly bake your cookies leading up to the holidays. As soon as your cookies have cooled, place them in an airtight freezer bag and pop them in the freezer. Most cookies are good in the freezer for up to three months! Simply take them out to thaw before gifting or shipping.