How to Make a Christmas Cookie Box (DIY Gift Guide)

Quick Summary: To make a Christmas cookie box, bake one versatile cookie dough in several shapes, decorate them a few ways, then arrange the cooled cookies snugly in a lined box or tin. Plan your baking over two days, pack the box tightly so nothing shifts, and add a ribbon or tag. It is an easy, budget-friendly homemade gift you can even ship.

This is the complete DIY holiday cookie box guide on creating a stress-free Christmas gift box using just one cookie recipe. It is packed full of traditional Alsatian cookies that will surely please everyone.

What cookies to put in a Christmas cookie box

My first tip? Keep it as simple as possible. You don't need a dozen different cookies. You may need about five or six total, in different shapes, sizes, and flavors. 

Or better yet, stick with one cookie recipe and make ten or more cookie variations.

The thought of working 9 to 5 five days a week, or being the one staying at home and taking care of small kids, can feel overwhelming.

It seems impossible that you will ever find time to bake five types of cookies with all your responsibilities!

But what if I offer you a recipe for generic cookie dough (yes, just ONE cookie dough) and show you how to customize your cookies?

This year, I chose the easiest cookies to make: spritz bredele. The cookie dough comes out in 10 to 15 minutes; no chilling is required.

With a manual cookie maker or an old-fashioned meat grinder and cookie attachment, you can make a huge batch of cookies in under an hour.

It takes 10 to 13 minutes for one baking sheet of cookies to bake. So while you bake one batch of cookies, you can pipe out the second one, ready and waiting its turn!

How many cookies you need

It really depends upon how many and what kind of cookies you want to make.

One batch of spritz cookies consists of 70 small cookies. So, I multiplied the recipe by 1.5 and ended up with about 100 cookies.

It was enough to arrange cookies in a white frame box by Celebrate It™ (10" x 12" x 2" or 25 x 30 x 5 cm) or fill two 8-inch (20 cm) metal cookie tins.

So, now you know how many cookies to make. Double or triple the recipe and enjoy one cookie dough.

If you decide to make light and chocolate spritz cookies, you must mix the dough twice.

How to plan your cookie box baking schedule

You can make and decorate your cookies in a day. Or you can spread your cookie-making out over two days.

Here is your schedule.

If you want to spread the work out, here is a simple three-day plan you can shorten to two days:

1. Day 1, dough day. Make the dough (or a double batch if you want a plain and a chocolate version), wrap it, and chill it overnight. This is a short, low-effort day.
2. Day 2, baking day. Shape and bake all the cookies, then cool them completely. Store the plain, undecorated cookies in an airtight container so they stay fresh for decorating.
3. Day 3, decorating and assembly day. Dip or decorate the cookies, let them set, then line your box and pack it. Add the ribbon or gift tag last.

Short on time? Combine days 1 and 2: make the dough in the morning, chill it for an hour, then bake the same afternoon, and decorate the next day.

Day #1: a cookie baking day.

On the first day, make the "mother" spritz dough, pipe the cookies of different shapes, and bake them all.

If you decide to make chocolate cookies, take the second batch of dough (the chocolate one) and finish it on the same day.

Day #2: a cookie decorating day.

That day, decorate your baked cookies and assemble the cookie boxes later.

Decorating cookies is a fun activity, so gather the family or kids to help. Licking the melted chocolate is guaranteed!

And please read the spritz bredele cookie recipe before you start.

Please make sure you fully understand the steps involved and how long it takes to make the cookies.

Make ahead and freeze: Most plain cookies freeze well for up to two months. Freeze them undecorated in an airtight container, then thaw at room temperature before you dip or decorate. Cookies already coated in chocolate do not freeze well, so decorate those closer to gifting day.

What you need to make a cookie box

Making cookies may seem like you need a lot of "stuff," but it's not bad at all.

Here's a list of what equipment you will need to make the cookies:

• kitchen scale,
• or measuring cups and spoons
• stand mixer
• rubber spatula
• mixing bowls
• flour sifter
• parchment paper
• rimmed baking sheet
• wire rack
• manual cookie maker, or
• meat grinder with a cookie attachment, or
• reusable pastry bag and open star pastry tip
• oven mitts

Just a few words about a kitchen scale. Baking is a science, and to achieve the best results, I highly recommend investing in a kitchen scale. This Escali digital kitchen scale is the one I use.

Just think about it: what one person scoops into a measuring cup is different from what someone else scoops!

Here is a list of what you will need to decorate the cookies:

• white chocolate
• dark chocolate
• slivered almonds, chopped
• raw pistachios, chopped
• shredded coconut
• freeze-dried raspberries
• sprinkles
• chocolate vermicelli sprinkles

Of course, you can shorten and lengthen this list in the way you desire. These are just examples of ingredients to decorate your cookies.

The more decorating ideas you have, the more variable your cookies will be.

For example, you can add milk chocolate and ruby chocolate. Or add poppy seeds and chopped pecans.

How to decorate the cookies

I highly recommend writing your decorating ideas down; otherwise, you will be thinking about what to pick up next while holding a bowl of melted chocolate.

Let's make a list of possible decorating options for spritz bredele cookies.

1. Drizzle melted white chocolate over cookies.
2. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cookies.
3. Drizzle both dark and white chocolate.
4. Dip cookies in melted white chocolate.
5. Dip cookies in white chocolate and sprinkle them with chopped almonds.
6. Dip cookies in white chocolate and sprinkle them with chopped pistachios.
7. Dip cookies in white chocolate and sprinkle them with shredded coconut.
8. Dip cookies in dark chocolate and sprinkle them with chopped almonds.
9. Dip cookies in dark chocolate and sprinkle them with chopped pistachios.
10. Dip cookies in dark chocolate and sprinkle them with shredded coconut.

Here are ten spritz cookie variations. If you make chocolate cookies, repeat the same decoration ideas, and you will end up with 20 different cookies in total!

Be sure to let the chocolate set completely before you pack your holiday cookies.

Expert tips in bulk:

• Leave some cookies plain: they have a nice texture, too.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper before working with chocolate.
• Place all the cookies you want to drizzle on a baking sheet and proceed. You only need to change the chocolate or use both for the double drizzle.
• Keep some cookies dipped in chocolate, and sprinkle others with chopped nuts and shredded coconut.
• Arrange all the cookies to be sprinkled with chopped almonds on a separate baking sheet. All you need is to sprinkle that batch of cookies with one kind of nuts. Repeat the same with cookies sprinkled with chopped pistachios and shredded coconut.

How to choose a cookie box or tin

A metal cookie tin is best because it's reusable and keeps cookies fresh.

A cardboard gift box from your local craft store will work well too. But I would suggest keeping your cookies in metal tins or airtight containers until you want to give cookies as a gift.

Basically, you want a large, shallow enough box or tray. For the box itself, I went to Michael's and found a white frame box that fit 1.5 batches of cookies perfectly.

Alternatively, you can use a glass jar, a festive cookie box, a divided treat gift box, a treat bag with a plastic window, or a holiday cellophane bag.

Not sure what size to buy? Here is a rough guide to how many small cookies fit common boxes and tins:

Box or tin size	Approximate cookies	Good for
Small tin, 6 inches (15 cm)	12 to 18	A single friend or coworker
Medium box, 8 inches (20 cm)	24 to 30	A small family gift
Large box, 10 x 12 inches (25 x 30 cm)	40 to 60	A generous family or office box
Two stacked tins	50 to 70	Shipping a big assortment

These are estimates for small spritz-style cookies. Larger or thicker cookies fill a box faster, so pack a test layer before you commit to a size.

How to arrange and style your cookie box

How far in advance could you bake your cookies? Ideally, two weeks in advance.

Make plain spritz cookies, keep them in metal tins or an airtight container until ready to decorate, or freeze cookies and decorate them later.

If you want to present the freshest cookies, bake and decorate them on the day you want to pack.

The most fun part is putting all the cookies together and assembling your cookie box. Of course, it has to look pretty and neat.

That means that you need to section off the box by using holiday cookie tins, bakery boxes, crumpled wax paper, Tupperware boxes, cupcake liners, pieces of kraft cardstock, whatever you have on hand.

Line the box's bottom with tissue paper, parchment paper, napkins, paper shred filler, raffia paper ribbon, and stack cookies in different ways.

I started decorating my cookie box by placing ring cookies in the center, then moved to the corners and around the edges.

You can even add in little store-bought treats such as dried fruit, nuts, and candies to visually break up the space.

There is no right or wrong way to create your cookie box, so bring your creativity.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Arrange the cookies in various ways by alternating cookies of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Try to avoid a big section of cookies that look similar.
• Place a few cookies standing up. You can tie them with a ribbon or burlap twine.
• Place some cookies on their side. Use kraft cardstock to section off areas of the box.
• Use white cupcake liners to add visual appeal under some cookies.
• Add a few candy canes or peppermint-colored jingle bells, baker's twine, a festive ribbon, or even a couple of envelopes of hot cocoa mix to make your cookie box more festive and fun.

Finally, cover your cookie box with a lid, tie it with a pink satin ribbon or raffia paper ribbon, add artificial pine picks, and include a pretty greeting card I created for you.

Download The Printable Season's Greetings Card >>

And to make the pleasure last, why not add a minimalist recipe card for these delicious cookies? Indeed, a gourmet and personalized gift!

Download The Printable Spritz Bredele Recipe Card >>

Print it on 8.5 x 11 white or kraft cardstock, cut it out, punch a hole in the corner, and tie a ribbon bow.

If you don't want to share the whole recipe, write down what to expect in the box. Just remember that some people have allergies.

Also, feel free to download and print out "Baked with love" printable tags in the recipe for Vanilla Bean Cookies to decorate your cookie packaging.

Label allergens: If you are gifting to someone outside your home, add a small note listing the main allergens, such as wheat, eggs, dairy, and nuts. This thoughtful touch helps anyone with a food allergy or a sensitive child know what is safe to eat.

How to pack and ship a cookie box

So, here is your first-created or maybe one of the nicest Christmas cookie boxes you have ever made. It is perfect for presenting to family and friends.

But what if you need to ship your cookies? What are the best tips for sending picture-perfect cookies that will remain fresh? There are a few to follow.

Step 1. Fill the bottom of the box or cookie tin with the shredded paper, then place a long piece of the parchment paper on top of the filler.

Step 2. Arrange your cookies; separate cookies with small parchment squares if you need to stack them.

Step 3. Cover cookies with the sides of parchment and seal with a sticker. Tie the box with burlap twine to secure it.

Step 4. Please fill the bottom of the larger box with plenty of packing material (for example, bubble wrap), place your gift cookie box or tin inside, and surround it with packing material. Finally, seal it with festive tape.

Step 5. Try shaking your box to make sure the gift box inside doesn't move! And don't forget to write FRAGILE on top!

Yes, you are ready to ship your cookies. But please ship using Priority Mail (USPS Priority if you live in the States).

Happy cookie box-making!

Recipe FAQ

How many kinds of cookies should you include in a cookie box?
The straight answer is from one to three, but the maximum is five or six.

How to store cookies until ready to pack
Store plain, undecorated cookies in metal tins or airtight containers, or freeze cookies if possible.

Is it better to mix different cookies in a box or keep them separate?
You can do both. Mixing several kinds in one box looks generous and festive, but keep strongly flavored or sticky cookies (like anything with citrus or a chocolate coating) separate with parchment, or in their own layer so flavors and moisture don't transfer.

How far in advance can you make a Christmas cookie box?
Bake most cookies 1 to 2 weeks ahead and store them airtight, or freeze undecorated cookies up to a couple of months. Decorate and assemble the box 1 to 2 days before giving or shipping it.

What can you use for a Christmas cookie box?
A sturdy gift box, a metal cookie tin, or a bakery box all work. Line it with parchment or tissue, and choose a size that lets you pack the cookies tightly so they don't rattle.

How do you ship a cookie box so cookies do not break?
Pack cookies snugly in a tin or box with no space, cushion the container inside a larger shipping box with padding, and ship sturdy cookies rather than fragile ones. Frozen cookies can travel and arrive thawed.

How long do the cookies in a cookie box last?
Most plain, undecorated cookies keep 2 to 3 weeks stored airtight at room temperature. Chocolate-dipped cookies are best within about 2 weeks.

Love cookies? Try these next!

• Spritz Bredele
• Bredele: Alsatian Christmas Cookies
• Mini Gingerbread Men Cookies
• Christmas Cookie Ornaments

Browse all of my recipes for more baking ideas.