Good Question: Best Goodies for Mailed Care Packages?

Here's a good question from reader Judi, who says:

I enjoyed Emma's recent posts on making soft pretzels and had a question. I'm putting together little "Thank You" care packages for a few out-of-state friends and I wanted to include some of the pretzels but was discouraged when I saw that they're best consumed immediately and will get mushy when stored in a container.

Any suggestions for similar baked treats that travel well?

Readers, what are your favorite treats to mail? What holds up well? Any suggestions for savory baked treats? Here are a few favorites that we like; nuts are an especially hardy mailed treat.

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Monster Cookies
• Sweet and Salty Cinnamon Almonds
• Chez Panisse Herbed Almonds
• Rosemary Roasted Cashews
• Earl Grey Tea Cookies
• Dark Chocolate Walnut Cookies

Next question?

(Images: Faith Durand)

Comments (5)

Not baked, but I'd like to get a package of chocolate truffles in the mail. Please.

Think of all the kinds of Christmas cookies that people make and send to friends and family. Ditto fruit cake, although you'll have to be careful about making a good one or you'll never live it down.

Banana bread famously ships well.

And if you're sending earl grey tea cookies, why not send some of your favorite tea? Or if you love iced tea, send some of your favorite tea for that and a nice pitcher to serve it in.

Bread or rolls with a good crust on them would probably do alright.

On the sweeter side: I imagine biscotti or mondel bread would travel well providing you packed it so they wouldn't tumble around.

Not baking - fudge, cookie mix jars, drop cookies (depending on the structure when set).

I worked at a bakery and we shipped foods and breads pretty frequently. The ones that did the best were the moister 'batter breads' (like banana bread, Chocolate Brownie bread, strawberry shortcake) The muffins did better than the cookies, but the cookies lasted longer than the scones.

Whenever I send care packages to my cousins in college, I include some "Kitchen Sink Cookies." The recipe is from Martha Stewart. They are super yummy and hold up very well when shipped.

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/kitchen-sink-cookies

Biscotti, crackers, granola, and I love sending sugar cookies with a centered pansy on top dusted in sugar.