Mothers of Military Personnel - Cookie Recipe please....?

Question

I would like to send my brother (Navy) some cookies, but I want them to be fresh when he gets them (takes one to two weeks). I have a great recipe, but the cookies are hard after one day, even if they are covered, it's just the way the recipe is... has anyone had success with a recipe that is still delicious when they get them overseas? Please, tried-and-true ones only....
thanks!

Answer 1

I have the perfect answer for you. I'm a soldiers wife and have had plenty of experience with this. Here it is. Use your regular cookie recipe that you know is his favorite but go splurge on a vacum sealer like a food saver. You can pick one up at wal-mart for like 100 bucks. You vacum seal your cookies and when it sucks the air out you swear you just ruined your baked cookies and turned it back to dough but they spring right back when you open them and taste fresh out of the oven. You have to let them completely cool (let them sit out at least an hour or they will melt and sweat in the bags), and then only stack them about three high in about four piles to a gallon size bag is how i send a dozen. Then just a padded envelope or a small box. I know a vacum sealer is a big investment but it's worth it, it'll keep cakes and breads fresh long enough to ship too. And if you send like soap and shampoo (things that smell or leak) it'll keep it from ruining the rest of your box. Hope that helps.
Kelly
Wife in the 82 AB div

Answer 2

As a former sailor and recipient of a care package or two, I can say that any cookie coming through the mail is a good cookie. Actually, cookies that are hard ship better - the softer ones get crumbled in transit unless you put a lot of work into the packaging. If you do get a good recipe or way to keep them soft, pack them well with plenty of cushioning or they won't make it. For me it's ok, I like harder/crispier cookies anyway.

I think someone had good luck shipping cookies to me in an empty Pringles can (that was inside a cushioned box). The full tube of cookies in the can seemed to help keep them from jostling around too much.

A little more oil/fat in your standard recipe will help keep them moister/softer longer.

That's about all the help I can offer. Sorry.

I thank you in advance on your brother's behalf for sending cookies. Yum! Remember he has to share, so send as many as you can! :-)

Answer 3

Rice Krispy Bars made with a little extra marshmallow will keep pretty well and packs easier because of the shape. You could even send it as a block and they could cut it when it arrives there. Wrap it up tightly before you box it to send, of course.
Good luck!