10 Best Mail-Order Cookies To Give As Gifts
The age of the internet provides us with a seemingly unlimited number of food-delivery options. Aside from late-night Chinese food cravings and sorely needed Sunday-morning breakfast sandwiches, there are enough cookies out there to get you in the holiday cookie swap spirit—and to make that gym membership look all the more appealing. Whether you have more people to buy gifts for than there are hours in the day, need an easy dessert to round out your holiday feast or just have a hankering for something sweet, here are 10 of our favorite cookies available with just a few clicks.
? Leckerlee Lebkuchen ($25 to $152): Lebkuchen are centuries-old German gingerbread cookies, and Leckerlee makes its version in the Nuremburg style, meaning it relies on premium spices, marzipan, plenty of nuts and nestles a small white wafer, or oblaten, into the bottom. The New York-based company makes its cookies by hand, and they're available for bulk order or in a traditional decorative tin.
? Heritage Shortbread ($11 to $30): The recipe for these handcrafted shortbread cookies traveled from Scotland to South Carolina's Lowcountry, where they're made today using all-natural ingredients. For three generations, the McGrain family has kept their techniques secret, but, thankfully, you can get your hands on these shortbreads, available in traditional, royal lavender, lemon or chocolate dipped.
? Malvi Marshmallow Confections ($6.50 for four): "Malvi" comes from malvavisco, the Spanish word for marshmallow. Inspired by the traditional s'mores, these treats from the Georgia-based confectioner come in whimsical flavors, like vanilla salted caramel and raspberry hibiscus. But a quick pop in the microwave makes these fluffy marshmallows sandwiched between two shortbread-style cookies a little gooier and a lot more delicious.
? Tate's Bake Shop Cookies ($19 to $115): These crispy Southampton, New York, treats are no stranger to the grocery store aisle, but you need only know these two words when it comes to upping your holiday dessert game: cookie tower. It's made up of a whopping 126 cookies, pulled from three boxes of chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and chocolate macadamia.
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? Goodie Girl Mint Slims ($10.75 a box): If you're having a hard time tracking down some Girl Scouts, these Mint Slims from New York City-based Goodie Girl are, dare we say, just as delicious. Stock up year-round—there's no shame in hoarding a few boxes away in the freezer for yourself—or pile them up on your holiday cookie plate for gluten-free guests.
? Cha No Ka Tea Biscuits ($28 a box): Flavored with Okoicha matcha green tea, two slim, tender biscuits are held together with a layer of white chocolate. Enjoy these cookie sandwiches with tea, coffee or, if you're feeling particularly festive, Champagne. Made in Japan, these Cha No Ka, or "cat's tongue," cookies come individually wrapped and packaged in an elegant box, making for a pretty gift for busy New Yorkers—they're also available at most Dean & Deluca stores in New York, so call ahead for availability.
? The Good Batch Chocolate Peppermint Cookies ($9.50 for six): Infused with peppermint oil and topped with a smattering of crushed candy canes, these rich and cakey cookies are perfect for spreading a little Christmas cheer. A bag makes a great stocking stuffer or stock up and snack on them with a glass of milk all winter long to keep the holiday spirit going.
? Levain Assorted Box Set ($27 to $71): Levain has been churning out heavenly scone-like cookies since 1994 when two friends set off to create the world's best chocolate chip cookie. A small box of their assorted mix will get you the classics: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and dark chocolate peanut butter chip. Each batch comes baked and packed to order with an adorable bow.
? Schmackary's Cookies ($25 to $105): This New York City bakery's strength lies in numbers. It has 65 flavors and counting, many of which are seasonal. Red velvet? Check. Caramel apple crisp? Check. Pumpkin spice? Oh, yes. We're especially fond of the dirty peppermint option. Choose from one of the preselected cookie flights or pick your own. Super cookie fans out there should opt for the cookie-of-the-month-club option.
? Mrs. Hanes' Moravian Cookies ($21 to $37): Ideal for crumbling into a bowl of ice cream, these cookies are just sweet enough to still let the spices shine through. They come from a family recipe, and each cookie is made and packed by hand. Oprah herself named Mrs. Hanes' Moravian Cookies as one of her "favorite things" in 2010.