- Choose cookies that are firm and store well. Basic chocolate chip cookies, which you can spice up with nuts, different flavored chocolates or toffee pieces, are ideal. Use meringue icings, which harden if you plan to give frosted or decorated sugar cookies. Make the cookies large in size, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter, if you plan to display them on sticks. Insert the stick before baking. Make small or large cookies if you plan to display them flat. Make the cookie size consistent throughout your basket regardless of which display method you choose.
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Purchase a basket size based on the number of cookies you plan to give. Choose a flat basket in a square or rectangular shape if displaying your cookies flat. Choose a basket that is circular with rounded sides if you plan to display them on sticks, and also select a large foam craft ball that is close in size to the diameter of the bottom of your basket. Purchase filler, such as colorful decorating grass, or shred tissue paper or decorative wrapping paper. Select a piece of cellophane wrap large enough to wrap your basic and at least 2 yards of large ribbon.
Wrap each cookie in a plastic wrap or in cellophane candy bags, which can be found at most craft or bakery supply stores. Fold the edge of the bag and secure it with tape, or use a decorative ribbon to tie the end and create a bow. -
Place filler in the bottom of the basket when using a flat display. Line the back edge of the basket with wrapped cookies. Prop them up so that the front of the cookie is facing you. Continue to layer the cookies moving your rows forward. The cookies should not be completely flat against the bottom of the basket but elevated at an angle as you work your way to the front of the display. Adjust the filling to fill in gaps so that it is displayed attractively around the cookies.
Cut the large foam ball in half and place it in the center of the basket when using a stick display. Arrange heavy paper, such as newspaper, around the foam ball to secure it. Consider gluing it to the bottom of the basket if necessary to support it. Insert the sticks of the cookies into the foam, arranging them so that they all face forward and are staggered at different places in the foam. Fill in the empty spaces and cover the foam with filler.
Wrap the basket in a clear cellophane wrap. Secure it at the top of the basket, allowing some extra to fan out at the top. Tie a large bow where the cellophane is secured to complete your homemade cookie basket.
