How Far Ahead Should You Order Custom Cookies for Events in 2026?

How Far Ahead Should You Order Custom Cookies for Events in 2026?

Ordering custom corporate cookie gift boxes for a business event often feels like a small task. People usually add it to the list after they finalise the major details. The venue, the guest list, and the schedule. Then suddenly, the event is closer than expected, and timing becomes the stressful part!

This question comes up a lot in January. Everyone’s back at work, plans for the year are taking shape, and events start filling the calendar. Food tends to come later, and that’s where problems can sneak in.

So let’s discuss timing in a clear, realistic way!

How far ahead should you order?

In general, custom cookies baked fresh need more lead time than most people expect! We can complete smaller orders quickly. However, when quantities increase or designs become more detailed, extra time is helpful.

As a guide:

• Small orders: around 1–2 weeks
• Medium orders: around 2–3 weeks
• Large or multi-location orders: 3–6 weeks

These timelines can change based on design complexity, dietary needs, and delivery details. However, planning early usually leads to better results! So set your delivery date according to these guidelines, and it'll be smooth sailing!

Why custom cookies need more time

Custom cookies aren’t standard catering. We design them specifically for your event, from design to finishing!

There’s usually a design stage first, even if you already have a logo. Sizing, colour matching, and final approval all need to happen before baking starts. Leaving this too late often means simplifying the design or making rushed decisions.

Once production begins, the team bakes the cookies, decorates them, and allows them to set properly before packing. You can't rush these steps without affecting quality!

Dietary needs, such as gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, coeliac or allergen-friendly options, are important. These options require time for preparation, so don't add them at the last minute!

What happens when orders are left too late

When timing is tight, flexibility disappears. Businesses often have to compromise on their custom cookie order in ways they didn’t expect, such as:

• simpler designs than originally planned
• limited quantities because of capacity
• fewer diet-safe options
• tighter delivery windows

In some cases, the result doesn’t quite match the effort that participants put into the rest of the event.

Why January is a smart time to plan

January is actually one of the easiest times to think ahead. Fresh budgets, mapped-out calendars, and more breathing room exist than later in the year.

Many businesses that plan early reuse the same cookie style across multiple events. That makes future ordering quicker and keeps things consistent across the year.

A simple way to think about it

If an event matters enough to include branded cookies, it matters enough to plan them with some lead time. Ordering early gives you:

• better design options
• smoother production
• less pressure as the event gets closer

What kind of cookies does Sugar Rush by Steph offer?

Chunky cookies

• Chunky cookies are thicker, softer, and more indulgent! They’re less about detailed branding and more about flavour and generosity.

>> Buy Delicious Chunky Cookies Australia

Edible image cookies

• Edible image cookies use your company logo or artwork printed directly onto the cookie surface.

>> Buy Printed Image Cookies Australia-wide

Debossed fondant cookies

• Debossed fondant cookies have a clean, pressed-in design rather than colour printing. We stamp your logo or text into the fondant for a subtle, premium look. Just add a message and we'll do the rest!

>> Buy Personalised Fondant Cookies Near You

Royal icing cookies

• Royal icing allows for hand-piped detail and more decorative finishes. Each cookie is carefully iced and finished by hand!

>> Buy Custom Royal Icing Cookies in Australia

And the best part? Our cookie delivery is Australia-wide! We offer same-day dispatch / next-day delivery for Melbourne metro. In the meantime, shipping Australia-wide only takes 1-3 business days from our HACCP kitchen!

(Please note that delivery times vary! All our cookies are heat-sealed and can last up to 8 weeks.)

Planning makes everything easier

January is the perfect time to order your custom personalised cookies from Sugar Rush by Steph! Lock things in early and set the year up properly. Give yourself one less thing to worry about later on!

Ready to place an order with us to secure your event cookies? Visit us on our website to start ordering online today!