Cookie Sale Checklist

A cookie sale involves more than baking enough cookies. You need time for pre-orders, allergen checks, cooling, decorating, packaging, pricing, and setting up a stall that can handle a queue. Start with the sales format and assortment, then work backward from the sale date to schedule shopping and baking. This checklist keeps the practical details together, including the cash drawer, labelled packages, display materials, and transport to the venue.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve the sales booth
Determine the assortment and prices
2 people
Create sales notice
Send invitations
2 people
Open pre-orders
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Check allergens per recipe
2 people
Check the shopping list
2 people
Purchase ingredients
2 people
Make the baking schedule
Clean work tables
2 people
Bake the first batch of cookies
3 people
Bake the second batch of cookies
3 people
Let the cookies cool completely
2 people
Decorate cookies
3 people
Pack cookies
3 people
Label packages
2 people
Set out pre-orders
2 people
Count inventory and price list
2 people
Prepare cash drawer

Event

Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Decorate the sales stand
2 people
Display cookies and prizes
3 people
Brief the sales team
2 people
Sell cookies
4 people
Hand out pre-orders
2 people
Provide allergen information
Restock the cookie supply
2 people
Restock packaging and napkins
Collect waste along the way

Aftercare

Count inventory and proceeds
2 people
Dismantle the sales booth
3 people
Clean dishes and equipment
3 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 4

Sales materials

Presentation sheetsqty 8
Cake standsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Price sign holdersqty 6
Cash drawer
Calculator
Coupon bookletqty 2
Stock cratesqty 6

Kitchen

Mixing bowlsqty 6
Hand mixersqty 2
Baking traysqty 8
Cooling racksqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 4
Kitchen scalesqty 2
Cookie cuttersqty 8
Oven mittsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable spoonsqty 60

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Menu boardsqty 2
Chalkboardsqty 2

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpan

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the assortment and prices before sending invitations or opening pre-orders. Keep the final price list beside the sales notice so customers know what they can reserve.
Review dietary requirements against every recipe before buying ingredients. Do this before baking, not while packing, and keep allergen information with the relevant packages.
Build in cooling time between baking and decorating. Cookies that are still warm can soften icing, damage packaging, or make labels difficult to attach cleanly.
Count finished stock and pre-orders separately before leaving for the venue. Set aside every reserved package first, then price and display the remaining cookies.
Prepare the cash drawer, calculator, price signs, packaging, and display equipment as one transport load. Check extension cords and power strips before setup so you are not searching for missing equipment at the stall.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I open cookie sale pre-orders?: Open pre-orders at least 7 days before the sale if you need to estimate quantities and collect dietary requirements. Close them 2 to 3 days before baking so the shopping list and schedule can be finalised.
How many cookies should I bake for a cookie sale?: Use confirmed pre-orders as your minimum quantity, then add about 10% for walk-up sales when the event is open to the public. Count each flavour separately so one popular variety does not sell out immediately.
When should cookies be decorated and packed?: Bake the cookies at least 1 day before the sale when possible. Let each batch cool completely before decorating, then pack and label the cookies after the decoration has set.
What should I prepare for the cookie sale stall?: Prepare the tables, tablecloths, display stands, serving tongs, price signs, stock crates, cash drawer, and calculator before leaving for the venue. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for arranging the stall and displaying cookies and prizes.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.