Host a Christmastime Cookie Exchange

Swap and Share Cookies and Conversation

The aroma of holiday cookies fresh from the oven is one of the great joys of the season. Gingerbread men, sugar cookies sprinkled red and green, frosted cookies shaped like reindeer or Santa; you want to fill tray after tray with these goodies to have on hand for your holiday celebrations. But baking can be time-consuming and challenging. Why not turn baking cookies into a party of its own and let everyone enjoy creating the sweet treats they’ll be nibbling on later!

When you throw a cookie exchange party, you bring together friends who also enjoy baking cookies and sharing recipes and make a day out of tasting holiday treats. It doesn’t have to be restricted to cookies, either! You can include other recipes for homemade holiday candy, chocolate and other seasonal munchies.

This party is ideal for about 10-15 guests. This size guest list ensures a variety of cookies to try, but keeps the party intimate so guests can easily engage in conversation. In your invitation ask each guest to bring approximately a half dozen cookies for each attendee. Also ask her to bring a copy of her recipe to share with each attendee. You could ask they send the recipe along with her RSVP. That way you know what cookies to expect ensuring there won’t be duplicates.

As everyone arrives, set out their cookies on trays or in baskets on several small tables scattered around the room. Place small placards near each tray or basket upon which you can write the name of each recipe and who contributed it. And offer guests small plastic or paper baggies so they can collect samples of a few of their favorite recipes to take home. Encourage them to put each type of cookie in a separate bag as mixed cookies tend to lose their flavor and texture.

The great thing about a cookie exchange is that it can be held any time of the day, but morning parties are especially easy. By hosting it in the morning, your guests will have the remainder of the day for other holiday activities such as shopping, wrapping, their own decorating, or other parties. And you can serve refreshments that can be prepared in advance and merely reheated at the party such as breakfast casseroles, or food that doesn’t need to be cooked, such as bagels and fruit. There will be lots of moving around and sampling of cookies, plus lots of discussion of different recipes, so it is best to keep the food simple. It's more important to keep the cookie exchange flowing than trying to serve more food. Just concentrate on serving beverages. Cookies go wonderfully with traditional holiday beverages, such as egg nog, hot mulled cider and, of course, milk!

A great cookie to do with the kids -- spicy, sweet and fun to decorate!

Rich, delicious and beautiful!

These delicious breaded chops only need about 6 minutes to fry and they go great with almost any side dish.