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Cookie Exchange Party

Do you love setting the table with a huge assortment of cookies but can't stand the thought of spending several days baking? Then a cookie exchange party is the perfect party for you!

The Basics

Ask each guest to bring a big batch of cookies: estimate 1 dozen multiplied by the total number of guests. Provide guidelines to each baker so that you get a good cookie assortment: rolled cookies, bar cookies, drop cookies, decorated cookies. Your friends may have family recipes they wish to share.

Each guest should also bring copies of their cookie recipe and containers to take cookies home. Heavy duty plastic freezer bags will work for sturdy cookies, but decorated cookies and more delicate shapes should be packaged in tins or sealable plastic containers. Provide waxed paper or parchment for separating layers of cookies.

Party Nibbles

You may want to sample the cookies you're swapping, or you can stay away from sweet treats and set out an array of savory snacks. Coffee, hot cider or punch are always good choices for a cookie exchange party.

Variety is the Spice of Life

To make your Cookie Exchange Party extra-special.

1. Extend Your Circle of Sharing

Have guests to bring an unopened package of store-bought cookies or canned food. You can then collect the packaged food and bring them to a homeless shelter or food pantry.

2. Share Cookie Stories

During the actual cookie-swap segment of the party, tell stories. It could be a story about the cookie's origin, where the cook learned the recipe, or just holiday baking memories.

3. Create Cookie Recipe Booklets

Ask your guests to mail (or e-mail) their cookie recipes to you, or collect the recipes on the day of the party. Assemble a booklet of recipes for everyone to take home with them.

Christmas Cookie Recipe Collection

Christmas Cookie Recipes

Check out our recipe collections for bar cookies, sugar cookies, macaroons, thumbprints, and other favorites.

Christmas Quick Links

Comments

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Helen

Dec. 1, 2009 8:05 am

Our family has been doing cookie swaps for years. Each year it is so different . My mom and I now do it with our kids and the grandaughters are now doing it. I had my 13 year old grandaughter call me for a recipe for my coconut macaroons so she can make them for our cookie swap on Sat. We then do a Christmas craft for the girls along with lunch last year was gumdop trees this year we are making gift bags.Great family time with 4 generations now participatating

kyevic

Dec. 1, 2009 2:14 pm

this year we are going to have a cookie/gingerbread house party! each family will bring a batch of cookies and then we'll all build gingerbread houses together!

Sherry

Dec. 1, 2009 10:57 pm

I am thinking about doing this with family and friends. Does anyone have any suggestions for me to get started?

mich15

Dec. 2, 2009 5:03 am

We did this at my work this year we asked everyone and thier was 10 of us that joined we made squares and cookies and set a date now we have a 12 of 10 different kinds of sweets its very nice to have a jump start on all hte baking.

mich15

Dec. 2, 2009 5:04 am

sorry a dozen of 10 different things

Pam W

Dec. 2, 2009 5:26 am

We've exchanged cookies for close to 20 years...if the date falls right we do it Sat morning before Christmas so they are still nice and fresh for Santa and our friends. At 9:00a.m. we have a continental breakfast then parade around the cookie filled table to gather our take home cookies in an our empty containers. Regardless of the number attending we each make 3 dozen of one kind of cookie...of course everyone brings the few extra that tend to come out of the batch. Some years we walk away with 2 of each kind some years more; all dependant upon the number of attendees. Bottom line you walk away with a minimum of 3 doz variety of cookies in exchange for your 3 doz of one kind. This works out great; giving a dozen of each kind just tends to result in stale unused cookies being thrown out!

TRACI8878

Dec. 2, 2009 8:48 am

This will be my second year doing a cookie exchange. The first year I did it in the evening with cocktails and appetizers. This year I am having a Sunday luncheon. I am having each gal bring 4 dozen cookies. I am going to bake a few of my favorites so the girls have even more cookies to take home sice it is a smaller group-6 of us. I am buring copies of my favorite christmas cds for take aways as well as doing recipe cards for all of the cookies at the exchange. I found a great web site that you can type and print recipes cards for free: http://www.hp.com/hho/hp_create/cards-recipe_cards.html

I'm a Balehead

Dec. 3, 2009 11:50 am

You can always freeze the cookies you have left over also. They can keep for about a month in a freezer zip bag.If there is alot,I put mine in a feezer container.Its nice to pull out a cookie or two when company is over, or on the weekends.

ncrnobrna

Dec. 5, 2009 2:09 pm

We have started the tradition of a Girls Weekend with all the ladies in our family at our cabin in Northern MN. Each year we do a cookie exchange, go shopping, visit a light exhibit and just enjoy eachothers company. Every year wonderful memories are made. It is a nice relaxing weekend to look forward to this busy time of year!

Sue Doe

Dec. 5, 2009 3:48 pm

I having my very first cookie exchange party this year and I thatnk you all for the great ideas....I am getting very excited about this....now I just have to pick a recipe to make!!

deeniekov

Dec. 6, 2009 1:31 pm

We are actually making the cookies together for the 2nd year. Everyone comes with their recipes, unusual ingredients (I have the basics) and we plan to bake together, then bring in the spouses for a crockpot supper. I'm calling it a Cookie Klatch.

mary's recipes

Dec. 6, 2009 1:43 pm

I AM LOOKING FOR A RECIPE OF A COOKIE CALLED "SNOWBALLS" CAN ANYONE HELP ME

tcwith3

Dec. 6, 2009 6:01 pm

For Mary's Recipes: The Snowball cookie your looking for....are they a light ball with pecans and covered in powdered sugar???? I have a recipe for this cookie.

missy

Dec. 7, 2009 9:58 am

mary's recipe...these are also referred to as mexican wedding cookies and the recipe can be found on this website. They are a family favorite of ours and make them every year!!

Nathan's Nana

Dec. 8, 2009 5:37 am

Happy Holidays to All!! I am looking for a fantastic cookie to make for the holidays that will be a big hit. One of our all time favorites is a cornflake cookie which is yummy and I will be making all the normal ones (sugar, peanut butter kiss, etc), but I just wanted a new cookie for the Holidays. Any suggestions????????

millimel

Dec. 8, 2009 12:20 pm

I have been having cookie exchanges for about 10yrs now, this is my 7th yr here in Mississippi. They concept was not very popular here in the South,(I'm a transplant from the North) but my friends here love it every October they begin asking when the exchange is going to happen. It is a great way to get your holiday baking done and enjoy some good ole fashion girl time!!!!This yr we are going to have a kid party as well where everyone brings a dozen of either sugar cookie or gingerbread and the kids will decorate and take home.

millimel

Dec. 8, 2009 1:52 pm

Nathans Nana One of the ones that I started using a few yrs back was the white chocolate pumpkin drop cookies they are a fav! I have done them iced or plain depending on how much time I before the party. I leave these ones til last. You can also omit the nuts if allergies are an issue. Hope this helps:0)

Tracy Bergeon

Dec. 8, 2009 8:26 pm

We do a cookie exchange in our MOPS group each year. I found a recipe on here for rum balls last year and they were awesome. I am taking these to the exchange this year.

Allypal

Dec. 10, 2009 8:05 pm

Nathan's Nana... I would suggest making the Rosenmunnar cookies on this website. I added them to my Christmas cookie baking last year and they are absolutely delicious, tender and flavorful. A lot different from most of my typical Christmas cookies! My kids favorites are the Cream Wafers (also available on this site)--a little time consuming, but pretty light and delicous--worth the time for the special Christmas baking ritual and the following enjoyment!

Indy Mom

Dec. 10, 2009 8:22 pm

I have hosted my cookie exchange for 10 yrs. Each year we have anywhere from 15-20 guests and have great food and fun. But,I need new ideas for games and activities. We always have a great time sharing recipes and sampling the cookies but I am bored with the same "paper" games. we have done an ornament and white elephant exchange also. any new ideas of games or activities would be great!

Edna

Dec. 12, 2009 9:10 am

I think cookie exchanges are great. Sadly I have been to exchanges where little one's have been allowed to have a hand in making & decorating the cookies. While I am all for family fun..I have always done christmas cookie time seperate for my kids when they were little, but never to give away at an exchange..just an FYI, your cookies are a representation of your love for making and presenting your trade mark..Happy Baking.

Linda

Dec. 13, 2009 6:33 am

When I make Mary's sugar cookies, I roll out dough in confectioners sugar instead of flour, to much flour can change taste.

Peggy P

Dec. 16, 2009 7:52 am

I went to a cookie exchange several years ago. I had so much fun that I decided to have a cookie exchange of my own. At first my group of friends were small and as the years past, the group kept growing. Everyone had a great time and had heard about the party and wanted to come. I had contests that delt with something about cookies and gave the winner a prize. I made mulled cider, coffee, sodas, tea and had water. everyone brought cookies to sample. Everyone packaged their cookies in a different way. It was so neat to see how they packaged them. We had so much fun. I do recommend that you might want to keep your group to a managable size because of all the cookies that everyone would need to bring. Some people do like to make cookies but not in great quantities. The main thing is to have fun. Happy baking from the Cookie Monster!

Terrilynn

Dec. 16, 2009 11:53 am

The ladies from my church had a cookie exchange at my house on the first Fri. in December. Which was a nice way to start the month before schedules get too busy. We each made two dozen cookies... one to share and one to sample. It was nice only having to make two dozen cookies. I have done cookie exchanges where you made one dozen for each person participating and liked this so much better...You didn't have to make so many and were not stuck with more cookies than you can eat. It was just a nice time of fellowship.

amy

Dec. 19, 2009 4:51 pm

My first attempt at cookie exchange was not great for everyone because we only had 6 people and made 2 cookie types @ 2 dozen each. Too many cookies for some of the exchangers who have no children. Last time we did 2 types 1 dozen each and everyone just got a sampling of each - much better way to go for anyone! We set them out on plates on the table and everyone just circled around the table.

Carol

Feb. 25, 2010 9:52 pm

Cookie exchanges are fun. Only problem I run into is that a lot of people who attend don't put as much LOVE into their cookies as I do. In fact, some of the cookies taste darn right awful to be honest. But, I guess the fun we have outweighs the taste of the cookie. Of course, it doesn't help if you are a picky cookie eater. : )

Cookn'up_a_vegetarian_storm

Mar. 2, 2010 10:03 am

These cookies look delicious:) If you guys search - "Faux-reo" Those are some good cookies:D

Alicia Lee

Oct. 15, 2010 9:38 pm

sooooooooooooooo good

crystal miller

Oct. 19, 2010 9:41 am

Love these tips, Thanks

luv2cooknbake

Nov. 1, 2010 1:25 pm

I've hosted a cookie exchange for eight years and the number of attendees keeps growing! A few helpful tips I've learned over the years from other web sites and experience: In your invitation mention "no no-baked cookies" (unless you want to include fudge, etc). When guests RSVP keep track of who is bringing what type of cookie so you have a nice variety and don't have repeats. Have people email you their recipes - saves a ton of time from typing them all up. I cheat on dessert I serve that evening by purchasing a large decadent dark chocolate layered cake and a cheesecake with cherries. As our group got to over 15 we decided on 4 dozen, rather than 6 dozen of one type of cookie - the guests bring all their cookies on serving platters which are placed on tables that we circle; guests place the pre-determined number of each type cookie into their take-home containers (e.g. 48 cookies divided by 16 attendees = 3 of each type of cookie for each person to take home. When the numbers d

KIMB1012

Nov. 1, 2010 1:41 pm

Thanks to those of you who have shared your experiences and helpful tips! The adult women in my family usually go Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving, but slowly some are deciding it just isn't as fun as it used to be...so I am toying with the idea of hosting a cookie/baked goods exchange (not just cookies, but brownies and fudge too...and maybe some sweet breads) instead of shopping this year. I enjoy reading every one's replies and comments!

Kelly

Nov. 2, 2010 4:25 pm

I have read each year about the cookie exchange. This year I want to do one at my church.I will start off with some comfort food and drinks. Coffee, Hot chocolate, warm cider, cheese spreads, potatoe soup,etc. I wont to get pretty gift bags for everyone to put their cookies in along with a print out of each cookie. Then I want everyone to bring a Christmas ornament. Under each chair will be a number starting with one. I will have everyone go in order to pick out an ornament that they would like to take home. I am going to ask each person to bring a Christmas card and have a list of all the shut-ins. Each person will pick one person to send the Christmas card to. And then I would like each person to bring a can good or two to make a christmas basket to give to a needed family. Now I am trying to figure out how to title this party. Does anyone have any suggestions? By the way I am from the South an ALABAMA GIRL ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!

julie17

Nov. 21, 2010 11:28 am

Thanks, ladies! You've given me lots of ideas for a Xmas cookie exchange. My quick idea to make your regular choc-chip cookies festive is to dip half the cookie in melted chocolate then in coloured sugar or Xmas sprinkles. They really jazz up the cookies and the kids love the sprinkles.

Yendi

Nov. 30, 2010 12:51 am

Our cookie party is limited to grown-up and teen ladies. (No little kids that mommy has to fuss after...we want this to be a few hours of relaxing!) We each bring a dozen baked or BAKERY bought for every one attending. We limit the group to about 10 so we can keep everyone around the table for chatting. The hostess provides drinks(alcoholic and non alcoholic) and an appetizer..guests also bring an appetizer. We encourage everyone to bake and pre-freeze(and securely wrap) their cookies. We can easily go through 10 dozen cookies in the month of December whenever someone drops over. Hostess also usually buys an ornament or scented candle or small prize for the best holiday outfit..or best presentation of their cookies or whatever the hostess wants to award it for. A hot mulled cider or wine also gets the house smelling lovely. Do only what YOU want to do..but please make your restrictions CLEAR on your invitations and pick your date at least 6 weeks in advance because December cal

tina

Nov. 30, 2010 8:36 pm

Is it limited to cookies or can you do cake balls or truffles?

Jacey

Dec. 1, 2010 9:27 am

I've been hosting and going to Cookie exchange parties for many years. They are very easy! The number of cookies you bring is the number of cookies you take home. I would never tell someone not to bring a particular kind of cookie because someone else already is. Many times someone has a different recipe, both to be enjoyed! Any kind of cookie, bar, ball etc. is fine with us! If you're to bring 3 dozen cookies, we don't care if you bring 3 dozen of the same kind. Bring an assortment! That's the fun of it. When you're choosing what you want to take home, same thing - take 2 or 3 or one kind, a few of another. It doesn't matter. We're not so strict in our rules. Bring your cookies in whatever you're going to take cookies home in. I always suggest bringing (or supplying) extra large ziploc bags and sturdy paper plates. I bring large tupperware or even a 9 x 13 with wax paper works. We like to do our parties no earlier than the 2nd week of Dec. so that the cookies are still fresh a

Dana

Dec. 7, 2010 12:37 am

This is such a great idea, I decided to throw a cookie party this year, and my friends loved the idea!I can`t wait! I told them that cookies MUST be Christmas themed, but, having in mind that most of my friends do not cook, I can`t wait to see the results! So excited!

Missy

Dec. 7, 2010 10:23 pm

I teach small English classes (5 students each). For the last class before Christmas, I've organized a cookie exchange as our class theme. We will use these delicious morsels to increase our English vocabulary

delish

Dec. 14, 2010 3:27 pm

This is so great! I just hosted a cookie exchange in my new neighborhood. I invited 15 but only 5 came. Last year in my old neighborhood 10 people came. Here's how I do it: I make yummy gourmet appetizers, mulled cider, and I have all the ladies (ladies only--no kids) bring one dozen to share for everyone to nibble and try and 5 dozen to exchange. And the amount shared depends on the number of people who come. Each of us this year got a dozen of each person's cookies, which is nice! And with a small group, we really were able to talk together and get to know one another better without alot of distraction from too many people. I insist on homemade cookies only (although bakery is fine if need be) and it really is neat to see the variety that shows up! Some of them aren't the greatest tasting, but others make up for that. What's nice is, I now have cookies I can bring to my daughter's school party and to share with other friends I invite over for coffee during the holidays. It's a bumme

t fisher

Dec. 23, 2010 4:36 pm

I have done this for the past two years and had a fantastic time with about 10 - 12 girlfriends. I like to do this the Sunday afternoon before Christmas, everyone is in need of some "me time". We all break out our best recipes. We bring the recipes along to share and I provide cookie bags for take home treats. We also spice our party up with a "dirty Santa" gift exchange. What fun this is. Everyone looks forward to the following year.

raindrop

Aug. 30, 2011 4:38 pm

I love the cookie cutter up above where can u find them

litlmissme

Oct. 14, 2011 5:45 pm

I love the idea of doing this at our church. I am going to mention this and ask each lady to bring 4 dozen cookies. One to share on that night, 2 dozen to take home, and the last dozen to go to shut ins. What a lovely idea.

mlweck

Oct. 17, 2011 8:18 am

Our neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange takes place in the evening, after everyone has had dinner. What would be some good wine pairings ?

susan

Oct. 23, 2011 8:43 pm

I hosted my first cookie exchange last year and it was so much fun! Counting myself we had 12 of us. I asked everyone i invited that if they were not going to be able to make it to please let me know at least 2 weeks ahead of time so i could give their spot to someone else. Instead of setting all the cookies out, everyone brought 12 pkgs of 6 cookies each for a total of 6 dz cookies. It was fun to see how everyone packaged their cookies, some used chinese-like takeout containers, some little Christmas pails, some colored saran wrap with pretty bows. There was lots of creative ideas. If anybody had any extra they were welcome to bring them to sample thru-out the evening. I served a wild mushroom soup with rosemary breadsticks and coffee and spiced tea. I hosted this on a Monday evening due to everyones weekends in December being so busy plus it gave everyone Sunday afternoon/evening to bake. My invitations are ready to go out for this years party and my dinner menu set, now if

Mrs.Gariner

Nov. 8, 2011 2:30 pm

If your going to do a cookie exchange make sure to specify that store bought cookies like oreos and chips ahoy are not desired. I would not think this is necessary but last year a few people from my work brought in store cookies. I don't know about you guys, but I did not spend hours making cut out frosted cookies to get some yucky store cookies.

Nov. 26, 2011 5:51 pm

I would like to have one of these, but I'm afraid that everyone would just go out and buy some cookies from walmart.

Aunt Debra

Nov. 28, 2011 12:12 pm

We have an annual exchange at church, the ladies invite friends and it is open to the public. Each person brings 8 dozen cookies, divided and packaged into 1/2 dozen packages. (so they each bring 16 packages) We start by placing 1 package (6 cookies) from each lady onto trays for tasting. We then take 1 and 1/2 dozen from each and set aside. We later divide these into four packages and deliver them for Christmas to our 4 local fire stations. After we have done the activities for our exchange(craft, game, song,story...whatever), we then divide the remaining 6 dozen cookies among everyone present. A few of us make extra cookies to share incase someone brings a quest that doesn't bring cookies. This is our churchs most favorite yearly ladies activity.

Nance

Nov. 28, 2011 3:00 pm

I was just invited to my first cookie exchange and while I thought haveing to bring 12 dozen was a lot, I figured it was the norn...but now having read many of these replies with you all mentioning an average of 4-6 dozen, I'm wondering why so many at mine? Not one of the ladies I talked to mentioned donating any, just sampling some....Oh boy I'd better get to finding a recipe that wont break my bank and that isn't the typically expected Tollhouse variety...Oh boy....

marie

Nov. 29, 2011 2:54 pm

I have done a cookie swap many years ago. This year I decided to host another. I have invited 6 close friends and have asked each to bring 6 dozen cookies, 1 dozen per person, plus the recipe. I have said I will supply appys and such. Should be a good time, and we will all get 6 dozen cookies and will only have to bake 1 kind. So looking forward to it.

Poutbaby

Dec. 1, 2011 3:44 am

I had a Cookie Exchange Party many years ago and found it to be so much fun. I finally decided that this was the year to do it again. (I would like to make it an annual tradition). I have each guest bring 1 dozen packaged home-made cookies for all of the other guests (there will be 9 of us so every one brings 8 dozen to exchange -no need to bring a dozen for yourself-just keep them at home). Everyone attaches the cookie recipe to each package. (If I do this another year, I will make recipe booklets on the computer for each guest, thereby sparing everyone from having to write down the recipe multiple times.) Each guest will also bring a dozen to sample at the party and a dozen to share with the local Hospice. I'll provide Cranberry Punch and Coffee and a few other nibbles. I've also asked everyone to bring a small, inexpensive (around $5.00) wrapped Christmas themed gift for a grab-bag. Ideas are: ornaments, cookie cutters, Christmas towels, candles, etc. I will also have a prize for t

BakinNurse

Dec. 1, 2011 8:43 am

I'm hosting my 3rd annual cookie exchange brunch in a week and a half. I usually have around 8 guests, and I ask them to bring five dozen cookies each, but people usually bring a little more. In the past, I've made a bunch of breakfast items, but this year I'm making it a potluck, so everyone is bringing a breakfast item to share, and I serve coffee and mimosas. We eat and visit and then exchange cookies and recipes. It's a lot of fun, and my regular guests look forward to it every year and ask me when I'm having it before I even send out e-vites. Fun times!

BakinNurse

Dec. 1, 2011 8:49 am

Oh, and I also make a party favor for my guests to take home with them. The first year it was a cookie cutter with the recipe for my cookies attached, last year I made the Wilton peppermint bark in a snowflake cookie cutter (that you make from a kit), and this year I made hot chocolate mix that I found on this website, and put it in pretty canning jars and wrapped pretty Christmas ribbon around the lids and attached a cute Christmas tag with instructions on mixing the hot chocolate. My guests love having something to take home with them besides all the cookies, and I have fun making the favors.

EllwynX

Dec. 3, 2011 5:13 pm

This year will be my first time hosting one of these. We're having it the same day as my annual December Movie Night. So there will be tons of food and a couple movies to watch after we all exchange cookies. :)

DenallaDrone

Dec. 4, 2011 12:25 am

we did a holiday cookie exchange just yesterday, it was so much fun!! We had a table full of cookies, 9 people made cookies & each person make 9dozen cookies or more if they wanted =) I made the easy oreo truffles recipe on this website, perfect!!! Everyone loves them! I'm going to make them out of golden oreos & white chocolate next time I make 'em =D

Alisa

Dec. 5, 2011 5:06 pm

This year will be our 2nd annual neighborhood ladies Cookie Exchange. Of course we eat lots of goodies, play some games, share stories of Christmases past and of course swap cookies!

robindcr8l

Dec. 6, 2011 5:03 am

I have been hostessing a cookie exchange with 6 of my girlfriends for the past 3 years. I have it in the evening, and everyone just brings a few dozen of their favorite cookie. We email evryone else with what cookie we're bringing so we don't have repeats. I then make several dozen cut-out cookies and everyone brings some decorations. We spend the evening, snacking, visiting, and decorating cut-out cookies. I always have hot mulled cider and some wine. People bring their kids, too, but we have them use separate decorations and keep their cookies separate from the adults so nobody licks the cookies we give as gifts! LOL It's great fun and we all look forward to it every year!!

Linda

Dec. 6, 2011 10:08 am

My daughter hosted a cookie exchange for years. The first year, she put her cookies in small gold papers and placed the dozen on a glass dish with gold trim(Marc's closeout,4/$1.00). One of the ladies was jealous and vowed to "outdo" the container the following year(she had brought her cookies on a plain paper plate).The contest was "ON"!!! Every year, each lady would "secretly" begin her search for the best container as soon as possible. It became a "container contest" and the cookies were secondary. My daughter stopped having the exchange when it got to the point of spending $10.00 on each container. We gave and recieved some beautiful cookie jars etc. It was crazy but fun while it lasted!

marie

Dec. 8, 2011 11:06 am

My cookie party is coming up fast. Getting excited about it. I have decided to make graham cracker gingerbread houses for each of the ladies to decorate and then they will have to rate each others. There will be a prize for the top 3. A cookie cutter tree ornament, a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine. Haven't done this before, so we will see how it turns out. Should be lots of fun.

Nana Polly

Dec. 12, 2011 10:47 am

The ladies' group at my church has a cookie exchange each year. We have prizes for best tasting and the best display. [We bring in a couple of men for the judging.] Someone reads a Christmas story, we sing songs and make a craft. Each lady brings three dozen cookies, one dozen each for snacking and then everyone gets to pick two dozen to take home. Since some of the ladies do not or can no longer bake, they are allowed to purchase cookies at a specialty shop and still be part of the fellowship of the evening.

Cindyrella

Dec. 14, 2011 4:36 am

Hi folks...I'm new to the fold....I think this is a wonderful idea.......a great way to find new cookie recipes., socialize and just have a good time with old friends!! I think this will be one of my new trends that I will be setting!! Thanks everyone!!

Nana Polly

Dec. 14, 2011 5:40 am

We had our cookie exchange at church last night. About 80 ladies attended. It was the biggest one so far. In addition to the singing and story reading, each lady made a gift to take home. We had canning jars and the dry ingredients for a cookie recipe. We each went through the line and measured them into the jar. We topped it off with a Christmas cloth disc and ribbon. The cookie recipe was taped on the front which gave us the liquid indgredients to be added. Although we have not yet had people bring extra cookies to deliver to shuit-ins, I think I will suggest it for next year. What we do is pick someone who has has a hard time during the year and ask everyone to bring something to put in a basket for them. Teo years ago, two days before Christmas, one of our ladies lost everything in a fire. It was a rough year, but they got into their rebuilt house not long before last Christmas, so we asked everyone to bring something to decorate their tree. It was a surprise to her, her

Patty

Dec. 14, 2011 9:20 am

I have 5 sisters and hosted my first, and last, cookie exchange about 10 years ago. What could be easier? Make 6 dozen of your favorite cookie, pack them up and show up at my house on Sunday for a beautiful brunch. HA! Store bought cookies and unattractive presentations spoiled it for me. Never again, but good luck to you.

Vanessa

Dec. 14, 2011 11:48 am

I've done this the last 3 years; everyone brings 4 doz (don't want to make it a chore to bake), a wrapped gift for Dirty Santa and an empty container to take cookies home. I ask folks to RSVP thier cookies to insure a good variety. It's a blast!

a.centanni

Dec. 14, 2011 12:41 pm

My sister-in-laws,daughters and nieces got together for our 2nd swap. We all shared recipes and memories and brunch. New cookies and new memories made the day a very special one!

MrsBliss

Dec. 15, 2011 7:19 am

My step-daughter started hosting a cookie party/exchange four years ago and it has been so much fun every year since! All of her friends and her Mother in law and Aunts etc all get together and we have mimosas and everyone brings an appetizer and a few dozen (or more) of their special cookies and I bring the sugar cookie dough that I make the night before. We all then have the chance to roll out, cut, bake and frost the sugar cookies however we choose. Then we all get to go home with a huge assortment of cookies along with fresh baked sugar cookies too!!! Soooo much fun! As a matter of fact, this years party is this Saturday!! I can't wait!!

Renee Arnett

Dec. 15, 2011 9:49 pm

I have participated in a cookie exchange for about 5 years now. My friend and I plan the guest list to include 12 friends. We request each friend to bring 6 doz cookies(all the same), pkged in container/bags of 6 each (a total of 12 bags). We then place them on the table and we start a "march" around the table. Everyone takes 1 pkg of each kind (and one of your own) it works out nicely. If we have more, then we just divide them up. We also bring a covered dish to share for lunch AND a "white elephant" that we play "dirty santa" with. The young girls (age 13 and below) have really taken to the game and we have a wonderful time of fellowship!

Westlablonde

Dec. 16, 2011 9:33 am

We have a cookie exchange at my office every year. We each bring 4 dozen homemade cookies and I furnish Christmas trays from the dollar store. We go around the table and take a cookie from each container till they are all gone. Such fun!!

marie

Dec. 20, 2011 2:49 pm

cookie swap this past weekend was a success. The ladies really enjoyed decorating the graham cracker houses I had put together. Lots of variety in the baking that was brought as well as the containers they came in. Will do it again next year. :)

PM Edge

Dec. 22, 2011 5:07 am

I did this every year starting in 1985 but found out that laying all these cookies out on plates or trays then expecting guests to take the exact number of cookies they brought is often disappointing. The first year I did it there were about 40 people that attended this party I gave, at the end when everyone got through picking their cookies up, there were 3 of us hosts that ended up with NO cookies! And I counted 60 when I put them on the plate. Very disappointing. So the following year I gave instructions that everyone was to put 5 cookies in baggies or colored plastic wrap with ribbon and then we walked around and swapped with each other. This was more fun and no one went home with no cookies!!! Lots of fun if you do it this way and you go home with different cookies while only having to bake one kind. Oh also, we didn't allow any store bought cookies, just home baked.

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