Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange!

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

16 Dec 2006 10:44 AM

Have you ever been invited to a Christmas cookie exchange? Some people just call it a cookie swap, but whatever you call it, it's a cool concept. You meet with others and bring along your favorite cookie recipe, enough ingredients to make several batches, and any utensils and pans you need. Then, everyone bakes a set number of cookies and trades with each other.

You'll have a good time baking, chatting, and laughing together. When you leave, you'll be armed with an assortment of wonderful homemade Christmas cookies. You not only have a nice variety without all the trouble, but you may also get to try some new cookies and learn some new recipes. And, it's fun! You can serve some of your wonderful cookies to guests, give some as gifts, and of course, keep some around for you and your family to enjoy.

If you'd like to host a Christmas cookie exchange at your house, here are a few tips:

• Decide on the number of cookies each person should bake. Generally, a dozen for each person is a good number, although some people opt for two dozen (make sure each person makes enough to keep that amount and give an equal number to each guest). Everyone should make a few extra for taste testing during the party, and you should serve coffee to go with those yummy, freshly baked cookies.
• It's a good idea to select the type of containers to be used for trading cookies and let everyone know. Some people may be offended if they bring special tins for their treats only to be handed a zipper bag filled with cookies in exchange. It's best if everyone uses similar containers.
• It's generally a good idea not to use "secret recipes," since people may be interested in trading recipes. Provide a package of index or recipe cards so guests can exchange recipes, or ask each person to write or print up copies of their recipes in advance.
• If children are to attend, try to plan some activities to keep little ones entertained during the baking process. You might even want to hire a sitter or ask an older sibling to keep children busy in another room. This will help avoid kitchen accidents. A great way to keep youngsters busy is to set them up a cookie station of their own. Let them bake sugar cookies before you begin working on specialty varieties, and give them lots of icing, gels, sprinkles, and fun stuff to decorate their cookies.

Edited to add: Oooops! Jennifer Frye already offered an article on this topic in the food blog, but I missed it. Please be sure to check out Jennifer's article, "Holiday Cookie Exchange."

More Ideas:

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Holiday Decorating: Quick Tips with Ribbon

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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Andrea Hermitt (5512) 18 Dec 2006 11:42 AM

We just went to one last night... it was loads of fun... the host wanted someone else to volunteer to do it next hear to keep it going... she volunteered me.

Sherry Holetzky (11404) 18 Dec 2006 12:54 PM

Don't you love being volunteered? LOL

I have learned some fantastic new recipes this way.