How to Host a Great Cookie Exchange

by Tanya Davis

If you love serving up a huge assortment of cookies over the holiday season, but you can’t spare the time to bake them--or if you just lack the know-how—then consider organizing your own cookie exchange. It’s as easy as putting together a casual party, and you don’t even have to serve snacks.

For the best exchange, ask every guest to make a lot of cookies. Consider multiplying one dozen times the number of expected guests (so if you are having six guests, every guest needs to bring six dozen cookies). Or if you intend to sample the cookies at the party, ask them to bring that many for the exchange, plus an extra dozen for eating.  Ask them to RSVP, and follow up so that you know exactly how many guests are going to show up. If a lot of your friends are business types who protest that they don’t have time, remind them what a great networking opportunity the party will be.
Give out a guideline so that you get different types of cookies. Some suggestions are:

 

• Christmas Cookies Only
• Rolled cookies
• Bar cookies
• Brownies
• Sugar cookies
• Fruit cookies
• Nut cookies
• Cluster cookies
• Anything grandma always made

The Rules
If you want to set rules, be sure that you let each visitor know what they are. Many hosts state that husbands and children are not allowed so that they can capitalize on girl time during this busy holiday.

Are you going to eat as you swap? Most exchanges work out better if you agree ahead of time that the sweets are only for trading. Serve hot cider or coffee and leave the cookies alone!

How picky are you? Some “swappers” ask for no chocolate chip; some ask that all cookies be made from scratch; some state no “no-bake” cookies; and some ask that you not bring anything that has to be refrigerated, since it will sit out at the party. These things must be decided in advance so that you can communicate the rules—nicely—to your guests.

Besides their cookies, each guest should bring:

• Their own cookie recipe to share – make enough copies for everyone.
• Containers for carrying home cookies. These may simply be freezer bags, if everybody is bringing sturdy cookies. But if they are decorated or are made in various shapes, you might want to bring tins or sealable containers that can be stacked.
• A snack – if you have agreed to eat at the party.

On the day of the party, set up the table(s) you are going to use. Varied heights of cake stands or servers will look wonderful and festive. Upon arrival, arrange all the cookies and take pictures of them before everyone dives in.
You’ll probably want to socialize for awhile, but when you are ready for the actual swap gather all the guests around the table. Everyone gets one of their empty containers and slowly circulates clockwise around the table. As you move around, take three or five cookies from each plate. Normally by the time you have rotate the table two or three times, the cookies are all gone. There is no need to count; you leave with the same number that you came in with, or close to it.
Above all, relax and have fun. There is nothing like celebrating the holidays with friends and laughter. And don’t forget to plan next year’s exchange, as this is sure to become a holiday tradition!