One of my favorite things to do during the Winter months is to have a holiday cookie exchange. It’s sort of like a pot-luck, but instead of bringing drinks and other items everyone makes a cookie or two!
Typically, I host the party at my house and serve appetizers and drinks. Everyone can host their party differently, but what I do is simply invite everyone over to my house with one rule, they bring an empty plate and a full plate of cookies. There’s no cookie eating at the party, all that you eat is food and appetizers served.
How to do the cookie swap part
When everyone arrives have them set their extra plate and plate of cookies on the dining table. After a bit of socializing invite everyone in to grab their spare plate. Everyone gets to go around and explain the type of cookie they made and a little story about the cookie, for example why they made it. Then, the swapping starts. Everyone typically will grab 3-4 cookies per plate. Make sure you let everyone who is participating know how many people will be coming so that they plan ahead.
Taste Testing or Not
Some years what I’ve done is have a taste testing competition too. Where everyone takes the cookies and votes. At the end some cookies are voted the prettiest, others the tastiest and the winner gets a ribbon or small prize. It’s up to you to decide if you want to do this part. If so, check out this
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Things to keep in mind
- Mail out Invitations and RSVPs far in advance! You’ll want to get approximate counts ASAP and give people time to make their cookies.
- Only invite people that you have room for, make sure you don’t keep the number too big.
- Make sure that you are considerate if anyone has dietary restrictions like gluten or dairy-free.
- Pick up some party favors and prizes for those who win if you hold contests.
Holiday Cookie Recipes
While you may have a whole list of recipes that you want to use for your party, you may also not have a clue! Here are some recipes to try if you’re stuck without an idea:
