Everything You Need to Know to Host a Fun and Easy Cookie Exchange Party

As I write this tiz’ the week after Thanksgiving and holiday baking is officially in season. As we gear up for all the holiday hoopla and fa la la la la-ing who has time to bake cookies? You can kill two partridges with one pear tree (I apologize for that) and share the cookie duties with friends by hosting a cookie exchange party!

But . . . Why???

Hosting a cookie exchange party can be a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of cookies without the stress of baking them all yourself.

Plus, it’s an opportunity to save money, have fun, and create lasting memories. In this guide, we’ll walk you through hosting  a low-effort, high-return holiday gathering and throw the perfect cookie exchange party.

Here’s ho, ho how:

Invitations and Preparations:

Clear Invitation:

When sending out invitations, make it clear that you’re hosting a cookie exchange. Specify that each guest should arrive with a particular number of homemade cookies to share and that they will be taking cookies home. This eliminates any confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page. Some hosts add extra rules about what kind of cookies are allowed or not allowed (like no slice and bake, or bar cookies). Some hosts may include a competition element to the gathering with prizes for categories like most creative,  best presentation, etc.  If you have guidelines you’d like your guests to follow, that’s fine – just communicate them clearly.

Cookie Count:

To ensure a good variety of cookies, ask each guest to bring 4 dozen of one kind of cookie. This number works well in most cases. Feel free to adjust these numbers. You know the level of ambition and tolerance for baking and appetite for cookies of your friends.

Plates for Enjoying and Sharing:

Suggest that each guest brings one dozen cookies on a plate to enjoy during the party. The remaining three dozen cookies should be ready for sharing. This way, no matter how many people attend, everyone goes home with three dozen cookies and a sugar coma.

Claim your cookie:

Ask each invitee to let you know what cookie they plan to bring to avoid duplications (and a potential showdown throw-down. Or is that just my friends?).

Recipe Sharing:

Ask guests to print the recipe for their cookies, noting any common allergens. Have them put their name on it, in case there are questions about the delicious creations.

Beverages and a Light Meal:

Offer a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, cocoa, and, of course, ice-cold milk. To balance the sweetness of the cookies, provide a light meal such as soup and sandwiches along with some savory snacks.

Family-Friendly Touches:

For the Little Ones:

If you’re expecting children at the party, set up a cookie decorating station with sugar cookies, icing, and sprinkles. Having a children’s holiday movie ready will keep the little ones occupied.

Kid-Friendly Snacks:

Prepare a kid-friendly, protein-rich snack, such as chicken nuggets, to minimize the sugar-induced meltdowns.

The Cookie Exchange:

Count Your Guests:

Once all your guests have arrived, take a head count. This is important to ensure that you have enough plates and that the cookie sharing is fair.

Divide and Share:

Divide the three dozen cookies (36 cookies) from each guest among the plates. For example, if you have 12 guests, you’ll have three of each type of cookie on each plate.

Wrap and Distribute:

Wrap each plate in plastic wrap to keep the cookies fresh. Make sure each guest leaves with a plate of assorted cookies at the end of your frugal and fabulous party.

 

The ridiculously busiest, oops, I mean holly jolliest season is here, and it’s the perfect time to spread some cheer with delicious homemade cookies.

Now you can cross cookies off your to-do list, keep calm and merry on!

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