How to Plan a Stress-Free Christmas Cookie Exchange

Get together your neighbors, friends, co-workers or cousins for the most ballsy Christmas cookie commutation e'er. These tips and timeline will make you the host with the virtually!

Photo: Teri Virbickis / Shutterstock

Ask whatever home baker virtually favorite Christmas traditions, and an almanac cookie exchange—aka cookie swap—merely may top the list. These parties save yous time in the kitchen (yous but have to bake one type of cookie!) while offer a gamble to assemble with family and friends. Hosting a cookie substitution is easier than you might think, thanks to these timely tips (these, too!) and handy timeline to keep party planning on the right rails.

• Make it convenient.Weekday evenings or weekend afternoons work well because people may be less busy. Schedule the political party to be virtually 2 hours long and so guests aren't required to set aside a lot of time. It'due south the holiday season, afterwards all!
• Remember: the more, the merrier—and the more than types of cookies and candies you'll become. Invite 8 to 12 people. You might too encourage them to bring an extra dozen for sampling at the political party.
• Enquire what each person is making to avert duplicates. There's no point to the exchange if everyone arrives with saccharide cookies.
• Stock up on storage containers. If the gathering is small-scale, guests may want to bring the batches already individually wrapped.
• K eep your menu to a minimum by focusing on the sugariness treats. Simply serve a choice of beverages and the actress cookies and candies. Of if you prefer, offer a few hot and cold appetizers.
• Display all the goodies on a long table or counter, leaving plenty room for folks to walk around. Label the containers with the recipe name.
• For party favors, gather all the unlike recipe cards into bundles, tie with festive ribbons and hand them out as guests leave.

Cookie and Candy Exchange Timeline

Four to Half-dozen Weeks Before:

• Send out the invitations. Ask each person to bring 8 to x dozen of the same cookie, copies of their recipe and large containers in which to take cookies dwelling house.
• Every bit guests RSVP, keep track of who is bringing what and then there are no duplicates. Remind them to bring copies of their recipe to share.

2 to Three Weeks Before:

• Bake and freeze your cookies. These make-ahead cookies freeze like a charm.
• Plan your carte.

The Day Before:

• Make any food you plan on serving. Gather plates and napkins.
• Set up the table where the cookies will be displayed.

The Twenty-four hours of the Party:

• As guests arrive, accept them set their cookies and copies of the recipe on the display tabular array.
• Serve food and beverages, and relish the visitor!
• Most the end of the political party, have guests fill their containers with a dozen of each kind of cookie and candy.

Stumped on what cookies to bake? This'll help.

Taste of Abode

Peppermint Meltaways

This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with blood-red or dark-green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan Become Recipe

Cherry Snowballs

A juicy maraschino cherry is the secret heart tucked within these special cookies. My mom was inspired to create this by a recipe she clipped out of a newspaper more than 30 years ago. —Evy Adams, West Seneca, New York

Silver Bells

My mom and grandma are known for their signature Christmas cookies. I decided to create my own, inspired by one of my favorite Christmas songs. Edible shimmer dust gives them their iconic smoothen. Look for the dust in the cake decorating section of craft or grocery stores. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Peppermint Puff Pastry Sticks

I wanted to impress my married man's family with something you'd expect to find in a European bakery, and these chocolaty treats are what I came up with. The flaky pastry melts in your mouth. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Everyone who tries these beloved gems is amazed that they utilize only five ingredients. Baking cookies doesn't become much easier than this. —Dee Davis, Sun Urban center, Arizona

First-Place Coconut Macaroons

These kokosnoot macaroons are my husband'southward favorite and earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. I especially like the fact that this recipe makes a small-scale enough batch for the ii of us to nibble on without lots left over. —Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

These nicely spiced, big soft ginger cookies are perfect for folks who similar the flavor of ginger but don't intendance for crunchy gingersnaps. —Barbara Grey, Boise, Idaho

Peppermint Kisses

These are fun, refreshing and low in fat! —Lynn Bernstetter, Lake Elmo, Minnesota.

Basic Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies

This recipe evolved from several different recipes that I combined into one. I've never received so many compliments on my baking!—Denise Hufford, Midland, Michigan

Snowy Mountain Cookies

I was so excited to bake these with my mom afterwards coming abode from studying abroad in Federal republic of germany. They remind me of the Swabian Alps I could encounter from my room there. Exist conscientious not to overheat the white chocolate; information technology'll lose that attractive shine. —Stephanie Bouley, Due north Smithfield, Rhode Island

Flourless Peanut Butter Thumbprints

I had been searching for a dessert to make for my brother's girlfriend (who is gluten intolerant), and I came across a naturally gluten-free dessert—a flourless peanut butter cookie. Afterward tweaking the recipe a bit and adding Nutella and a sprinkling of bounding main salt, I finally found the perfect cookie for her. —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida

Mom's Buttermilk Cookies

I treasure my mother's recipe for these comforting cookie pillows. The tender treats are topped with thick frosting and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. —Jane Darling, Simi Valley, California

Chocolate Mint Creams

This recipe came from an former family unit friend and is always high on anybody's cookie request list. I brand at least 6 batches for Noel nibbling and give some away as gifts. —Beverly Fehner, Gladstone, Missouri

Triple Nut Snowballs

This super-crunchy, non-too-sweetness cookie is a fun update on the classic snowball. I used cashews, macadamia nuts and pecans, but y'all can mix and lucifer other nuts to your liking. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Cathedral Cookies

Children dearest the colorful marshmallows in these festive confections, which await similar stained glass when they're sliced. They practically light up the room from the serving platter at our holiday parties. —Ballad Shaffer, Greatcoat Girardeau, Missouri

Decorated Christmas Cutout Cookies

Rich and buttery Christmas cutout cookies like these never last long at a party. They're one of my favorite homemade Christmas cookies. I use seasonal cutters to gloat the holidays tastefully. —Lynn Burgess, Rolla, Missouri

Holiday Meringue Miniatures

My kids love these light cook-in-your-mouth cookies, and have fun making them. These were always on our Christmas cookie plate when I was a kid, and now the tradition continues. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Basics-Most-You Cookie Sticks

These cookies make a fancy meal finale that couldn't be quicker to whip up. Start with purchased Pirouette cookies, dip in a rich creamy chocolate and peanut-butter coating, and dust with basics or sprinkles. —Taste of Home Exam Kitchen

Cream Cheese Cookie Cups

Need a quick dessert? Effort these yummy cookie bites. For a pretty look, use an icing bag to pipe the filling into the cups, so top each with mini M&Thou's. —Rachel Blackston, Mauk, Georgia

Frosted Gingerbread Nut Cookies

I received the recipe for these soft ginger cookies from a dear friend who has since passed away. A comforting classic like this always satisfies. —Karyn Rogers, Hemet, California

Slice & Bake Coconut Shortbread Cookies

Light and buttery, these delicate shortbread cookies are melt-in-your-rima oris adept. The coconut flavor makes them actress special. —Roberta Otto, Duluth, Minnesota

Coconut Cranberry Yummies

When my husband came home from the grocery store with six bags of fresh cranberries, I launched a total-scale effort to creatively utilize them all. Bursting with tart and sweet flavors, these cranberry coconut cookies are my favorite result from that experiment. —Amy Alberts, Appleton, Wisconsin

Erstwhile-Fashioned Gingersnaps

I discovered this recipe many years ago, and information technology'southward been a favorite amongst our family and friends ever since. Gingersnaps are timeless—a classic vacation cookie that'southward welcome year-circular. —Francis Stoops, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

Scottish Shortbread

Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My female parent herself was Scottish, and—as with most of my favorite recipes—she passed this shortbread recipe on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba

Joe Froggers

Large, soft and chewy, these cookies are fabricated to munch. This classic recipe has a warm blend of spices that seems stronger the 2d 24-hour interval. Your family will definitely ask y'all to make them again!, soft and chewy, these are a great snack. —Sense of taste of Home Exam Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Holiday Cornflake Cookies

I can't seem to brand enough of these cornflake wreaths effectually the holidays. The cookies firm upwardly quickly, so you'll need to identify the Red Hots right away. —Kathleen Hedger, Fairview Heights, Illinois

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Here's proof that peanut butter and chocolate but belong together. These peanut butter blossoms are an easy family unit favorite and never fail to make my children smile. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

When I broiled this moist, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookie recipe for the commencement time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and piece of cake to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Poppy Seed Thumbprints

My oldest son is a huge fan of these thumbprints, and so I make sure they're on my blistering list every Christmas. Lemon zest and poppy seeds assistance requite this crisp cookie fantastic flavor. —Kelly Pember, Wheeler, Wisconsin

Chocolate Peppermint Spritz Cookies

I love to brand spritz cookies. Each year I brand several varieties of cookies and and then deliver them to friends. I love to watch them scissure a smile when they see a plate full of cookies. —Margaret Otley, Waverly, Nebraska

Jumbo Brownie Cookies

Take these deeply fudgy cookies to a party, and y'all're sure to make a friend. A little espresso pulverisation in the dough makes them over-the-top good. —Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada

Pumpkin Chip Cookies

These gilt cakelike cookies are my favorite, especially effectually the holidays. They disappear quickly from my dessert trays. The subtle pumpkin and cinnamon flavors pair nicely with chocolate chips. —Tami Burroughs, Salem, Oregon

Fudgy Mint Cookies

Chocolate lovers will get a double dose when they seize with teeth into this cakelike cookie. The cookies are especially popular served aslope a big scoop of mint chocolate chip ice foam! —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota

Cherry Kiss Cookies

Topped with a chocolate kiss, these cherry-flavored cookies await super cute on a dessert tray. Share them with family unit and friends. —Joy Yurk, Grafton, Wisconsin

Creme de Menthe Cheesecake Cookies

Some say these are the all-time cookies they've ever had! Such a cinch to put together with merely 5 ingredients, and then easy to vary. Stir in your favorite blistering chips and alter upwards the decorations to conform whatsoever vacation. See why they're the best? —Sheila Sporn, Houston, Texas

Chocolate Caramel Kiss Cookies

I brand this cookie every Christmas with my family. It'south a fun twist on a classic peanut butter flower because of the cinnamon in the concoction and the caramel kiss on summit. We love the cinnamon-caramel combination, merely you could switch out the kiss with a different festive flavour. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Lemon Slice Sugar Cookies

These lemon slice cookies are a refreshing variation of my grandmother's sugar cookies. Lemon pudding mix and icing add a subtle tartness that tingles your taste buds. —Melissa Turkington, Camano Island, Washington

Gluten-Free Snowballs

I took a classic holiday cookie and made it gluten-free. It'southward now my husband's favorite Christmas cookie. They're and then buttery, nutty and sweet—and anybody loves how they crumble in your oral fissure. —Joan Sarge, Asheville, Due north Carolina

Snow-Capped Mocha Fudge Drops

Everyone loves seeing chocolate on a cookie tray. My version is fudgy with a hint of mocha. If you're serving these at the holidays, add carmine and green colored saccharide or sprinkles for a festive touch. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania

Candied Fruit Cookies

These no-fuss candied fruit cookies are both nutty and fruity, so they're ever a hit at holiday time. —Florence Monson, Denver, Colorado

Spiced Toffee Cookies

I bake these cookies for family gatherings because my crowd likes cookies thin and chewy with a crispy exterior. The toffee $.25 make a happy surprise.—Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Raspberry Cream Sugar Cookies

Nosotros make carbohydrate cookies and make full them with a tangy raspberry cream cheese. They taste best later they've been refrigerated for at least 45 minutes.—Heidi Farnworth, Riverton, Utah

Popcorn Cookies

Information technology's so much fun to surprise people with the crushed popcorn in these yummy cookies. They're definitely a distinctive cookie on the vacation tray.—Leigh Anne Preston, Palmyra, Indiana

Foam Cheese Spritz

A hint of orange and cinnamon highlights these Christmastime classics. I like to add colorful sprinkles before baking them. The recipe is from a booklet that came with a cookie press in the 1950s...and I withal take the press! —Sarah Bedia, Lake Jackson, Texas

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

It is astonishing how much flavor these simple iii-ingredient peanut butter cookies without dark-brown sugar have. I make them very often because I always have the ingredients on hand. —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Dotted with cranberries, orange zest and vanilla chips, these cookies are so colorful and fun to consume. They wait lovely on a dessert tray and would be a great addition to your Christmas cookie lineup. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

Butterscotch Toffee Cookies

With its big butterscotch and chocolate flavor, my cookie stands out. I like to enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It'due south my fallback recipe when I'1000 short on time and demand something delicious fast. —Allie Blinder, Norcross, Georgia

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These big, soft spice cookies created by our staff take a sweet frosting that makes them an actress-special treat. Enjoy! —Taste of Home Examination Kitchen

Buttery 3-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies

With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so elementary to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies

Every time I make these wonderful cookies, the spicy aroma takes me back to my childhood. I helped Mom brand them and delivered them to neighbors. —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

Up Next: Likewise check out these places to buy Christmas cookies online.

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/christmas-cookie-exchange/

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