Cookies in basket
1. Sharing of the Cookies
This exchange works well when you have a large group of bakers, more than 8 or so. Invite each guest to bring one batch (usually 3-4 dozen) of their favorite holiday cookie. You can theme-it-up by asking them to bring a family favorite or something that is completely new. Also ask them to bring a dozen holiday treat bags with twist ties.
Peppermint Cookies
Biscotti
Chocolate Malted
Iced Sugar Cookies
Lay all the cookies out on a large table and admire them while having a hot beverage (here is a recipe for a wonderful Hot Cranberry Cider) and a holiday treat. When all your guests are ready, invite them to retrieve their holiday treat bags. Ask each baker to describe what they have brought (if you have non-bakers coming, ask them to bring a bag of holiday candy or peppermint bark). Then go around with your bags and assemble collections of cookies.
Toffee
Nutty Nuggets
These collections of cookies can be given out to neighbors, teachers, administrators at school, piano teachers, hairdressers, etc. Or, you can create a plate of cookies to keep at home and share when friends come to visit.
Fudge
Maple Walnut Cookies
I have done this exchange with other moms from my children’s school and we have shared our bounty with important folks at school. This would also be a fun neighborhood or playgroup party idea. I set aside 1.5 hours for this party, on a morning early in the season.
2. A Dozen for All
I have been hosting this type of exchange for almost 8 years – I invite 6-8 friends (any more and it becomes painful for all involved), and ask each guest to bring 1 dozen of their cookies for every other guest. For example, this year there were 7 of us, so I asked everyone to bring 6 dozen of their cookies.
Cookies
Limoncello
Cookies
Cookies
At this point, there are a couple ways you can run the program – you can ask your bakers to package each dozen individually, which is what I have done in the past. Or, you as the host can purchase enough large holiday tins or tubs and have your bakers bring their cookies in their own container. Then you can assemble tins/tubs for each guest, with the idea that they would bring the tin next year for a refill. This is a greener solution, cutting down on the packaging, but creating the beautiful packaging is more than half the fun!
Cookies
Cookies
When hosting this kind of party, I usually serve lunch or have another activity, such as tamale making or decorating cookies to donate. And because this is a holiday tradition, the party lasts a little longer, 2.5 – 3 hours.
Marsha
Julie
Erica
Lisa
Do you host a cookie party? If so, what is your plan?
Meyer Lemon and Cranberry Buckle (recipe)
Family Dinner Plan: Still with the freezer
In the Kitchen with Chez Pim: Marmalade
10 Comments
So many great suggestions here! Love seeing the photos of your cookie-decorating friends, too.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)s last blog post..Fresca (Recipes: Fresca cake, salad, and a cocktail)
Good Lord! This sounds like a fate worse than death to me. Of course, that’s because I don’t cook.Or bake. But I love looking at the delicious stuff you make and fantasizing that I, too, could do it.
Barbara Weibels last blog post..Sony Releases “A Night In” World Music Collection
Twitter: kitchengirl
everyone really got into the cookie decorating part – something about having everything already set up and ready to go was very appealing. I plan to do it again next year!
Twitter: kitchengirl
Barbara, a cookie exchange would actually be the best kind of party for you to have – invite all your friends who do like to bake, you provide the containers and a holiday snack, and then you sample all their cookies. Win-win all the way around!
Twitter: houseofannie
Unfortunately, we don’t have a big circle of baking friends. Sure would be nice.
Nates last blog post..Menu for Hope V Raffle: Autographed book by Amy Goldman
Twitter: kitchengirl
Nate, is this a blatant plea for a box of holiday cookies, or would you like to be invited to next year’s cookie exchange
Happy Holidays!
I can’t see “cookie party” and not think of Sarah Silverman.
I’m not much of a baker, so I’m always fascinated and envious of those that are. My aunt makes some spectacular cookies every year. Sigh!
Twitter: kitchengirl
I had to go look up that reference Sean, I had not heard of Sarah Silverman and her cookie party! Thank god for Google. I found the online game, wahoo! So much silliness…
I LOVE cookie swaps, and yours looks like such fun. Thanks for letting us all share in it
Twitter: kitchengirl
Cookie parties are the best – especially during the holidays when things are so chaotic. It is a great time to relax and share a little holiday joy. To say nothing of experiencing all the great cookies! Already looking forward to this year