Cookie Swap Party for Dummies

Author: Caroline Hodges

In all the stress of the holiday season, you might not want to spend time in your kitchen making several batches of cookies when you could be spending time with your family and friends. A cookie swap is your fun and easy answer. In this article I will be explaining how to throw a cookie exchange in 4 easy steps. 

Step 1: Send out invitations more than 3-4 weeks in advance so your guests have time to prepare and prepare. Send out no more than 10-15 invitations. Make sure to have all your guests RSVP, and let them know to tell you what cookies they intend on baking.

Step 2: Start baking! It is best to start preparing and baking your cookies no less than 3 days before the party. Request that everyone make half a dozen cookies plus an extra half dozen for people to sample and take home. Don’t stress yourself out thinking you have to go over the top to impress your guests, simple is the key. 

Step 3: Presentation is EVERYTHING. Make a table, or two for all of the cookies to go on, and write on little cards the type of cookie it is, the recipe, and who brought it  and place it in front. You should have already asked guests to let you know if they have allergies, so that should be provided on the card too. Ex. This cookie contains tree nuts. Cake stands are amazing for presenting. You can layer, and they will catch peoples eye! Ask participants to bring their own tupperware to package the cookies to take home. Or if you are feeling a little more creative and you have the time you can set up packaging stations full of parchment paper, boxer, tweed, labels, and any sort of holiday trimmings. 

Step 5: Day of and time to prepare even more! Add your finishing touches including decorations, snacks, and drinks. Once your guests get there and yall settle in with the cookies, have games prepared to keep your participants entertained. Have fun, and have a very merry Christmas cookie swap!