Hosting a Cookie Exchange?

If you are a lover of cookies then a cookie exchange party is for you.

Not only do you get to hang out with your friends and perhaps gain new ones, but you also get to fill up the cookie jars.

And what better way to acquire some new and interesting recipes. It's a win, win situation.

Need some motivation and new recipes to inspire you with the holiday season approaching?

Perhaps the thought of spending hours in the kitchen fills you with dread? Or perhaps you are tired of the same old recipes?

Hosting a cookie swap party is an easy way of getting those cookie jars filled ready for the holiday season, as well as gaining new recipes and ideas.

Never hosted a cookie exchange party before and feel slightly apprehensive? Not to worry, we have made the process easy for you.

All the information you need to throw the perfect party is here. Download our cookie exchange checklist to take the guesswork out of the process. Right-click to download this PDF file here.

How to Host a Cookie Swap

Most cookie parties are held during the holiday season. Consider early December, after Thanksgiving, before it becomes too hectic.

You also need to consider whether the weekend or evenings would be more suitable.

To avoid putting too much pressure on your guests limit the numbers between 8 and 12.

Give your guests plenty of notice. Send your invitations out at least a month in advance to give your guests time to plan their baking and organise their schedules.

Include the rules on the invitation, such as the number of cookies your guests are required to make. This will depend on the number of guests, but for a small party 1 dozen for each person and a dozen to share at the party is a rough guide.

But if the thought of baking that many cookies freaks them out, simply ask them to bake ½ dozen cookies for each guest.

Or simply ask guests to bring six dozen cookies from a single recipe and divide between the guests on the day.

Stipulate that the cookies must be homemade. After all the idea is to swap recipes.

You will need to include an RSVP on your invitations so you know how many people will be attending. Also ask them to let you know what type of cookie they intend baking to avoid getting two dozen of the same.

Ask your guests to bring a copy of their recipe for each guest.

Even better, ask them to email you a copy prior to the party. They can then be printed on recipe cards, or if you are super creative, turned into recipe booklets. Once you have collected the recipes print them out onto fancy paper and bind them in a folder showing the year and date. The ideal souvenir to take home.

The Perfect Hostess

• Prepare a large table and spread with a festive tablecloth. Provide a basket, tray or plate for each guest to display their cookies, plus an extra platter for cookies that will be served at the party.

• Set the mood and create a festive atmosphere. If you are hosting a holiday party, hang Christmas decorations and play Christmas music.

• Decide what refreshments to serve. Consider serving a traditional holiday beverage such as eggnog or hot mulled cider, along with the usual coffee, tea, juices and soft drinks.

• Avoid serving cookies that need refrigeration or anything that is likely to spoil.

• Offer savory dishes and non-sweet foods as a balance to all the sweet cookies.

• Guests should bring a large container to transport their cookies home. But in the event they forget, have some disposable containers on hand.

• Each guest leaves the party with sufficient cookies to freeze for the holiday season.

Theme Parties

Another great idea is to plan your party around a theme.

Either specify a particular cuisine or simply ask for an international cookie recipe with each guest required to research its origins and history.

Each guest brings a cookie suitable for icing and decorating. The host provides the frostings and decorations, such as edible glitter, sprinkles, melted chocolate.

If you are hosting your cookie exchange party during the holiday season, why not exchange Christmas cookie recipes. Not only will you get some brand new Christmas recipes, but your tins will be filled with holidays treats just in time for Christmas.

Are you looking for free printable invitations for your Cookie Exchange?