A cookie exchange is one of the easiest holiday parties to host. Everyone brings one kind of cookie and goes home with a variety, so guests get a full holiday cookie tray for the work of a single recipe. Here's how to plan one from start to finish.
1. Pick a date and send invitations early
December weekends fill up fast, so send invitations two to three weeks ahead. Include the date, time, the number of cookies to bring and a request to RSVP with the type of cookie they're planning, so you don't end up with six batches of sugar cookies.
2. Set simple rules
- How many cookies: a common rule is one dozen for each guest, plus a dozen to share at the party.
- Homemade or store-bought: decide ahead of time and put it on the invitation.
- Recipe cards: ask everyone to bring copies of their recipe so guests can make favorites later.
- Allergies: ask guests to label cookies that contain nuts or other common allergens.
3. Set up the cookie table
Give each guest a spot with a name card or label for their cookie. Put out empty containers, tins or bags so everyone can fill up as they walk the table. Keep a separate tray for tasting.
4. Plan a few extras
- Voting: hand out ballots for categories like Best Tasting, Most Festive and Best Family Recipe.
- Drinks: hot cocoa, coffee and milk are all you need.
- A small prize: a spatula, an apron or a cookie cutter set for the winners.
5. Wrap it up
Have extra containers on hand for guests who forget, and send everyone home with a stack of recipe cards. Snap a photo of the full cookie table before it gets picked over.
Everything you need in one download: the Cookie Exchange Party Kit includes invitations, recipe cards, labels and voting ballots.
Get the cookie exchange kitHosting more this season? Add the Christmas Party Games Pack and plan it all with the holiday planner and budget tracker.