Christmas Cookie Exchange

This is a great way to expand your selection of cookies for the holidays without having to bake all different types of cookies yourself. Most everyone has a favorite cookie they love to bake or that they are particularly good at baking. So, why not get a group together and show off your skills for everyone to enjoy?

There is not set number you need for doing this group project and it can be done in the comfort of your home. Should you choose to get 5 people or 15 people the results are the same. Everyone gets cookies for the holiday without having to make all these different kinds. It is also a nice way to sample something that you might never have had before.

For example if you have 10 friends that would like to do this, someone needs to be in charge of making sure that the cookie each person decides on is not a duplicate of something already decided. This can be done via email or phone, rather quickly. You will also need to set a date, time and place to do the exchange. When you bake your cookies you want to remember that you will also need to make an extra package for sampling at the exchange itself. You do not want to bake cookies too far in advanced as everyone wants fresh baked goodies to exchange.

After the decisions on type of cookie each person will bring for exchange is the amount they will need to package up separately for exchanging. We will use 10 people and a dozen cookies in each package for exchange. Each person would need to bake 11 dozen packaged individually. You can make the number of cookies for each package larger if you wish.

You want to cool and package your cookies for exchange in something a little decorative and protective so that cookies are not smashed during transport. A discount store usually has nice little plastic containers pretty cheap. You would want to pick a size appropriate for the number of cookies you need to place inside each package.

Each person will want to make sure their cookies are ready to go at least the night before the exchange. Consider a large bag or box to hold all the packages for carrying to the exchange.

At the exchange everyone can sample the different cookies that were made. You might want to have coffee or another beverage available for everyone. Don't forget seasonal napkins or small plates.

Being part of a cookie exchange the last few years it has only gotten better each year. We keep adding new people and everyone tries to bake something new for the exchange. I love the way my dessert platter looks with the sprinkling of different cookies plus my family's favorites.

Cookie exchanges are not just for the holidays, so give it a try, it is not all that complicated and a whole lot of fun. Enjoy!