7 Tips for Hosting a Holiday Cookie Exchange
- 1. Create a sign-up sheet It’s not much fun to attend a cookie exchange that features 12 different kinds of brownies. ...
- 2. Be specific about ingredients ...
- 3. Manage the cookie count ...
- 4. Seek out holiday-themed packaging ...
- 5. Prep a party activity ...
- 6. Be mindful of health and safety protocols ...
- 7. Consider a give-back component ...
- Set up drinks. Have cocktails or coffee ready when guests arrive.
- Put out cookies and food. Finish any last-minute decorations.
- Make a plan for how everyone will move around the room. And be sure to have guests tell everyone about their recipes.
How to host a fun and festive cookie exchange party?
- Bake your cookies and store them in airtight containers or freeze them.
- Start making appetizers that freeze or store well.
- Write out a rough schedule for the party. You want everyone to socialize, but still have time to pack up cookies during the exchange. Work on your party music playlist.
How do you plan a cookie exchange party?
One Month Before
- Invite friends. Remember, you'll be baking enough cookies for every guest to take home, so don't invite the entire neighborhood. ...
- Determine how much everyone will make. Typically, guests bake a dozen cookies (whether they're Christmas cookies or another type of cookie) for every attendee. ...
- Set ground rules. ...
How to host the perfect cookie swap?
Hosting the perfect cookie swap doesn’t have to mean adding to the stress of your already-overwhelming holiday to-do list. Here’s how to do it! Invite a group of your most passionate baking friends, family, and coworkers. Have each person make enough of one kind of cookie to share and swap. Experienced cookie swap hosts generally cap their ...
How to host a good luck party?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Being a Good Host
- Keep calm, cool and collected no matter happens. Above all, you want to be warm, confident host. ...
- Greet each guest individually as they arrive. Set the tone of the party with a warm greeting when people arrive.
- Spend some time with each guest. ...
- Keep your guests engaged by checking in periodically. ...
- Adapt to the party as it evolves. ...
How does a holiday cookie exchange work?
At the party, your guests will sample a variety of Christmas cookies and then exchange them with each other. Everyone leaves with a full tummy, recipes, and an edible gift to take home.
What are the rules for a cookie exchange?
Cookie Exchange RulesAll cookies should be homemade.Please bring at least 2 dozen cookies (or more if you'd like!).Print out copies of the recipe to share.Arrange cookies in a basket or platter (be creative!).Bring a large container to carry away your cookies.Christmas attire is encouraged.More items...
How many cookies do I need for a cookie exchange?
7-8 dozen cookiesCookie Amount: Typically, each participant should bring 7-8 dozen cookies for a successful cookie exchange. It's important that each guest brings enough cookies so everyone has the opportunity to fill up their box.
How do you host a cookie decorating party?
How to Host the Best Cookie Decorating PartyHere's my secret to being a rock star cookie decorating party hostess. ... Things You'll Need: ... Pick three to four cookie cutters that match your theme. ... Buy some fun sprinkles and edible icing decorations. ... Pick a Color Palette. ... Make Cookie Dough and Bake. ... Make Royal Icing.More items...•
How do you package cookies for a cookie exchange?
We do the prepackaged method of swapping cookies. We each bring 3 cookies for each person attending. These are wrapped in saran wrap, baggies, etc. Then we each place a container on the countertop and take turns walking around and putting our packages of cookies in each container.
How do I word a cookie exchange?
Because it's time for swapping your favorite cookies for cookies!! We invite you to the party this weekend. -Bring two dozen of your favorite cookies along with the recipe, our taste buds are eagerly waiting for your cookies made with love! Join us as the cookies swap party.
How much should I sell a dozen of cookies for?
If you want to sell cookies by the dozen, you should plan to charge between $10 and $20 for undecorated cookies; or between $12 and $25 for cookies with frosting/decoration. When setting the price of your cookies, make sure to account for the size of your cookies, your expenses, time, and profit.
How do you target the audience for cookies?
Such a needs-based segmentation gives us the following segments of the target market for cookies:People who just love cookies.People looking for a snack.People looking for a sweet treat.People looking for an energy boost.People looking for something to pair with a drink.Parents looking for a snack for their child.
How many cookies do you need per person for Christmas?
There are quite a few things that can affect this amount but in general I would plan on 4-5 cookies per person. Of course, this will depend on your guests {kids usually eat more than adults}, what time of day you are serving them {3 p.m. hunger is real} and what else is being served.
How far in advance can I make cookies for a party?
If you plan to keep them at room temperature, it's best to make the cookies about 2 weeks or less in advance. According to Prepared Cooks, homemade sugar cookies can last two weeks if stored in an airtight container.
How do you make a cookie party?
Everyone should bring enough cookies so that each guest gets to take home at least two of each kind. For 12 guests, there should be two dozen of each cookie. As each guest arrives, offer to take the cookies so you can arrange them nicely on your main table. Find tiered cookie trays to display everyone's cookies.
How do you present cookies attractively?
Making cookies and treats for the holidays has always been the easy part for me....5 Beautiful Ways to Package Homemade Cookies and TreatsStack on coasters. Coasters make perfect decorative little plates. ... Wrap in individual serving dishes. ... Wrap like candy. ... Place in egg cartons. ... Stack in mason jars.
Is it a legal requirement to have a cookie policy?
Yes, a cookie policy is a legal requirement under privacy regulations like the GDPR in the EU and UK. These laws require websites to have disclosure on what personal data is being “processed” (collected, stored or otherwise acted on) and the purposes of said processing.
What must a cookie policy include?
The basic rule is that you must: tell people the cookies are there; explain what the cookies are doing and why; and. get the person's consent to store a cookie on their device.
Is a cookie policy mandatory?
Yes, if your website uses cookies. GDPR and most other privacy laws require that you disclose to visitors what information you collect from them, such as their personal data and what you do with this information. If you use cookies to collect data from your site users, then you must have a cookie policy.
Is a cookie policy required in the US?
No, there are no federal laws regulating the use of cookies in the US. However, state-level laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) consider cookies as personal information.
What kinds of cookies should you bake for a Christmas cookie swap?
Here’s the beauty of a cookie exchange: You can't go wrong! If you have a personal favorite that you want to share, a family recipe that you think people will enjoy, or even a cookie that you’ve been dying to try, go for it! Just keep in mind that the cookies should be easy to transport—you don't want something super fragile that will break or crumble the minute someone tries to take it to go.
How many cookies do you need for a Christmas cookie exchange?
Some people bring just one or two cookies for each guest, while others make a full dozen for every person! This is totally up to you, and it really depends on how many people you’re having and how many cookies you want everyone to leave with.
Should you serve food at a Christmas cookie swap?
You want guests to leave with their cookie loot—not just eat it all!—so it’s a good idea to have some little noshes and bites. Put out some savory appetizers or set up individual cheese and cracker plates. You can also go super casual and fill up a basket with snack-size bags of chips, nuts, or pretzels.
What about drinks?
Cocktails can make any party more fun, but it’s also a good idea to have some non-alcoholic beverages or mocktails for your guests. Make sure to have enough water and/or soda for everyone to sip, plus a fun festive drink like winter sangria or mulled cider to get in the holiday spirit.
Do you need to decorate for a Christmas cookie swap?
Chances are that your house is already decorated for the holidays, but make your home even more inviting by lighting some Christmas candles and turning on some Christmas music to set the mood.
What should you package the cookies in?
You'll either want to ask guests to bring their own container, or you can provide boxes or tins for everyone.
How To Host A Holiday Cookie Exchange Party
Have you ever had high hopes of hosting a cookie exchange, but just didn’t know where to start? Well we’ve got your back! We are going to share with you all of the information you need to know about hosting a cookie exchange (or cookie swap) so you can get started with your planning.
Cookie Exchange Rules
Each guest should bring several dozen of the same type of cookie. Decide on a number before hand so that everyone brings the same amount. You can tell them to bring a dozen cookies for every person at the party, or about 3-4 dozen cookies total.
Easy Christmas Cookies for Cookie Exchange
What is a cookie exchange without the delicious cookies? Click the links below for some yummy, EASY cookie recipes that would make a great choice to share at a cookie exchange.
Cookie Exchange Invitations
Every great party starts with a great invitation. Grab our darling invites from our Cookie Swap Kit! (Download below)
Cookie Exchange Ideas
Every party needs a little holiday flair! We’ve included a darling banner in our Cookie Swap Kit – just print out as many pennants as you need!
Ready To Host Your Own Holiday Cookie Exchange?
Have you ever hosted or been to a cookie exchange? What was your experience? Share your tips or ideas in the comments.
1. Create a sign-up sheet
It’s not much fun to attend a cookie exchange that features 12 different kinds of brownies. To avoid everyone bringing the same treat, start a text chain or email invite a few weeks before the event to make it as easy as possible for guests to sign up for the cookie pick of their choosing.
2. Be specific about ingredients
One of the most fun parts of a cookie swap are the shared recipes, which you can either print out and take home with you or email to everyone. Explaining exactly what’s in each cookie or treat is also a way to alert guests about any ingredients that could potentially cause problems for them.
3. Manage the cookie count
No doubt, your group of friends has lots of cookie favorites. So, how to keep the number of treats to a reasonable number? Look at how many people are coming to your swap. “If you have a larger group of people attending your swap and each person is responsible for only bringing one type of cookie, then, yes, do over the top,” Kennealy says.
4. Seek out holiday-themed packaging
As host, you want to be sure your guests have a fun way to bag up the cookies and take them home. Consider holiday-themed bags, boxes, or tins, especially if your bakers are piling up their cookies on trays. Another option are cellophane bags. “There are lots of companies that make adorable ones,” Pollack says.
5. Prep a party activity
To add a little flair to your event, consider setting up a hot chocolate bar or a cookie decorating station. “At many cookie swaps, the host will bake classic sugar cookies ahead of time,” Pollack says. “Just pile these or some gingerbread people on a board with all of your sprinkles and frosting in piping bags.
6. Be mindful of health and safety protocols
Since we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, consider asking each baker to package their cookies in plastic bags ahead of time. “Some manufacturers make holiday-designed plastic bags that are pretty,” Kennealy says. If you opt to keep all the treats on individual plates or trays, consider putting out some disposable plastic gloves nearby.
7. Consider a give-back component
With so much baking going on during the holidays, encouraging guests to donate their extra treats is a worthy idea. “We have a lot of adopt-a-family type of programs near me,” Pollack says. “You could easily drop off a box at your local fire station or send the cookies to your child’s teachers. Any essential workers will appreciate these treats!”
How to Host a Christmas Cookie Swap Party
I love cookies and I don’t care who knows it! That’s why I decided to start hosting a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party as a tradition!
What is a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party?
You may have heard it called a Christmas Cookie Swap or a Holiday Cookie Exchange, or one of the many other terms for it. Whatever you’ve heard it called, the idea is the same across the board! To keep it simple, we’ll just call it a cookie exchange or cookie swap.
Cookie Exchange Rules
I know, I know, when you think about a party you don’t want to think about a bunch of rules. But I promise, having some cookie swap rules will help keep everything organized and running smoothly!
Invitations
Your cookie exchange invitations should have ALL the details. After all, this isn’t just any gathering, it’s basically like a cookie exclusive pot luck!
Variety is Key
Make sure you coordinate with each person who will be bringing what type of cookie!
Decorations
Christmas cookie exchange decorations don’t have to be difficult! Your house is probably already decorated for the holidays, so there’s really minimal things that are needed for the party!
Cookie Exchange Party Games
It’s definitely NOT a requirement for a cookie swap party, but games can be fun to play!
1. Guestlist
Before you buy party supplies and send holiday party invitations, take a moment to sit down and organize your guest list. Christmas cookie swap parties usually work best with groups of 8-12 guests. You’ll want to keep your guest list modest so it’s easier to keep track of who’s bringing what.
2. Setting a Date
After you’ve compiled your guest list, you can set a date and time for your cookie exchange party. Since these cookies are meant to last throughout Christmas week, you should set a date within 7 days of Christmas.
3. Cookie Exchange Rules
When it comes to setting cookie exchange rules, be as clear as possible so guests know what to expect. Whether you’re letting guests know how many cookies to bake or if they should be homemade, you can include all of the rules on your cookie exchange invites. Here are some cookie exchange rules to consider when planning your party:
4. Cookie Display
Setting up your cookie swap table is the first priority. From table runners to Christmas decor to mixing and matching plates for the cookies, you can get creative with your display. A large table with a mix of cookie platters, cake stands, and holiday plates makes for the perfect cookie display.
5. Cookie Packaging Station
When it comes to taking cookies home, you can set up a crafty packaging station where guests can decorate their cookie boxes or tins. You’ll want to supply the basics like cardboard boxes, ribbons, tissue paper, sticky labels, and baking cups to separate cookies.
6. Food and Drinks
Although your guests are probably prepared for the sugar rush to come, consider providing some food and drinks to help neutralize all of the sweets. Provide plenty of water, milk, and even set up a hot chocolate bar to pair with the cookies.
7. Cookie Decorating
Since this is a kid-friendly party, be sure to include a cookie-decorating station to keep younger guests entertained. You can set up a crafty table with plain sugar cookies, icings, holiday placemats, and toppings to make this Christmas party activity come to life.
Best Tips on Hosting a Cookie Exchange
Hosting a Christmas Cookie Exchange is one of those holiday activities that everyone loves. And why not? The option to do a bit of baking and then exchanging delicious cookies sounds like a legit way to get into the holiday spirit.
First of all, What Is a Cookie Exchange Party?
The way a cookie exchange party works is all the attendees (including the host) bake a set number of their favorite holiday cookies for the party. Then, at the party, all the guests divvy up the cookies evenly.
How to Host a Christmas Cookie Exchange
You might be wondering, how do I plan a holiday cookie exchange? Just remember, before starting anything, a holiday cookie exchange is all is about having fun! (And getting a boatload of cookies, of course.)
6 Tips to Make Your Cookie Exchange the Best!
Getting excited and ready to make your plans? I want to help you host a successful cookie exchange and have listed out my best cookie party planning and hosting tips. Don’t miss the best cookie exchange cookie list at the bottom of the post.
2. Specify Your Cookie Exchange Rules
How many cookies should you bring to a cookie exchange? The standard cookie request at a cookie exchange is for each guest to make a dozen cookies for every person in attendance .
3. What Cookie Recipe Works Best for a Cookie Exchange?
The good thing about a cookie exchange is that they are supposed to be fun, just choose a cookie recipe you love. (or one that is simple.)
4. Provide containers or baggies for everyone to take their goods home in
If you expect people to exchange and take home cookies, give them something to pack them in. Remember…the more people that you invite, the more cookies that there will be so don’t skimp on the size of the containers. Resalable plastic bags or disposable holiday containers work great.
Gather your neighbors, friends, co-workers or cousins for the most epic Christmas cookie exchange ever. These tips and timeline will make you the host with the most!
Gather your neighbors, friends, co-workers or cousins for the most epic Christmas cookie exchange ever. These tips and timeline will make you the host with the most!
Peppermint Meltaways
This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan Get Recipe
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Now an executive editor at Taste of Home, Ellie has been writing about food and parenting for more than a decade. When she isn't at TOH HQ, she's likely trying gluten- and dairy-free recipes, canning whatever's in season, listening to anything with a fiddle, or playing Uno with her family.
