Article archived: December, 2009
Do you wish you had enough time to socialize with your friends, bake a vast assortment of sweet treats, and take a break from the pressures of the holiday season? This year, combine all these pleasures — throw a cookie exchange party!
What is a cookie exchange party?
The holiday season is a time for sharing, and that's exactly what cookies are made for.
- Invite your friends, coworkers, and loved ones — including the ones who rarely bake — over to your home, and ask everyone to bring six dozen of their favorite cookies.
Tip: The holidays are hectic, so send out your "save the date" invitations in advance.
- Make sure that each participant brings a recipe card. Cards make recipe-swapping simple, and allow everyone to stay happy and healthy because all ingredients are disclosed.
- Arrange the cookie batches on a large table, and let guests take turns selecting their favorite cookies from the assortment.
- Decide on "rules" in advance: Choose a number of cookies each guest can take per batch, and determine the number of exchange "rounds" that will take place during the party. Or just leave the rules up to your guests.
- Serve drinks and snacks (the cookies aren't for eating — yet) during the exchange.
- Create ambiance. Music — either holiday classics or contemporary crowd-pleasers, depending upon the preferences of your guests — adds a festive note to your party. Or, try storytelling! Swap stories of holidays past, or about your favorite cookies.
- At the end of the party, everyone will leave with approximately six dozen cookies — but in an assortment quite different from the cookies they brought to the party. Every guest will have the opportunity to discover new holiday flavors and favorites.
The beauty of cookies
To fully celebrate the holiday season, there's nothing quite like a cookie.
- Cookies mean comfort. Cookie-making is an outlet to let your creativity shine through — whether you're baking cookies as a special treat, or as everyday comfort food.
- Cookies are a unique dessert. They're easy to transport, and already divided into portions. They're also versatile — you can add new ingredients to a favorite recipe and create a whole new, personalized cookie..
- Cookies are always a hit. Cookies are enjoyed by people around the world. And, they're welcome across a wide range of occasions — from family reunions to office parties to gatherings with friends.
Whether you're trying a daring new recipe or dusting off a family favorite, cookies complete any holiday entertaining itinerary. Throw your own cookie exchange party, try our scrumptious holiday cookie recipes — and create a holiday tradition to cherish!
More holiday fun