There’s nothing like a good cookie. A cookie swap is an easy party to plan, and you get to hang out with your favorite friends while trading favorite treats. Follow these tips for a successful cookie swap that will be the highlight of your season year after year.
Invite: December fills up fast, so send invitations well in advance (4 weeks). Consider having your swap during a weeknight evening or a Sunday afternoon. Have each guest bring ½ -1 dozen per number attending. This ensures that everyone will have plenty to share. Ask everyone to tell you in advance what type they are baking so there are no duplicates. They should also bring Ziploc Containers and/or large Baggies to pack up their bounty.
Share Stories: Along with sharing cookies, have each guest tell the story behind the cookie. Maybe it was your grandmother’s and she taught you how to bake. Or, the first time you tried the recipe you burned them three times. Or, what is your favorite way to decorate Betty Crocker Sugar Cookies? Everyone has a story, which usually means a lot of laughter!
Create Recipe Booklets: Have guests bring the recipe so that everyone leaves with a new library of treats. Or, have them email you copies ahead of time so you can assemble booklets with the year and date.
Prepare savory snacks: Nothing heavy, just simple and fun. The key here is—don’t stress!
Give Back: Along with their homemade creations, have guests bring canned goods or store-bought baked items. Donate them to a homeless shelter or community food bank.
Swap! Gather around the table, and fill up with treats. Moving in one direction each person gathers a pre-determined amount per batch. You may want to have some extra containers on hand to help out your guests if needed. Create display cards for each type, so your guests know what it is and who baked them.
Friendly Competition: Offer prizes for the best cookie display, most beautifully decorated, The One Santa Can’t Refuse, etc. Prizes can be baking supplies, cookie sheet, or cutters.
Enjoy your friends, your treats, and the memories created from this wonderful tradition.