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Tips For Hosting a Holiday Cookie Exchange

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the joy of baking and connecting with friends and family, why not host a holiday cookie exchange where everyone can showcase their favorite treats while discovering new flavors and traditions. An added bonus, it’s a time saver during this busy time of year since everyone shares in the baking. Now that’s sweet! 


By following these tips, you can host a successful and enjoyable cookie exchange that brings people together through the love of baking.

Set a Date and Time

  • Pick a date that works best for most of your friends and family.
  • Decide whether to host during the day or in the evening based on what fits the holiday vibe you’re going for.

Create Invitations

  • December can be a busy month, so send out invitations as early as possible via email, social media, or traditional mail.
  • Make sure to include key details like the date, time, location, and any specific instructions, such as how many cookies guests should bring.


Plan for Allergies

  • Ask participants to share any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.
  • To accommodate everyone, consider including a few allergy-friendly options, such as gluten-free or nut-free cookies.


Prepare Your Space

  • Ensure you have plenty of space for guests to display their cookies and sample each variety before filling up their containers.
  • Set up tables or counters for cookie displays and consider festive storage options like plastic containers or cookie tins for take-home treats.
  • Provide index cards to label each cookie, including its name and the baker’s name.


Provide Recipe Cards

  • Encourage participants to bring recipe cards for their cookies so everyone can recreate their favorites.
  • Alternatively, ask guests to send their recipes ahead of time so you can print them out or compile them into a digital or printed booklet to share with all attendees later.


Get in the Holiday Spirit

  • Create a warm holiday ambiance by playing festive music throughout the event.
  • Add more holiday cheer with a Secret Santa gift exchange.
  • Include fun activities like cookie decorating stations, a cookie-themed trivia game, or even a baking demonstration to keep guests entertained.


Provide Food and Beverages

  • If your event is in the afternoon, offer appetizers, wine, and sparkling cider to complement the cookies.
  • For evening gatherings, serve coffee, hot chocolate, or after-dinner drinks to pair with the baked treats.


Set a Date and Time

  • Pick a date that works best for most of your friends and family.
  • Decide whether to host during the day or in the evening based on what fits the holiday vibe you’re going for.

Create Invitations

  • December can be a busy month, so send out invitations as early as possible via email, social media, or traditional mail.
  • Make sure to include key details like the date, time, location, and any specific instructions, such as how many cookies guests should bring.


Plan for Allergies

  • Ask participants to share any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.
  • To accommodate everyone, consider including a few allergy-friendly options, such as gluten-free or nut-free cookies.


Prepare Your Space

  • Ensure you have plenty of space for guests to display their cookies and sample each variety before filling up their containers.
  • Set up tables or counters for cookie displays and consider festive storage options like plastic containers or cookie tins for take-home treats.
  • Provide index cards to label each cookie, including its name and the baker’s name.


Provide Recipe Cards

  • Encourage participants to bring recipe cards for their cookies so everyone can recreate their favorites.
  • Alternatively, ask guests to send their recipes ahead of time so you can print them out or compile them into a digital or printed booklet to share with all attendees later.


Get in the Holiday Spirit

  • Create a warm holiday ambiance by playing festive music throughout the event.
  • Add more holiday cheer with a Secret Santa gift exchange.
  • Include fun activities like cookie decorating stations, a cookie-themed trivia game, or even a baking demonstration to keep guests entertained.


Provide Food and Beverages

  • If your event is in the afternoon, offer appetizers, wine, and sparkling cider to complement the cookies.
  • For evening gatherings, serve coffee, hot chocolate, or after-dinner drinks to pair with the baked treats.


If you’re looking for fresh recipes for your cookie exchange, check out our ‘Tis the Season for Cookies blog! You’ll find a wonderful assortment of holiday cookie recipes, from Peppermint Crush Chocolate Chip Cookies to Santa Hat Brownie Bites - there’s something to please every palate!


But before you dive into baking, don’t forget to explore our Sweet Success Cookie Tips blog! It offers essential baking advice and time-saving hacks to help you achieve cookie perfection.

If you’re looking for fresh recipes for your cookie exchange, check out our ‘Tis the Season for Cookies blog! You’ll find a wonderful assortment of holiday cookie recipes, from Peppermint Crush Chocolate Chip Cookies to Santa Hat Brownie Bites - there’s something to please every palate!


But before you dive into baking, don’t forget to explore our Sweet Success Cookie Tips blog! It offers essential baking advice and time-saving hacks to help you achieve cookie perfection.

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