How To: Easy Cookie-Exchange Guide

Hey Cookie Connoisseurs!

What better way to spread the workload of holiday cheer than hosting a fun and festive Cookie Exchange? Whether you're a seasoned host or a first-time party planner, we have the ultimate guide to make your cookie swap fun and easy!

Planning

A swap of 8-10 attendees will feel complete unless you have a huge venue. Ask each attendee to bring four dozen cookies (hopefully homemade - but whatever. People have lives.)

Encourage people to share what they will be bringing and get your menu together (see below) so you can ask for help with drinks or appetizers to spread the cost of hosting. People like to help and appreciate direction, so let them know how they can assist you.

• Buy dessert plates, sample cups, or cocktail sticks for tasting competitions.
• Create prize categories and determine the method of voting - applause, paper
• Find small awards - baking spoon, certificate, sticker

Invitations

Get creative and set the tone for a festive gathering! Here's a template to get you started:

Dear [Friend's Name],

'Tis the season for sugar, spice, and everything nice! Join us for a Cookie Exchange Extravaganza on [Date] at [Your Address]. Bring your favorite homemade cookies and an appetite for holiday joy. Let's swap stories, recipes, and, of course, delicious treats!

Please bring your cookies in separate, labeled containers. This makes swapping a breeze, and everyone can showcase their baking prowess!

RSVP by [RSVP Date] – I can't wait to see you there!

Warmest Wishes, [Your Name]

Suggestions:

1. Theme It: Consider adding a theme to your cookie exchange to add an extra layer of fun. Think ugly Christmas sweaters, British Bake-Off, festive PJs, or a cookie/pretzel decorating station.
2. Variety is Key: Encourage participants to bring a variety of cookies – from classic chocolate chip to matcha. This ensures everyone leaves with a diverse selection of goodies. Extreme planners might attach a Google doc to the email invite for complete visibility/shaming.
3. An Easy Icebreaker: This event lends itself to endless customization and a diverse guest list. A cookie swap is a time bound way to create bonds and experiences. Try it with co-workers, family, friends, neighbors, clubs, and kids.
4. Allergy Awareness: Be mindful of allergies. Ask participants to label their cookies with ingredients to help those with dietary restrictions navigate the delicious spread.

Agenda:

1. Arrival & Mingling (30 mins): Welcome guests with festive drinks and snacks (see menu below.) Allow time for everyone to arrive, mingle, and get into the holiday spirit before explaining their disastrous or non-existent baking attempt.
2. Cookie Showcase & Voting (45 mins): Set up a display area for each participant's cookies. Use butcher paper to cover a table or counter, list ingredients, and let participants vote with crayons. Let guests sample and vote for their favorites in various categories, such as "Most Creative" or "Best Presentation."
3. Swap Time (1 hour): The highlight of the evening – the cookie exchange! Each guest takes turns selecting cookies until everyone has a delicious assortment to take home.
4. Recipe Swap & Memories (30 mins): Have guests share the stories behind their cookies and exchange recipe cards. This adds a personal touch and creates lasting memories.

🍪Festive Cookie Exchange Drinks & Appetizers Menu

Drinks:

🍹Jingle Bell Punch: A delightful mix of cranberry juice, (vodka) sparkling water, and a hint of citrus. Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for a festive touch.

☕Winter Spice Hot Chocolate: Warm up with rich hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. Set up a hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes for DIY customization.

🍸Holiday Mocktail Bar: Provide various non-alcoholic options like virgin mojitos, cranberry spritzers, and sparkling cider. Let guests mix and match ingredients for their custom mocktails. Make spirits available for those who want them.

Appetizers:

Caprese Skewers: 

• Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. This is a colorful and tasty appetizer that's easy to assemble.

Festive Cheese Platter:

• Create an affordable yet elegant cheese platter with a selection of cheeses, crackers, and seasonal fruits like grapes and apple slices. Add a few sprigs of rosemary for a holiday touch.

Spinach and Feta Pinwheels:

• Puff pastry rolled with a flavorful filling of spinach, feta, and cream cheese. Slice into pinwheels for a savory treat that's sure to impress.

Veggie Christmas Tree Platter:

• Arrange an assortment of colorful veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli, to form a festive Christmas tree. Serve with an easy yogurt-based dip or bottled salad dressing. 

Mini Quiche Bites:

• Use pre-made pastry shells to create mini quiches with various fillings like spinach and feta, bacon and cheese, or mushroom and Swiss.

Festive Hummus Dip:

• Serve classic or roasted red pepper hummus in a hollowed-out bell pepper for a festive twist. Pair with pita chips or veggie sticks.

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods:

• Dip pretzel rods in melted chocolate and decorate with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes - a sweet and salty treat that doubles as a festive dessert. 💡You could also set this up as an activity station at the party! 
• Any chocolate-dipped pretzel covered with nuts, sprinkles, etc., is delicious. Buy some rods, some knots, some matchsticks, and a few festive treat bags. You can use these to make up for any missing cookie numbers

Budget Friendly Tips:

1. Make It A Potluck: Ask guests to bring a specific item or an ingredient like wine, cheese, hummus, crackers, or vegetables. Yes. Wine is an ingredient in my house. 
2. DIY Stations: Set up DIY stations for the hot chocolate and mocktail bars. Guests can customize their drinks, and it's cost-effective for you.
3. Frozen Appetizers: Consider frozen appetizers that can be baked or heated.
4. Opt for In-Season Ingredients: Choose fruits and vegetables that are in-season for freshness and cost-effectiveness.

Follow-Up: 

Create a shared online space where participants can upload and access the recipes from the exchange. This ensures the joy of the cookie exchange continues long after the party ends.

Hosting a cookie exchange is not just about the cookies; it's about creating lasting memories, sharing laughter, and building traditions. This affordable and festive drinks and appetizers menu will make your cookie exchange a hit without breaking the bank. Cheers to a delicious and budget-friendly celebration! 🍹

So, gather your favorite recipes, put on your festive apron, and let the cookie-swapping extravaganza begin! Happy baking! 🍪✨