It’s that time of year… Cookie Exchange time. As a special treat I thought I’d pass along instructions on how to host a cookie exchange. While I’m no longer hosting a physical cookie exchange, I figure it’s just too challenging with my food allergy concerns, I do host my online cookie exchange.
This year marks the 8th Annual sloCooking Virtual Cookie Exchange. Stay tune in December – I’ll be posting many good recipes from fellow bloggers!
Read below for complete details on how to hold you very own cookie exchange party. Don’t be scared – they’re really a lot of fun.
HOW TO HOST A COOKIE EXCHANGE
- Invite guests a few weeks in advance, you still have time to do this for December 2017. I enjoy using the cookie theme templates on EVITE when I send out my invitations.
- Seven or 8 people are ideal, though I’ve had up to 12 guests before and it worked out fine.
- Have each guest bring you a copy of her recipe so you can pass them out later or have them email you the recipe in advance.
- Each guest also needs to bring an empty container for taking cookies home.
- Decide who will make what, coordinate this ahead of time. Try for NO duplicates. I normally keep a running list on the evite of the cookies that have been spoken for so guests don’t have to keep asking me if they can bring xxx type.
- Guest should make a dozen cookies for each guest that is attending. But a half dozen per person would also work. Let guests know the rules, like scratch baked only, no store bought cookies, etc.
- Have blank cards & a marker available when guests arrive – for making a quick ID tag for the cookie types. Such as “Chocolate Spice Cookie by Laura”
- Be ready with extra paper plates & cling wrap, or gallon size ziptop bags for guests to take cookies home if someone forgets to bring an extra container.
- Have some simple appetizers ready for the party – think savory since guests will more than likely nibble on the cookies they package to take home.
- Make a mulled wine or sangria and hot coffee or cider if it’s chilly.
- Clear a few tables or kitchen counter tops for cookie platters. When it’s time to swap have each guest walk around the platters collecting the number appropriate for taking home.
- After the party – if you don’t have them yet, collect the recipes from each guest and compile them into one document to email to all guests that attended.
Happy baking & enjoy your party!
Be sure to tune in this December for my 8th Annual Virtual Cookie Swap.
