How to Host a Cookie Exchange: Includes Craft and Cookie Recipe

First, create your guest list. I have several girlfriends who like to bake and love Christmas, so they are a perfect fit. I decided to keep my number to an even, small amount: eight ladies, including me. It’s small enough to be intimate but will still give us a good cookie variety. The more ladies you have, the more cookies you need to make.

Then, pick a date that is not too close to Christmas so that you feel rushed but close enough to allow cookies to be enjoyed up to Christmas. Who knows, Santa might get a pretty amazing plate of cookies this year.

Next, I think of the rules. Yes, even the Cookie Exchange has rules—sigh. All cookies must have a flour base, no bars, cookie mixes, or meringues. They cannot be store-bought. One dozen per lady, plus an extra to share. A copy of their recipe. RSVP by (Date). No burnt cookies. I think that should cover it—at least, I hope so!

The tough part will be choosing a theme. There are plenty of Cookie Exchange invitations for you to select from. You will want to try to tie your invitation to the theme. Like Cookies for Santa, you’d like something with Santa and cookies. Or, if you don’t have a theme like me, pick something Christmas-y or wintry. I found ones that have a chalkboard background and a candy cane edging. Love them! So perfect for the season. They helped me pick a decorating theme: candy canes!

Triple Delight Cookies

As the party nears, it’s time to figure out what type of cookie you will make. You know what the other ladies are making, so you can kind of gauge. I like to make Triple Delight Cookies if I can.

Here is the recipe –  This recipe makes 16 cookies per batch.

• ½ Cup unsalted butter – room temp
• 1/3 Cup peanut butter
• 1 large egg + 1 yolk
• ¾ Cup light brown sugar – packed
• ½ Cup sugar
• 3tsp Vanilla extract
• 2tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 Cup mini chocolate chips – semi-sweet
• ½ Cup peanut butter chips – OPTIONAL
• 1 cup fashioned oats – NOT instant or quick cook

DIRECTIONS:

1. Microwave safe bowl, add butter and Peanut Butter, NOT the chips. And heat for 45 Seconds.
2. Let this cool, then add the egg and egg yolk. Add the sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.  Mix together
3. Add Oats, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
4. Add in chips and stir together.
5. Preheat the oven to 350.
6. I use a large ice cream scooper to plop the cookies on the cookie sheets.
7. These cookies do NOT spread; they stay in their ball and are soft and chewy once you bake them.
8. Bake these for 8-10 minutes. After 10 minutes, check them; they might need another minute.
9. TIP: If you want more cookies, use a smaller scooper.

These cookies go great with a fresh glass of milk. It almost makes me want to be Santa!

Candy Cane Stands

Image Provides by Southern Living

Okay, back to planning! Two days before the party, why not make little candy cane stands with a note saying what the cookies are? This is a simple task. All you need are candy canes, a hot glue gun, a ribbon, and a name card.

Glue the candy cane stems together, keeping the hooks apart to hold your name tag. Leave the plastic on the candy cane.

Tie the ribbon around the stems.

Write the name of the cookie on the name tag and set it on the hooks of the candy cane.

How cute!! My tablecloth base will be red, with a small white table runner, so these will fit into the theme.

Peppermint Stick Platters

Peppermint Stick Platter Image Provided by Munchkin Munchies

All the cookie platters will be peppermint stick platters that I made, too! These are simple to make; even the kids can help you. Those are the kinds of crafts I love.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Use a baking sheet with edges that are the size of your platters. I used a cookie sheet that is 9X13.
3. I lined it with Parchment paper so that the peppermint doesn’t stick.
4. Then, I arranged the peppermint sticks. NOT the candy canes, just the sticks, in a design.
5. Placed it in the oven to melt together for about 10 Minutes.
6. You want them just to melt together to stick, NOT clump together.
7. Let it stand for 30-45 minutes to set and cool down. Then, repeat for as many platters as needed.

Oh, and don’t forget about snacks for your guests. You can’t live on cookies alone—or maybe you can! Of course, we’ll have milk to go with the cookies and some other light refreshments. You might want to think about gifts for your ladies, too. I decided on red and white aprons with their names on them. Plus, make sure everyone has a cookie platter to take home!

Remember, this is about fun, not stress. Mingle with your guests, try every cookie, and talk about the upcoming holiday events!

Written By: Amy Garnet

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