How to Host a Cookie Exchange Party!

I’m all about starting new holiday traditions this year including hosting a cookie exchange party! They’re a festive way to swap recipes, enjoy some tasty treats, and make lots of holiday memories! I can remember going to cookie exchanges as a little girl and I always loved trying out so many different fun flavors of cookies! I mean who doesn’t love a party that revolves around cookies, Hello!? Want to host your own cookie exchange party this year?  Here’s some pictures and tips! So grab a cookie <wink>, and let’s talk cookie exchanges!

HOW TO HOST A COOKIE EXCHANGE PARTY

INVITATIONS: Send out plenty of notice for guests! Be sure to include RSVP and ask what your guests plan to bake so you don’t end up with 7 batches of snickerdoodles! Specify that each guest should bring 1 dozen cookies and 12+ recipe cards to pass out. Be sure to note any allergy information (nut-free) etc on the invite!

PACKAGING: Be sure to have an array of aluminum foil, parchment paper, cellophane bags, etc to help package up cookies to send off with the guests. I chose fun buckets (just $1 each!) and dropped cookies down inside and tied with a bow.

RECIPE: Pick your favorite cookie recipe and create a few extra just in case someone forgets their cookies or has a last-minute baking disaster. I chose Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and you can find my recipe (and free printable recipe card) below! Help guests keep track of all their new recipe cards by having a hole punch and ribbon to tie together everyone’s loose cards.

PARTY TABLE: Create a festive table for displaying all the party treats. You can use a fun tablecloth or even wrapping paper like I did which makes clean-up a breeze at the end of the party! Next, pull out all the cake stands (even borrow a few from guests) and platters you have. You can even use clear apothecary jars to hold cookies too – get creative! Decorate with a few holiday items like nutcrackers, wreaths, or trees. Don’t forget to serve up an assortment of beverages (milk, water, cider, hot cocoa, champagne!). You might even consider serving up some savory dishes to offset all the sugar, especially if the party falls over a regular meal-time.

I designed a coordinating free recipe printable card for you to use at your cookie exchange party! You can easily use regular index cards in a pinch but printing off these is a super quick and cute alternative! You could even recommend these to guests too!

Simply click here to download the free printable recipe card!

I served up the most delicious oatmeal raisin cookies using Quaker Oats Quick Oats. The classic oatmeal raisin cookie is one of my favorite oatmeal recipes, but I also use oats in a bunch of other types of cookies, too.  Oatmeal chocolate chip…oatmeal peanut butter…oatmeal cranberry, you name it!

Print Recipe

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Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups Quaker Oats Quick Oats
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup dark raisins

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine sugars, butter, and vanilla. Cream together until well mixed.
4. Add in flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir until combined.
5. Stir in oats and raisins.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are golden brown!

I hope you’re inspired to host a cookie exchange party this year! It’s really an easy party if you’re new to hostessing and everyone leaves with a dozen cookies so it’s a sweet reward. Thanks for checking out my tips and post…Happy Holidays!

P.S. For more cookie ideas, check out my Pinterest board ALL about cookies here.