How to Host A Great Cookie Exchange-9 Tips

Happy Foodie Friday y’all! December 4 is National Cookie Day, so I thought today’s post should be cookie-related. It makes sense, right? Have you ever been to a cookie exchange? Have you ever hosted one? I have been to one cookie exchange and haven’t hosted one. While I’m no expert, I have done my research. And thus, I have compiled some tips to help you Host a Great Cookie Exchange Let’s get started!

I can hear you asking, what is a cookie exchange? That is a great question! A cookie exchange is a social activity where a group of people get together and, well, exchange cookies. Sounds simple, right? They can be, as long as you plan it out ahead of time.

Tip 1: Set a Date and Time

Obvious, I know! But hear me out. It would be best to give people time to bake their cookies and socialize at the exchange. Traditionally, cookie exchanges happen around the holidays. But honestly, you could do one any time of the year. I mean, who doesn’t love having home-baked cookies in March?

The exchange itself should be around 1.5-2 hours in length. That way, people have time to socialize and nibble on some cookies.

Tip 2: Set a Number of People to Invite

Again, obvious, but a step one needs to consider. Why? Because the more people in attendance, the more cookies people have to bring. And that leads me to tip 3.

Tip 3: Determine the Number of Cookies People are to Make

This is why the number of people you invite matters. The number of cookies people have to bring is based on the number of people there. Most cookie exchanges have 6-12 cookies per person in attendance. So if you have four people in attendance, everyone has to bring 24-48 cookies. You may ask that people bring another 6-12 cookies for nibbling on while socializing.

Tip 4: Gather Allergy Concerns

I understand that health issues are personal, but they should be shared during a food-related activity if someone has a food allergy or intolerance. While I love nuts in some of my cookies, my husband is allergic. So that is something that I would share with everyone bringing cookies.

You may also wish to include people’s preferences. For example, if people prefer not to eat coconut, you can share this with the group. This is up to you.

Tip 5: Share Cookie Types Before the Event

You don’t have to have people give specifics of the cookie they are bringing because maybe they don’t know. But a basic idea is a good idea. Why? Because you don’t want to have five variations of chocolate chip cookies. The concept of a cookie exchange is to walk away with various cookies.

Tip 6: Share Recipes

Have everyone bring enough copies of their recipes to share with everyone. This way, after the cookies, are gone people can make them at home. It’s also a great way to remember the fun you had at the exchange.

Tip 7: Transporting Cookies

What does this mean? It means how people will bring their cookies to the party and then home afterward. Will people pre-pack the cookies into the predetermined amount, having each dozen boxed up and ready for people to take home when they leave the party? Or will they reuse the boxes they brought their cookies? Another option is that the host supplies boxes or containers. The first option can be pricey for the person bringing cookies, and the last one can be pricey for the host.

Tip 8: Refreshments at the Cookie Exchange

While cookies are the primary focus of the cookie exchange, there’s bound to be lots of cookie nibbling happening. Make sure you offer some snacks that aren’t sweet. Even if it’s just a vegetable platter or a charcuterie board, it’s something to help balance the sugar that will be flowing around!

For drinks, I would recommend tea or coffee. Again, it helps to balance the sugar. Yes, I know people add sugar to tea and coffee, but it’s still less than sodas and juices. Of course, milk is also a great option because it pairs perfectly with cookies. Or so I’ve heard!

Tip 9: Host a Virtual Cookie Exchange

Do you want to share recipes with friends and family but don’t have the time to host an exchange in person? Or are people spread around the world, thus making it hard to get together for a couple of hours? Then host a virtual cookie exchange. How does this work? Basically, you create a group email or a private group on Facebook and invite everyone to share their favorite cookie recipe. Then everyone ends up with a group of new cookie recipes to try. Having a cookie exchange this way makes it easier to have many people participate.

If you want to add the social element to your virtual exchange, you could set aside time and create a Zoom meeting (or something similar), and then everyone can show off their cookies and nibble on some while talking with everyone.

Five Cookie Options

I thought I would share some of my favorite cookie recipes that would be perfect for a cookie exchange!

• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies from Life Love and Sugar
• Jello Cookies from Eating on a Dime
• Haystack Cookies from Just So Tasty
• Vanilla Wafers from i am baker
• Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies from Lemons + Zest

And those are some tips to help you host a great cookie exchange! Have you ever been to own? Are you going to host one? I would love to know!

Are you looking for more food-related content? Check out my other Foodie Fridays posts.