Cookie exchanges can be so much fun when you have a plan of what to bake going into it! This post will provide you with a TON of new cookie recipe ideas to share this year.
If you have been following me for awhile then you will know about my annual Christmas Cookie Frenzy, where I share new cookies with you yearly in a fun and interactive way, encouraging you to bake all season long.
I have been doing a joint baking party with my family for over 20 years, so I feel qualified to tell you what cookies are most successful, the ones we bake every year, and add some of my tips and tricks to make sure your cookie exchange is successful (even if it’s your first time!).
So come along friends, to my virtual Holiday Cookie Swap and let me know what other cookies you would add to my list.
Here is an actual photo of our cookie table when we were done the other year! (Excuse the quality of the photo, we had been baking for over 10 hours!).
Cookie Exchange Rules and Tips
It is always helpful to have a few “rules” laid out ahead of time, to make the cookie swap as successful as possible.
A few rules we like to follow;
- Set a limit for the number of cookie varieties each person will make. We normally limit it to 2 or 3 cookies (there is on average about 6 of us participating)
- Make sure each person is committed to making a minimum – if you have 6 people participating you will want 1 dozen of each cookie type per person. This means looking for recipes that you can double or triple so you can get the 6 dozen (or more) cookies you need.
- Set a date for everyone to have their cookie recipes picked by (I suggest mid-October for a November baking party) and have one person delegated to keep track of the recipes. This will help to determine who will need the stovetop, oven, mixers etc.
- Pick recipes that have cookies/treats that can be easily frozen to keep fresh for all your cookie trays. (This means no recipes with fresh cream on the tops – while they look pretty when they are fresh, the DO NOT freeze well).
- Speaking of your mixers, and all other baking equipment, if you are doing your baking together for the cookie swap be sure everyone brings extra measuring spoons, measuring cups, hand mixers, baking trays, spoons, spatulas ETC so you don’t have to constantly be doing dishes in order to bake.
- If you are baking together another tip I love is to prepare the cookies and bars that take longer to set right at the beginning (if it requires freezing in between layers, or multiple flips in the oven, get those out of the way first).
Favorite Cookies for a Cookie Exchange
BEST Cookies for Christmas Cookie Exchange - and other events too!
Look no further than this list of the BEST cookies for you to bake for your Christmas Cookie Exchange this year. Everything from classic biscotti cookies, magic bars, a twist on the classic sugar cookie and so much more.
These festive Hot Chocolate Cookies are easy to make and add a fun touch to your cookie exchange.
A true classic! The easy Magic Bar recipe is one that has been passed down for years, and a must-make for my family every year!
These Amaretti Cookies are so easy to make, they are full of almond flavor and they go perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee!
These Whipped Shortbread Cookies are so light and fluffy, they melt in your mouth and are so easy to make! Perfect Cookie to add to your goodie tray.
Gingerbread Biscotti - a fun take on a traditional cookie that everyone will love. The slight spice of the cookie goes well with a cup of coffee or tea.
If you love a shortbread that melts in your mouth, and want more flavor from them, these citrus shortbread bars are for you!
A no-bake cookie is always a hit for a cookie exchange. Just a handful of ingredients are needed to make these super fun and festive cookies.
A new addition to my biscotti family, these incredible Almond Biscotti Cookies are perfectly crunchy and loaded with toasted almond flavor.
These Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars are like everyones favorite Lofthouse cookie - soft and chewy with a layer of delicious icing! They make a huge batch too, which is a great for a cookie exchange.
My NUMBER ONE most requested cookie every single year- these Brownie Biscotti can be made as a soft biscotti, or crunchy based off the baking time. They are decadent and rich, the perfect cookie for any time of year.
An easy chocolate biscotti cookie that is finished with a decadent Nutella drizzle.
A delicious shortbread cookie with luscious chocolate and a hint of cayenne pepper to add some heat! The perfect cookie to add to your Christmas Baking!
A deliciously soft and chewy cookie with the right amount of spice that is perfect for gifting this holiday season!
A delicious graham cracker crust topped with a pecan filled homemade toffee and tons of chocolate - this Toffee Bar Recipe has everything we love and MORE in each and every bite!
Things you may need
The following may contain affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
To be successful with your Cookie Exchange you will need a few things!
- Containers – you want them to be freezer safe so your treats don’t lose their flavor
- Cookie Sheets – I love a good, thick cookie sheet for baking. They will give you evenly cooked goodies every time.
- Bulk size Chocolate Chips – I always have these on hand for my Christmas baking!
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fun and festive apron
Michelle
Friday 24th of November 2023
Hello The white chocolate cranberry shortbread cookies can you use icing sugar instead of white and or brown sugar? If so what would the measurements be? Would love to make…
Oliv Blogger
Sunday 26th of November 2023
Hi Michelle!
I have not attempted it with icing sugar - it is so much finer than regular sugar so I don't know how it would hold up in the recipe.