Learn how you can throw the perfect Christmas cookie exchange party, whether you’re hosting for the first time or hosting again.
Do you want to throw a cookie exchange party this Christmas? Throwing a Christmas cookie exchange party gives friends and family the opportunity to get together and have fun.
What is a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party?
A Christmas cookie exchange party is where all of the guests bring some homemade cookies to share with everyone else. The catch is that every person only brings one batch of their treat so everyone gets to try a variety of different things.
Tips for Hosting a Christmas Cookie Exchange Party
If you’re planning to host a more traditional Christmas cookie exchange party, here are some ideas that can help you get started.
- The first tip for hosting a Christmas cookie exchange party is to find out how many people will be coming. Relay that information to your guests ahead of time so everyone know how many cookies to bring.
- If you’re hosting a party of 10 people, your guests should probably bring between 6-10 cookies. If you’re expecting 20+ guests, then they could get away with bringing around 12-15 cookies.
- Set up a station where everyone can leave their treats and then come back and sample everyone else’s. You can even set up a couple of different stations for people to come back and forth from so that you don’t run out of space.
- You may want to have guests RVSP with the type of cookies they intend to bring so that you can make sure there won’t be multiples of the same type.
- Have everyone bring their treats in labelled plastic containers or tins. This will make cleanup much easier after the party is over.
- Make sure you have plenty of drinks on hand. It is always a good idea to have water and coffee available. You may also want to consider having some festive beverages like eggnog, hot cocoa or mulled cider.
- Make sure you explain the rules of the Christmas cookie exchange party when your guests arrive so everyone knows how it works. Everyone
- You may want to start out with snacks like veggie trays , cheese platters and meat platters. You can transition to the cookies as people are ready for them.
- Don’t forget to take pictures! Capture the laughter, good times and tasty treats everyone will be enjoying.
What Types of Treats and Cookies Should You Bring?
When you’re hosting a Christmas cookie exchange party, your guests will more than likely want some examples of what types of cookies they should bring. Be sure to give them some suggestions depending on the size and number of people you expect to be attending.
Make sure there will be a selection of classic Christmas cookies like Pecan Crescents or Stained Glass Shortbread Cookies as well as new favourites like these Gingerbread Yule Log Cookies.
Alternatives to a Traditional Christmas Cookie Exchange Party
Instead of throwing a traditional exchange party, you might want to consider one of these fun ideas:
Ugly Sweater Cookie Decorating
If you’re looking for a fun and creative idea for your Christmas cookie exchange party, you might want to throw an ugly sweater party. For this party, all of your guests could arrive in their ugly sweater. To stick to the theme, you can require them to bring cookies that are decorated like an ugly sweater. You can then pick two winners: one winner for wearing the ugliest sweater, and another for baking the ugliest sweater cookie!
Guess the Flavours
Another great idea for your cookie exchange party would be to have all of your guests bring cookies but not label them. Guests would then need to guess the flavours each of the cookies contain. The person who guesses the most cookie flavours correctly could bring home an extra cookie prize. (Obviously this is not a good idea if anyone in your group has food allergies.)
Cookie Tasting
During a cookie exchange party, guests can switch cookies with others. They can then take their loot home to share with the family. Instead of following the traditional cookie exchange tradition, you can add a cookie tasting with smaller versions of each cookie. Guests can then sample the cookies, deciding which ones they would prefer to take home.
Movie Theme
If you want your guests to show off their creative side, consider throwing a cookie exchange party in honour of your favourite movie. Guests can arrive with cookies that go with a specific movie or movie genre. This can be anything, from your favourite Christmas movie to a family favourite.
There can be a winner for the best movie themed cookies, as well as a best dressed guest.
Cookie exchange parties are perfect for getting together with friends and family and having some fun. Let us know below if you have more ideas for a great cookie exchange!
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
Laurie P
Thursday 8th of December 2016
I was recently invited to a cookie exchange for the 17th. First time for me :)
Stephanie LaPlante
Thursday 8th of December 2016
Now this would be my kind of party! Me + Cookies = Love
Darlene Schuller
Thursday 8th of December 2016
I've never heard of such things before but I totally love it! I would love to have acookie exchange party that sounds like such fun!
Elizabeth Matthiesen
Wednesday 7th of December 2016
I've never experienced a cookie exchange party but it does sound like it could be a lot of fun. :-)
kathy downey
Wednesday 7th of December 2016
Thanks for the tips,i do love a cookie exchange!