Here's How to Host an Epic Cookie Exchange

There are many ways to conjure up holiday joy. But we especially like the kind that combines two of our favorite things: friends and cookies. As you're counting down to Christmas, why not host a holiday cookie exchange at your place?

The idea is simple: Everyone brings a big batch of (hopefully homemade) cookies and distributes roughly 6 - 12 cookies each to the other attendees. So at the end of the event, you and your guests will each have your own delectable assortment. Here's how to organize the fun.

One Month Before

Invite Friends

Remember, you'll be baking enough cookies for every guest to take home, so don't invite the entire neighborhood. Shoot for eight to 10 friends who like to bake and will have fun spending an evening together.

Depending on how ambitious you and your friend group are, you could also incorporate a Secret Santa gift exchange. In that case, tell everyone to bring a baking-related gift for under $20. (Of course, this is above and beyond what's necessary, since the cookies will be a gift in themselves!)

Determine How Much Everyone Will Make

Typically, guests bake a dozen cookies for each attendee. A half dozen per guest would work if the party is large (say, more than 10 participants) or if you just want a sampling of treats, not enough to feed an army over the holidays.

Set Ground Rules

Yes, it's a party, but if you slave over homemade rugelach, you may not be happy when a friend shows up with slice-and-bake. Let guests know what the cookie exchange rules are—such as, cookies should be made from scratch or holiday-themed. Ask guests to let you know of any food allergies so you can make everyone else aware.

Two Weeks Before

Check RSVPs and Ask Who's Making What

Make sure you don't have three identical shortbreads. Tactfully suggest someone switch if there's an overlap. (Pick the most experienced baker who won't be frazzled by a change in plan.)

Decide on Your Cookie and Shop for Ingredients

While this isn't a competition, you certainly want to make cookies everyone will be happy to receive. Here are some ideas:

• Start with this basic but delicious sugar dough recipe and get creative with decorating.
• Learn the most popular holiday cookie in your state, and see if you can improve upon it.
• Choose a holiday cookie based on your family's heritage, like Italian Christmas cookies, for example.

Set a Menu of Other Snacks and Drinks

Have some simple appetizers and beverages on hand during the cookie swap. Consider non-sweet dishes like vegetable dips or finger sandwiches since you'll probably be nibbling on cookies.

Designate Your Largest Table

Be prepared to clear off the dining room table or gather a few folding tables to make a long buffet where guests can spread their treats. Pull out or borrow a red or holiday-themed tablecloth for a festive touch (and to protect your table).

One Week Before

Gather Serving Trays

Ensure you have platters to display the cookies or alert your guests to bring their own. Again, depending on your level of ambition, you might encourage guests to get creative with their presentation. They could display their cookies in a festive basket or holiday-themed tray or inside a gift-wrapped box.

Buy Extra Plastic Wrap and Storage Bags

In case a guest forgets to bring a large container for toting home cookies, have supplies (like a box of 1-gallon plastic bags) on hand.

Two Days Before

Bake the Cookies

If you have time to make the cookies more than a couple of days before the party, do so and freeze them. (Or freeze the dough.) With some recipes, you can even prepare the dough well in advance—it will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

The Day Before

Set Up the Room

• Decorate the table with a festive tablecloth or a holiday centerpiece.
• Push other furniture aside so that people can easily cruise through the cookie buffet.
• Have the non-cookie food in the fridge ready to go.

Thaw Frozen Cookies

If you baked ahead and froze the cookies, bring them to room temperature overnight. If you haven't baked them yet and want your cookies to have a soft inside and crispy outside, use this refrigerated dough trick.

The Day of the Party

Set Out Food and Drinks

• Have cocktails or coffee ready and offer a choice of drink to guests as they arrive.
• Make appetizers available early in the event.
• Show guests where to place their cookies (and place your own) on the table.
• Have index cards and pens available in case guests want to ID their cookies.

Welcome Guests and Direct Traffic

Get the group's attention and thank your guests for coming. Go around the room and give everyone an opportunity to name their cookies, tell where they got the recipe, and describe why they love them. (No pressure: They can say, "Taste and see for yourself!")

Then it's ready, set, and go! If you have a room full of excited cookie lovers, you might have to direct traffic so the exchange is relatively orderly.

After the Party

Collect the Recipes

Have guests e-mail their delicious cookie recipes afterward. You can compile a master list of them and e-mail it to everyone at once.