Bake it and take it
Cookie exchanges offer a chance to get together and pick up some sweets. Some simple rules make things run smoothly
When a plate full of cookies is set on the table this holiday season, go ahead and let guests think you’ve been in the kitchen for weeks. Your secret reinforcements are friends who bake.
Invite friends over for a holiday cookie swap, where every guest brings homemade cookies to exchange and package.
Everyone leaves with boxes overflowing with sweet, lovingly decorated, holiday biscuits. Here’s how to pull off this festive fête, including some exchange etiquette to keep everyone satisfied.
Plan your guest list
Invite a group of friends who like to bake, and keep in mind that the larger your group the more cookies each participant must bake.
A cookie exchange is a great excuse for a party, but be practical when planning your guest list. Not everyone loves to bake. You could also invite non-baking types to join the party. They can come for the cheer and as a bonus get to sample a few cookies. Who knows? Maybe it will inspire them to don an apron and get baking next year.
Set some ground rules
Ah, the rules. This is also known as cookie exchange etiquette. After all, you’ve got to have standards. Although a swap should also be a fun get-together, let’s be honest, no one wants to go home with slice-and-bakes or everyday cookies such as chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. The cookies should be festive, special and recipe tested. It’s as much about the presentation as it is the taste. Include a list of instructions in your invitation. Rules could include: Cookies should be made from scratch and holiday themed.
No store-bought cookies. Decide ahead whether squares like brownies or Nanaimo bars are acceptable.
Cookies should be non-perishable, not require refrigeration and be sturdy enough to survive transporting and packing. Commitment. Someone who confirmed attendance, but then has to back out, should still deliver the promised batch.
But keep in mind that the idea behind the exchange is to share something that you’ve made with friends. It should be lighthearted and fun, not competitive.
Send out your invites Send out invitations at least a few weeks in advance (so . . . now).
Try to plan your exchange close enough to the holiday season so the cookies are still fresh, but not so close that everyone is too busy to bake. Let your guests know the usual party details (location, time, etc.) and be sure to add a note about approximately how many cookies each guest will be expected to bake.
This might be an estimate when you send out the invites, so let the guests know you will confirm the number of bakers once everyone has responded.
Ask guests to RSVP by a set date so you can let everyone who is baking know how much they need to bake. Let guests know the numbers After you’ve assembled your list of bakers, send out a note to let them know how many cookies to bake.
Example: a half-dozen per person participating, plus an extra half for sampling.
If there are eight guests, then everyone would be asked to bring 4-1/2 dozen cookies. Ask guests to let you know ahead of time what they are baking if you are concerned about duplication.
Set up the cookie table Set out a table with enough platters or trays so bakers can arrange their goods upon arrival. Include folded cards and a pen so cookies can be labelled and allergens noted.
Don’t have enough platters? Pick up large plastic trays from the dollar store and line with parchment paper or mix up the display by adding in cake stands.
Set up a packaging station It’s fun and convenient to package your cookies as gifts to share on the spot.
Set up a designated area with packaging supplies.
This could include food safe boxes, cellophane bags and tins. Include baking twine and ribbon for tying up packages.
Let guests make tags by setting out a rubber stamp and ink-pad or let them get creative with a calligraphy pen. Don’t forget to include fun decorative bits such as jingle bells, bows, or perhaps some fresh sprigs of greenery.
Eat, drink and be merry! Keep the menu simple by assembling a large cheese or antipasto platter ahead of time. Stock up on wine and bubbly, set out the glasses and you are all set.
It’s a great spread to encourage everyone to gather around and toast the holidays.
After all, it is a party.
Do’s and Don’ts Do:
Give guests lots of notice to plan their baking.
Be creative. But remember to test the recipe (if it’s new) you plan on using ahead of time.
Cookies should be freshly baked. Not frozen.
Let guests know if cookies should be nut-free. Don’t:
Buy store-bought cookies or ready-bake dough. Opt out at the last minute. Enlist someone else to do your baking.
Bring everyday cookies, such as chocolate chip, make something festive.