Holidays = Cookies, right? In my house, that math adds up. There are so many fun ways to host this year's Holiday Cookie Exchange. Whether it's focused on store bought, handmade, or somewhere in between, I'm happy to share a few of my favorite ways to get into the holiday spirit, connect with your community, spread the cookie love, and head home with some yummy treats. 

4 Ways to Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange

1. Classic - Bake your favorite cookie.

Encourage your guests to bake and bring a batch of their favorite cookies (and a to-go container) to the party. During the party eat appetizers and drink whatever drinks you fancy. Before everyone leaves set up the cookies so that each guest can take one of everyone else's cookies home with them.

If you invite 12 people everyone just needs to bake a dozen and they'll return home with an array of 12 delicious cookies to indulge in for the next few days. If you plan to have more than a dozen folks, that's ok too! Have guests bake more or bake a few extra dozen of your favorites to fill in the cookie gaps. 

2. Baking Party - BYOD (Bring your own dough)

This is a wonderful way to celebrate with that small, close knit group of friends or family. Have each guest bring a dozen or so worth of their favorite cookie dough (homemade or store bought) and let the baking begin.

Enjoy a taste of each cookie warm out of the oven and let the rest cool to divy up among the group as you all head home that evening.

3. Mix It Up - Share a recipe and dry ingredients.

When you want to host a cookie exchange, but don't have any room left for baked cookies in your house or belly, throw a Mix It Up Cookie Party. Have eveyone bring a recipe and several separate jars or bags of the mixed dry ingredients to exchange with one another.

Everyone can share why they picked the recipe and any tips and tricks they use while baking. Everyone leaves with several new cookie ideas and most of the ingredients needed to bake them!

4. Support Small - Purchase from your favorite bakery!

Support small businesses and host a party where guests purchase from their favorite cookie bakery either locally or online. Similarly to the Classic Holiday Cookie Exchange, have guests bring enough cookies so each guest can have one and let the exchanging begin. This is great for a last minute party idea and helps guests not feel anxious about their baking skills. It also helps support small businesses like Mamalou Bakeshop.

OH! And the cookies will stay fresh longer if they are individually packaged AND you can freeze them and enjoy them a few at a time. That's a win-win-win! Woot!

Whatever way you decide to host your Holiday Cookie Exchange this year, make it work for you. The holidays can feel overwhelming and exhausting at times. Just remember, it's about getting your favorite people together to enjoy each other's company and share some deliciousness together. Being together and creating community is the best part. Sharing some yummy dessert is the cherry on the top! Happy Holidays!