How to Host A Cooke Swap: Our Favorite Fun + Frugal Party

Inside: How to host a cookie swap, a non-overwhelming way to host a fun gathering. Everyone brings a cookie to share, they eat snacks, they leave. You can do this!

Hospitality can be hard and nerve-wracking. But when people show up with a specific mission (share cookies) at an easy time (read: no full meals will be served), everything feels simpler. This is like a potluck but more fun and way easier. Let’s plan a cookie swap of your own.

1. Make a Plan (Rules + Timing)

The first step is to set a date and create a guest list. I usually aim for a weekend afternoon or evening, giving everyone plenty of time to bake and arrive at the party without rushing. When creating your guest list, think about inviting friends, family, and neighbors who share your love for baking. Make sure you keep in mind the size of your space and how many people you can comfortably accommodate.

Consider choosing a theme to give your guests some direction. This is totally optional, but when I’ve hosted these in the past I usually pick a seasonal theme. You could also focus on a specific type of cookie, like chocolate chip or sugar cookies, or go with a holiday theme.

As for the guest list, aim for a manageable number of people, typically between 8 and 12, to make sure everyone can mingle and share their cookies.

It’s also important to establish some basic rules for a smooth and fair exchange. Here are a few tips::

• Each guest should bring a specified number of cookies (1 dozen per person is a good starting point.)
• Cookies should be homemade, not store-bought
• Guests should bring copies of their recipes to share
• Determine if guests should bring containers to take cookies home

By setting clear expectations, everyone will come prepared and ready to enjoy the cookie swap experience.

2. Prepare (Menu + Supplies)

Now that you’ve completed the planning phase, it’s time to dive into the fun part.

Plan the Menu

Aside from cookies, you’ll want a simple menu of savory snacks and drinks. Here are some ideas that you can consider:

• Vegetable platter with hummus or ranch dip
• Cheese and crackers
• Charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and fruits
• Popcorn or pretzels
• Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and water
• Festive cocktails or mocktails

Gather Supplies and Decorations

Don’t forget to make a list of the supplies and decorations you’ll need, such as:

• Tablecloths and decorative banners
• Cookie-themed decorations (e.g., cookie cutters, cookie tins)
• Name tags and pens for labeling cookies
• Containers or bags for guests to take cookies home

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Set Up a Cookie Packaging Station

Creating a designated area where they can package their cookies to take home is a great idea to make sure your guests have a great time at your cookie exchange party. Here are some things you’ll need to provide at the packaging station:

• Various sizes of containers, tins, or bags
• Ribbons, twine, or stickers for decorating the packages
• Labels and pens for identifying the cookies
• Tissue paper or shredded paper for padding the containers

Creating a well-organized packaging station will make it easy for your guests.

Prepare Snacks and Drinks

On the day of the cookie swap, set aside time to prepare the snacks and drinks you’ve planned. Arrange the savory snacks on platters so they’re ready to go when your guests arrive. You can even label each platter with the type of snack to make it easier for everyone to find what they like.

Set up a beverage station with all the necessary fixings, like coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and water. Make sure you have plenty of cups, creamer, sugar, and other add-ins available. If you’re serving cold drinks, remember to have plenty of ice on hand!

By making these preparations ahead of time, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the party with your guests, knowing that everything is ready to go.

3. Hosting the Party

Now, it’s the day of your epic cookie swap party, and you’re ready to welcome your guests with open arms. As each guest arrives, be sure to greet them with a warm welcome and a big smile. This is your chance to set the tone for a fun and festive gathering.

I like to have everyone display their cookies on a big table, along with copies of their recipes. That way, people can browse the selection and decide which cookies they want to take home.

Welcome Guests and Explain the Rules

Once everyone has arrived, welcome them to the party and show them where to place their cookies and recipes. Don’t forget to explain the cookie swap rules like:

• How many cookies each person should take
• How the swapping process will work
• Any additional guidelines or instructions

One of the best things about a cookie exchange party is the opportunity to mingle, sample the cookies, and share baking stories with your friends and family. So don’t be shy – encourage your guests to do just that!

Swap Cookies and Recipes

Now for the main event: the cookie swap! To make sure everyone gets a fair variety, have your guests take turns selecting their desired cookies. And while they’re at it, encourage them to grab a copy of the corresponding recipes.

Award Prizes for Best Cookies (Optional)

Now, if you want to add a little friendly competition to your cookie swap, consider awarding prizes for the best cookies. Here are some categories you could use:

• Best overall cookie
• Most creative cookie
• Best presentation
• The most unique flavor combination

4. After the Cookie Swap

Here are a few things you can do to keep the cookie love going strong

Share Photos and Recipes

You can create a shared online space where guests can upload and access photos from the party! Platforms like Google Drive or Facebook groups are great options for this. Encourage everyone to contribute their pictures, so you can all relive the fun moments together and remember the delicious treats that were shared.

Aside from photos, you can also share the cookie recipes from the swap. You can create a digital cookbook using a platform like Canva or Google Docs or simply compile the recipes into a shared document. Having easy access to all the recipes will allow guests to recreate their favorite cookies from the swap whenever they like.

Start Planning Next Year’s Swap

While the memories of this year’s cookie swap are still fresh, start thinking ahead to next year’s event. Reflect on what worked well and what you might want to change or improve. Consider:

• Gathering feedback from guests about their experience
• Brainstorming new theme ideas or activities
• Setting a tentative date for next year’s swap
• Keeping an eye out for cookie swap inspiration throughout the year

By starting the planning process early, you’ll be well-prepared to host another fantastic cookie swap next year. Plus, it gives you and your guests something fun to look forward to

Cookie Recipes We Love:

I’ve got some delicious cookie recipes that are great candidates for your swap.

• Thick and Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
• 24 Timeless Old-Fashioned Easter Cookie Recipes
• Old Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies
• Golden Raisin Cookies

Have Fun and Make it Your Own

A cookie swap is so much more than just an exchange of baked goods – it’s a chance to slow down, catch up, and create memories. The cookies are just the excuse to get together. I hope you have fun.