What could be more enjoyable than spending an evening at home with friends and cookies? Here are some snapshots from our cookie exchange, along with the winning recipe…
What an impressive selection! I organized my first cookie swap 14 years ago as a weary new mom (can you find baby Toby in the second image?), and I’ve hosted it again for the last couple of years, now making it the fourth time. This gathering is always one of my favorites.
My friend Leah had these custom photo cookies made, which gave us all a good laugh. Brooklyn Nine-Nine! The Warriors! Panda Dunks! Potato chips!
Zahra brought her homemade Oreos.
Of course, Dan Pelosi made sure to bring his Italian cookies.
We enjoyed wine and egg nog…
And mingled.
A cookie swap typically isn’t a contest, but 14-year-old Toby takes it upon himself to be the judge. “I didn’t try all of them,” he confessed to everyone this year. “I got full.” Yet he did sample a significant portion, and the clear winner was…
These amazing passion fruit thumbprint cookies, placed in the pink box above. They were incredibly scrumptious — with tangy passion fruit and a cookie that practically tasted like shortbread.
Writer and aspiring baker, Ruby Smith (on the right, with Erika), graciously sent me her recipe the following day:
Passion Fruit Thumbprint Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup (150 grams) sugar
2 egg yolks (room temp)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (plus a dash of almond extract if desired)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/3 cup (300 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (or similar) passion fruit curd (This can be tricky to find. I purchase it at Kalustyan’s, but you can also order online. Lemon curd works well too, or any jam. I recently made them for my family with guava butter my mom brought back from a trip — delicious.)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and sugar together for 2 minutes until well mixed. Then, add the egg yolks, vanilla, and salt and beat until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour. The dough may be somewhat crumbly, but should hold together when pressed.
Form into balls and use your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon to create indents in each cookie. Spoon the curd into the indents. Bake for 11-14 minutes. The cookies are ready when they appear matte without any wet or shiny areas, but they should still feel soft to the touch. They will firm up as they cool down. Allow to cool completely and savor.
A blurry photo, but I still cherish it 🙂
What about you? Have you ever thrown a cookie get-together? Or maybe another type of gathering you’d suggest? I always love hearing about social events…
P.S. Last year’s amazing cookie swap, and the one before that (isn’t that sweater adorable?).
(Film photos by Erika Veurink.)
**Festive Cookie Exchange Gathering: A Sweet Way to Celebrate the Season**
The holiday season is all about connection, celebration, and, naturally, delightful treats. One of the most charming traditions that has grown in popularity over the years is the festive cookie exchange gathering. This lovely event unites friends, family, and neighbors to share homemade cookies, exchange recipes, and spread joyful holiday spirit. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just seeking a fun way to celebrate, a cookie exchange is the ideal way to embrace the season’s spirit.
### What is a Cookie Exchange?
A cookie exchange (or cookie swap) is a festive occasion where participants bake a batch of their favorite cookies to share with others. Everyone brings enough cookies to exchange with each attendee, allowing everyone to depart with a variety of cookies to enjoy over the holidays. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your baking talents, discover new recipes, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
### How to Host a Successful Cookie Exchange
Hosting a cookie exchange is simpler than you might imagine. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can craft a magical event that everyone will remember. Here are some tips to help you get started:
#### 1. **Send Invitations**
Begin by inviting your guests well in advance. You can send festive invitations via email, text, or traditional cards. Make sure to include the date, time, location, and any special instructions, such as the number of cookies each guest should bring. A good guideline is to encourage each participant to bake one dozen cookies for every attendee plus an additional dozen for sampling at the gathering.
#### 2. **Set the Rules**
To guarantee a diverse assortment of cookies, have guests RSVP with the type of cookie they plan to bring. This approach prevents duplicates and adds excitement to the exchange. Encourage participants to bake from scratch, but for those lacking confidence in their baking, store-bought treats can be a great alternative.
#### 3. **Create a Festive Atmosphere**
Dress your space with holiday-themed decorations to establish the mood. String lights, garlands, and a cozy playlist of seasonal tunes can make your event feel extra special. You might also want to set up a hot cocoa or coffee station to complement the cookies.
#### 4. **Prepare Packaging**
Offer packaging supplies so guests can take home their cookies in style. Decorative tins, boxes, or cellophane bags tied with ribbons work well. You may also encourage guests to bring their own containers if you prefer a more eco-friendly method.
#### 5. **Share Recipes**
Request each guest to bring printed copies of their cookie recipe to distribute to others. Alternatively, you can collect the recipes beforehand and compile a small recipe booklet as a memento for everyone.
#### 6. **Plan Fun Activities**
While cookies are the highlight, incorporating a few activities can enhance the gathering’s enjoyment. Consider holding a cookie tasting contest with categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Presentation,” or “Best Flavor.” You could also include a holiday trivia game or a DIY cookie-decorating station for both kids and adults.
### Cookie Ideas for the Exchange
Unsure about what to bake? Here are some timeless and inventive cookie ideas to get your creativity flowing:
– **Classic Sugar Cookies:** Ideal for decorating with festive icing and sprinkles.
– **Chocolate Chip Cookies:** An all-time favorite that is always a hit.
– **Gingerbread Cookies:** Aromatic and spiced, these cookies are holiday essentials.
– **Snickerdoodles:** Chewy and soft, rolled in cinnamon-sugar.
– **Thumbprint Cookies:** Filled with jam or chocolate for a delightful surprise.
– **Peppermint Bark Cookies:** A festive twist featuring crushed candy canes.
– **Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies:** A chewy and slightly tangy option for variety.
– **Shortbread Cookies:** Buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
### Benefits of a Cookie Exchange
A cookie exchange is more than just an enjoyable holiday activity—it provides several advantages that make it a cherished tradition:
1. **Time-Saving:** Instead of baking numerous cookie varieties yourself, you bake just one batch and gain a wide selection.
2. **Cost-Effective:** Sharing cookies means you only need to purchase ingredients for one recipe, making it budget-friendly.
3. **Community Building:** It’s a fantastic way to connect with others, strengthen relationships, and meet new friends.
4. **Creative Inspiration:** You’ll discover new recipes and ideas to add to your holiday baking collection.
5. **Holiday Spirit:** The joy of giving and sharing captures the true essence of the season.
### Virtual Cookie Exchange: A Modern Twist
If in-person gatherings aren’t feasible, think about hosting a virtual cookie exchange. Participants can mail cookies to one another or drop them off at specified locations. Then, hold a video call where everyone can share their baking experiences, showcase their cookies, and exchange recipes.
