Wintertime holidays are magical for many reasons, but there's something I've noticed that sets them apart. The desserts. So many major holidays and events revolve around one big dessert: for weddings, it's the cake. For Thanksgiving, you've got your pumpkin pie. Fourth of July? Definitely patriotic JELL-O (I stand by this statement with my entire being). But for Christmas, it's the cookies!
Not only does a platter of gorgeous, delicious cookies bring everyone a little closer together, they lend themselves to gifting and sharing, which is what the holidays are all about. That's why hosting a holiday cookie exchange is one of the best ways to make the holidays merry and bright (and easier on you and your kitchen) and show longtime and new friends how much you care.
Why a cookie exchange? While everyone wants a wide variety of cookies to share, not everyone has the time to make several kinds of cookies. So take the stress out of holiday baking: with a cookie exchange, each guest brings one big batch of their favorite homemade treats, and everyone gathers to pack up a variety of goodies—while sampling some, of course—to take home. Follow our tips to create memorable gathering!
Step #1: Good Ingredients Bring Good Cheer
When you start with good ingredients, good times are sure to follow! Bob's Red Mill's premium flours are the best choice for every baking delight, from cakes and pies to muffins, bread and—you guessed it—cookies. We source the highest quality North American wheat, as well as exceptional gluten free grains and California almonds, and expertly mill them for reliable, consistent results you'll reach for again and again. Not only do good ingredients make things taste so much better (crucial for holiday treats and gifts), but our expertise makes it easy for you to create homemade perfection, every time.
Step #2: Invite Friends and Family
A holiday cookie exchange is a fantastic way to bring everyone together, whether it's decades-long friends or your new next-door neighbors. When you send out your invites, let your guests know what they can bring! As a good rule of thumb, each person should bring:
- Enough cookies for all the guests to try one, plus two dozen to swap
- Large platter or dish (ask guests to label them with their names, '80s potluck-style, in case they're forgotten)
- A recipe card (download our festive versions) with common allergens clearly listed (i.e., wheat, milk, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts or sesame)
- A box or other container to bring goodies home
Then have the following supplies on hand so guests can wrap cookie gifts and display their creations!
- Paper boxes
- Cellophane or paper treat bags
- Twine, ribbon and gift tags
- Extra platters and trays, just in case
Step #3: Suggest a Variety of Cookie Recipes
There's a good chance your guests will have a holiday favorite cookie recipe they're happy to bake, but just in case: why not share some possibilities?
Rolled Cookies
Rolled cookies are the most traditional of the holiday sweets—think sugar cookies covered in royal icing and studded with sprinkles. #HolidayHack: Skip the complicated decorating techniques and use a simple round tip to create dots, outlines, scallops, zig zags and more!
These Apricot Window Cookies look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re as easy to make as pulling out your cookie cutters. Made with a blend of Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour and Almond Flour for an irresistibly rich, buttery flavor and tender texture, these jewel-like delights attract oohs and ahhs at any gathering.
Classic Sugar Cookies are beloved by pretty much everyone! Start with good ingredients for all, like our versatile Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. This expert blend of gluten free flours is a simple one-to-one swap for wheat flour, so it's easy to make gluten free treats everyone can enjoy!
Or gather everyone around the table to create the ultimate holiday treat: Gingerbread Cookies! Our quality flours make it easy to bake up homemade (holiday) perfection, whether you start with Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour or Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour.
Drop Cookies
Need something so easy, it's practically foolproof? Drop cookies are the homemade goodies for you: simply mix the dough, drop them on a baking sheet, and slide into the oven for irresistible cookies to share! #HolidayHack: Many drop cookies can be frozen ahead of time! Just freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then pack in an airtight container until ready to bake.
These fudgy, luscious Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are covered with a snowy layer of powdered sugar and bring homemade goodness and holiday spirit to the table. These versatile delights can be made with our Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour or Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, so everyone can enjoy. #ProTip: Make sure to allow four hours to properly chill the dough!
Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies are a particular favorite around the Mill. Made with our rich Hazelnut Flour, Organic Coconut Sugar and applesauce, these vegan and gluten free treats are perfect for guests following a paleo diet. The addition of dairy-free chocolate chips makes them even more delicious.
Did you forget to make your own goodies for the cookie exchange? Coconut Macaroons are one of the easiest desserts you can possibly make. Made with Shredded Coconut and a few pantry essentials, they're especially impressive when dipped in melted dark chocolate.
Festive Favorites
Are you someone who loves the unexpected? We have some unique holiday cookies that will surprise and delight your guests, while bringing good cheer to all.
These lovely Matcha Pinwheel Cookies offer a delicious twist on a holiday favorite—aromatic matcha powder adds incredible flavor to create a spectacular addition to your cookie exchange! Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour imparts an incredibly tender texture everyone will love.
These whimsical Homemade Pocky Sticks are so crisp, so gorgeous, so surprisingly easy! Make the cookie sticks with Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour or Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, then follow our suggestions for chocolate and toppings, or create your own signature holiday favorite.
We are ready for a resurgence of Spritz Cookies—not that they ever really went away! Once you master the art of the cookie press (#ProTip: Use chilled, unlined, ungreased baking sheets), there's no easier way to make dozens upon dozens of whimsically shaped cookies in minutes. You can purchase a new cookie press, but there are lots of vintage ones in circulation—in fact, I made the ones pictured below with my Grandma Forsythe's press from the 1950s. These cookies last for weeks in an airtight container, so they're also great to make ahead of time.
Finally, these gluten free Orange Brown Butter Madeleines aren't exactly cookies (they're more like mini cakes), but their intoxicating aroma of browned butter and fresh orange and tender, melt-in-your mouth texture will ensure everyone wants to take them home!
Step #4: Beyond Cookies—Serve Festive Bites
While tasting the cookies is part of the fun of any holiday cookie exchange, it's a good idea to offer an abundance of seasonal appetizers—otherwise, there won't be any cookies left for people to take home!
Dips are always a great place to start. We love this Vegan Pimento Cheeze Dip in a Grain Free Bread Bowl! This rich, creamy twist on a Southern staple is made with cashews and umami-packed Nutritional Yeast! Add a little parsley to set off the red of the pimentos. Scoop it into a simple bread bowl made with our Grain Free Flatbread Mix to create a festive centerpiece!
Following our red-and-green theme is this hearty, delicious Cannellini Herb Dip. Made with mild, nutty Cannellini Beans, an excellent source of fiber and flavor, it's especially appealing surrounded by sliced red mini peppers.
If there is one thing I've learned from hosting holiday parties over the past 20+ years, it is this: people love pigs in a blanket. They're like crispy bacon at a brunch, you simply can't have enough of them on hand. Take them to the next level with these Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket! Our high protein Artisan Bread Flour creates a chewy, toothsome "blanket" for those succulent little cocktail franks! Don't forget the mustard for dipping.
Another irresistible holiday appetizer is these Keto Cranberry Brie Bites. A savory crust made with our low-carb Almond Flour and shredded mozzarella cheese is filled with melty brie, an orange-scented homemade cranberry sauce, and crunchy walnuts. So good!
So we've got the food covered, but beverages are a must! We love a hot cocoa bar: stock it with our favorite homemade Hot Chocolate Mix, made with Dutch Cocoa Powder and Non-Fat Dry Milk Powder, and toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes and sprinkles. Warm apple cider and coffee are also good choices, as well as ice-cold glasses of milk!
Step #5: Plan Some Fun Activities
To add extra seasonal fun, why not have a light-hearted cookie competition? Pick up some inexpensive holiday decor or make "awards" out of festive ribbon (dollar stores are great for this) and have everyone judge categories like Most Creative, Best Decorated, Best Cocoa Sidekick, Most Likely to Get an Extra Present from Santa—the sillier the better. Don't forget to have the winners pose for pictures with their cookies!
Another key element to a successful holiday cookie exchange is the music. The right music sets the tone for your party, whether you prefer traditional Christmas carols, classic holiday tunes, or the newest covers by your favorite artists. Put on Bob's Merry Mix or create your own playlist!
If kids are joining your party, create a cookie decorating station so they can take part in the fun! Here's what you need:
- Plain sugar or gingerbread cookies
- Icing in various colors, ready to go in piping bags with tips
- Sprinkles and colored sugar
- So many Wet Wipes (so many)
Step #6: It's a (Holiday) Wrap!
One of the best things about a holiday cookie exchange is, a lot of the cleanup is built in—once everyone packs up their cookies to enjoy at home or gift to family and friends. The final step? Take pics of the recipe cards and share them with the group, so they can bake their own favorites, and enjoy warm memories of a fun holiday tradition they can look forward to every year. Congratulations, you just threw a successful cookie swap!
Happy holidays from Bob's Red Mill. We hope our good ingredients help you bring your loved ones together for truly special times.
