Entertaining
How To Host The Perfect Holiday Cookie Swap
November 21, 2025
Hosting a cookie swap is one of the easiest — and sweetest — ways to celebrate the holidays. Guests bring […]
Hosting a cookie swap is one of the easiest — and sweetest — ways to celebrate the holidays. Guests bring a batch of their favorite cookies, and everyone leaves with a delicious assortment to enjoy themselves or to gift to friends and family. With a little planning and a bit of holiday magic, this party practically runs itself! Here’s how to host a festive, stress-free cookie swap that will be everyone’s favorite party of the season.
What is a cookie swap?
A cookie swap, also known as a cookie exchange, is like a holiday party meets a potluck for people who love cookies. It’s the most fun and most delicious party you’ll have all year! Everyone shows up with a batch or two of their signature cookies and by the end of the party, you’re heading home with a delicious assortment that would make Santa swoon. You taste, you trade and you leave with a perfectly curated box of treats and new recipes to try. Now what’s not to love about that?!
How to plan the perfect holiday cookie swap
Whether you’re a pro-baker or just looking to spread some Christmas cheer, a cookie swap is a festive way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Follow this guide to plan the perfect cookie party.
- Make your guest list and send invitations – decide how many guests to invite. If inviting just a handful of guests (6 -10), ask each person to bring 2 to 3 dozen cookies. For larger parties (more than 12), a dozen cookies per person works well. The idea is that each person is able to sample, and take home, several of each cookie.
- Set the swap rules – let your guests know if all cookies should be homemade or if fresh-from-the-bakery cookies are welcome too. Decide if the swap is limited to cookies only or if brownies and bars are allowed. Ask guests to rsvp with the type of cookie they’ll be bringing so that you can avoid duplicates.
- Decorate a festive table – decorate your table with garland, fresh flowers, candles or pretty holiday ornaments to add a festive touch. Make room for cookie platters and cake stands to display the cookies and create tags to label the cookies ahead of time so that the table is ready when guests arrive.
- Share the recipes – ask each guest to bring a stack of printed recipe cards or collect all of the recipes ahead of time and print them (or make a google doc) to share with everyone at the party. Guests will love going home with a handful of new favorite cookie recipes.
- Make a plan for light bites and cocktails – be sure to offer a few savory snacks and easy appetizers along with cocktails, wine or mulled cider. Just a little something for your guests to nosh on to balance out all of that sugar from the cookies! Once everyone digs into the cookies, pop on a pot of coffee or warm some hot cocoa on the stove.
- Set up a packing station. Designate an area in your kitchen where guests can assemble their take-home boxes or tins. Stock a basket with fun holiday ribbon, twine, tags and scissors. You can also ask guests to BYO (bring your own) container but it’s a good idea to have a stash on hand in case anyone forgets.
Items you need for a cookie party
To make your swap a sweet success, you’ll need a handful of basic items.
- Large platters, trays, and cake stands to display the cookies
- Pre-printed or handwritten labels for each cookie
- Boxes or tins (or tuperware!) for guests to pack their cookies to-go
- Pre-printed recipe cards if sharing the recipes
- Scissors and twine or ribbon for wrapping pretty cookie boxes
What are the best cookies to make for a cookie exchange?
The best cookies for a holiday swap are ones that travel well, pack easily and taste even better the next day. Think cozy, festive and too pretty to pass up. Classic cookies that are universally loved are always a good idea but don’t shy way from trying something a little unexpected – a cookie swap is the perfect place to show off! Steer clear of anything that is too delicate, too gooey or too messy. If you need some cookie inspiration, check out this list highly-swappable holiday cookies:
Tips for an extra festive cookie swap
Try these tips below to create a memorable holiday moment that your guests will look forward to year after year.
Create a pretty display. Clear off your largest table and decorate it with fun and festive holiday decor. Use boxes or stacks of plates to create different heights and add visual interest. Choose a color scheme and carry it through all of the decor for a show-stopping display.
Make an extra batch or two of cookies. Just in case someone forgets their cookies or you need to fill in some gaps on the table. You can never have too many cookies!
Choose a theme. Whether you go “classic christmas,” “peppermint everything,” or “family favorites,” a theme makes the party feel instantly more festive. Other popular themes include “sugar and spice” or “cookies from around the world.”
Have a little friendly competition. Give out awards for categories like “Most Delicious”, “Santa Worthy” and “Best Classic Cookie”. Guests can vote as they sample the cookies.
Looking for more delicious holiday recipes? You’ll love these:
- Flourless Molten Chocolate Cakes
- The Best Homemade Toffee
- Iced Oatmeal Cookie Bars
- Cranberry Crumble Bars
- Chocolate Cream Pie Bars
Happy cookie swapping, cookie lovers!
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