Christmas cookie swap

What it is

A simple, sociable Christmas gathering. Each guest bakes a large batch (usually 3-4 dozen) of one type of cookie. Everyone tastes, then swaps, so each person goes home with a big variety without having to bake them all.

Plan ahead

• Three weeks before: send invitations with the rules: bring a batch of one kind of cookie (about 6 per guest plus 6 for tasting), a printed recipe card and an empty tin.
• One week before: ask guests to tell you their cookie so you avoid five batches of chocolate chip.
• The day before: set up a long table and buy spare tins and bags for anyone who forgets.

Set the scene

Cover the table with a red or green cloth and put each guest’s cookies on a plate with a label. Put a festive mug at each seat, fairy lights and Christmas music.

Cookie ideas

• Gingerbread people
• Sugar cookies with royal icing
• Snowball cookies (shortbread rolled in icing sugar)
• Chocolate crinkles
• Jam thumbprints
• Peppermint bark or cranberry and white chocolate cookies

How the swap works

1. One cookie of each type goes on a tasting plate.
2. Guests walk around the table in turns and take an equal share (for example, 6 of each) into their tin.
3. Recipe cards go into a bowl for everyone to take a copy (or share by photo).

Food and drink

• Savoury snacks to balance the sugar: cheese straws, crisps, a small sandwich platter
• Hot chocolate bar, coffee, tea and mulled wine

Tips

• Remind guests to list allergens (nuts, eggs, gluten) on their card.
• Have a decorating corner with plain sugar cookies and icing pens for children.