Best Christmas Cookies for Cookie Exchanges
For years I have hosted a cookie exchange party for Christmas. Each year I am surprised to see the same cookies being the most popular. So if you are on the hunt to decide what you should bring…look no further…I am sharing them today!
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What is a cookie exchange party?
A cookie exchange party is a gathering where the host invites guests to bring their favorite Christmas cookies {normally 1-2 dozen} to share. During the party everyone tries a variety of cookies and at the end of the night they get to take a box home.
The idea is that you get new recipes and also get to go home with lots of fun samples that are different from the ones that you brought. If you don’t live close to friends and family, consider trying a Virtual Cookie Exchange.
While I always allow attendees to bring whatever cookie they want, there are always cookies that are hits year after year and today I am sharing them with you.
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Tips & tricks to achieve the most delicious cookies of your life!
Best Cookies for Cookie Exchange
1. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These nostalgic peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss are ones that go first every year. I love to transform the chocolate into a Christmas tree with store bought frosting and sprinkles to make them extra fancy and fun.
While this traditional Peanut Butter Blossom recipe is always a winner, I also love making this cake mix Peanut Butter Blossom cookie when I am short on time.
With peanut allergies sometimes a peanut butter cookie isn’t the best choice but you can also try this Red Velvet Blossom or Chocolate Blossom recipe.
2. Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
Chocolate cookies are always a crowd pleaser and adding the extra layer of easy to make chocolate frosting makes this cookie irresistible…trust me!! I even included a pecan variation in my new Cookies & Bars Cookbook.
If chocolate isn’t your jam, try a different flavor combination. This Peppermint Sheet Cake Cookie is perfect for Christmas and this Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Cookie makes guests go crazy.
To give them a holiday spin, try adding seasonal sprinkles to the tops of the cookies while the frosting is still wet.
3. Gingerbread Men Cookies
There is nothing better or more iconic than a classic Gingerbread Cookie! Everyone loves the distinct flavor profile and the adorable decorations.
I love using this cake mix gingerbread cookie recipe that can easily be rolled out AND stays soft for days.
It is also fun to bring the baked cookies and allow guests to decorate their own gingerbread men {or women} during the party.
4. Cinnamon Roll Cookies
While easy cinnamon rolls and cinnamon roll cake don’t quite make the cookie exchange baking list, this easy to make cake mix cinnamon roll cookie sure does.
The perfect combination of a soft sugar cookie and perfectly spiced cinnamon filling has everyone at the party asking for more.
Get festive with the glaze and add a bit of either red or green food coloring before drizzling it on top of each delicious cookie.
5. Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
A cookie exchange party isn’t complete without an out of this world sugar cookie and this cream cheese version is it.
The dough rolls out so easily and the addition of cream cheese to the dough keeps them perfectly soft for almost a week.
I love using this dough to also make Rugelach and Stained Glass Sugar Cookies {which are super impressive}. They are also amazing with an easy to make Glacé icing which is a great alternative to royal icing.
6. Chocolate Chip Shortbread
Shortbread is a holiday cookie that almost everyone loves and this shortbread with chocolate chips is extra special.
A traditional brown sugar shortbread gets the perfect amount of mini chocolate chips and a dip in chocolate.
If you prefer a different variation, this Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread is a seasonal favorite. You could also make this Hawaiian Shortbread to give everyone a tropical touch.
7. Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
The vibrant color of red velvet cookies always makes them the perfect addition to a cookie exchange table.
This sandwich cookie with cream cheese frosting is one you don’t want to miss. Rolling the cookies in sugar before baking gives them just the right amount of texture and the creamy frosting rounds them out perfectly.
I also suggest this Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookie and Red Velvet White Chocolate Cookie because they are also merry and fun.
8. Baklava Cookies
So many people love traditional baklava but don’t want to spend hours making it and now you don’t have to!
Baklava Cookies {and this Baklava Cake} are the best of both worlds and can be made in less than an hour from start to finish. I find that everyone is always so impressed by this cookie which is crazy because the recipe couldn’t be easier.
You could also go with a different nut combination for the filling OR go with something a bit different and try this Pecan Pie Cookie.
9. Thumbprint Cookies
Adding thumbprint cookies to any holiday dessert table is always a good idea and the possibilities are endless!
Using a cake mix for the cookie base keeps the recipe super simple which is so nice during the hectic holiday months.
The filling is truly where you can let your creativity go while. From Strawberry Jam Thumbprints to Lemon Curd Cookies, there is something for everyone.
10. No Bake Cookies
If you are short on time, try making a no bake cookie. The nostalgic taste and texture will have everyone eating them during the party.
The cookie recipe actually comes together on the stove top and then only takes about an hour to set up which is convenient for almost any schedule.
I love a classic no bake cookie but this cookie butter no bake cookie would also be spectacular!
Now you know the absolute best cookies to take to your Christmas cookie exchange party. From classic cookies to traditional flavors, this list has them all and you can’t go wrong when you decide on one {or two} of them.
