From Recipes to To-Go Boxes: How to Plan a Perfect Cookie Exchange
Celebrate the holidays and foster community relationships by hosting a festive National Cookie Exchange Day on December 22nd. Whether you’re short on time and space or ready to go all out, there’s a way to make this event special for everyone.
Simple and Sweet:
If you’re working with limited space or time, set up a small table in your office where residents can drop off their cookies. Provide festive to-go boxes so participants can pick up an assortment to take home. It’s an easy way to spread holiday cheer without a lot of fuss!
Big and Bold:
For those with more time and space, take the celebration up a notch! Start by baking a batch of cookies together with residents to fill the air with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked treats. Pair this with a hot chocolate and coffee bar—and don’t forget the milk! Residents can enjoy their cookies while socializing in the community room before assembling their to-go boxes to take home.
Tips for a Successful Cookie Exchange:
Share the Recipes: Encourage residents to provide their cookie recipes in advance so you can share copies at the event. It’s a great way to inspire holiday baking at home!
Label the Cookies: Use placeholders to display the names of the cookies, and include allergy warnings, especially for recipes containing nuts.
Festive To-Go Boxes: Make the event extra special with holiday-themed to-go boxes.
Supplies You’ll Love:
Silicone Non-Stick Baking Mats: These are a game-changer for baking, ensuring cookies slide off easily and making cleanup a breeze.
Heavy-Duty Baking Sheets: Reliable and spacious, these can hold a dozen cookies per tray and store easily.
Quality Spatulas: A good spatula is essential, and my favorite set comes in festive green.
Cooling Racks: Perfect for speeding up the baking process, freeing up trays for your next batch.
Budget-Friendly Foil Containers: These are great for festive packaging on a tight budget.
Adorable Cookie Tins and Boxes: If your budget allows, these add a delightful touch to the event.
Add a Dash of Fun:
Cookie Quiz: Host a fun cookie trivia game with small prizes for the winners.
Cookie Contest: Combine the exchange with a friendly competition! Use a ready-made voting kit to make judging easy and festive.
Favorite Recipes to Get You Started:
Here are some of my favorite cookie recipes to inspire your exchange:
Eggnog Snickerdoodle Whoopie Pies: These are delightful! I love the hint of eggnog in the cookies and the creamy filling.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: These just scream Christmas. The rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint are a perfect pairing!
Chocolate Orange Ricotta Cookies: Festive and light, these cookies let you indulge without the guilt of having more than one.
Flourless Peanut Butter Blossoms: A classic with a twist! This flourless recipe is incredibly easy and always a hit.
No matter how you choose to celebrate National Cookie Exchange Day, it’s sure to be a fun and memorable event that brings residents together during the holiday season!
