Baking 101: The Cookie Swap

Y’all. I’m not doing a gift guide this year.  There are enough people on the internet telling you to buy a lavender stand mixer or a set of rocks glasses for your father in law.  Enough is enough.  I’m taking it easy in the gifting department and leaning full body into cookies.

The Bakehouse is quiet this month.  I decided not to hold any workshops and instead, take it a little slower this holiday season to leave room for reflection and ya know…. attending a holiday party or two on my own.  Last year I found myself trying to recover from a doozy of a surgery, hold a holiday market at The Bakehouse, and travel to see my family in California,  I kept repeating “I’ll be fine” to myself but I honestly wasn’t sure if I was telling the truth or not.  I was fine. Obviously.  But it was dicey there for a few weeks.

This year the only event at The Bakehouse is a good, old-fashioned cookie swap for friends.

Do you know the wonders of a cookie swap?  The true joy of heading home with a tin of homemade cookies to maybe share or maybe eat straight off your chest while watching The Family Stone? It a pleasure reserved for exactly this time of year and I don’t think any of us should miss it.  Large or small – get together and exchange cookies. It really is the sweetest.

Here’s what you’ll need for a cookie swap: 

•  Cookie tins – I like these plain white 7 3/4 in diameter medium cookie tins.  They aren’t the cheapest option but they’re classy and looks so nice finished with a festive bow.

•  Cookie boxes are a more affordable / fast shipping option that works really well if you’re expecting a lot of guests.

•  Good wired holiday ribbons because we deserve a good bow.

•  Large cupcake papers to hold each cookie type within the box or tin.  Nothing is willy nilly.

Want some cookie ideas?  OF COURSE YOU DO! 

Confetti Holiday Shortbread – they’re like the popcorn of cookies. Buttery, crisp, festive, and you can totally eat them by the handful.  One batch makes a hearty amount and four are very sweet piled into a cookie tin together.

Chewy Ginger Cookies – a classic holiday cookie that’s spiced and full of earthy molasses. It’s a must.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies aka my reason for getting up in the morning every day of December. The best holiday cookie of all.  A soft peanut butter cookie (this one rolled in vanilla bean sugar) topped, while warm, with a Hershey’s kiss. There is no more perfect cookie and that’s that.

Ginger Almond Dark Chocolate Bark – this is absolutely irresistible please believe me. It’s almonds so it’ basically health food.

Gingerbread Topped Marshmallows – using these gingerbread spiced marshmallows topped with a tiny gingerbread person cookies.

Brown Sugar Cookies simple, chewy and absolutely delicious. If you wanted to add some warming spices (like a hint of cinnamon) that would take them to a very festive place.

Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies would be a wonderful addition with cranberry sauce instead of blueberry jam.

Other cookies that would be absolutely wonderful: 

Iced Oatmeal Cookies from A Cozy Kitchen!

Spumoni Cookies from The Candid Appetite!

Bakery-Style Butter Cookies from Smitten Kitchen!

Here are a few savory and drink options to round out your swap: 

I love these Winter Gin and Tonics and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Crackers.

I hope this brings you some warm holiday inspiration this year. Be kind to yourself and the people around you. Let’s make it feel good this year.

My love to you!