An American Tradition

Sometimes I wish I lived in the United States...

Americans get to celebrate lots of fun holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween - complete with the festive foods and over-the-top decorations.

They also seem to celebrate other occasions such as Graduation and Valentine's Day.

I have just discovered a new reason for a gathering in the Festive Season - A Cookie Exchange.

Also known as a Cookie Swap or Cookie Party.

The general idea (from what I can gather) is that everyone makes a huge (6-10 dozen) batch of their cookie of choice and brings them to the party complete with recipe card.

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A cookie swap is a social event with a practical side. 
For many, it marks the beginning of the holiday season and brings friends together for more than just cocktails and chit-chat.

WHY ? (I did some research...)

A cookie swap also…

Saves valuable time during the busiest season of the year. It is much faster to make multiple batches of the same cookie, than to track down ingredients for 7 or 8 different recipes and prepare each one.

Provides you with a wonderful selection of homemade baked goods to serve your guests over the holidays.

Introduces new types of cookies to your palate and unique recipes to your repertoire.

Provides a fun, casual social event that is easy to host – the guests bring the goodies!

Offers opportunities for a charitable outreach. Guests can be asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate to a local food bank.

I might be new to this trend.. but I am smitten with the idea! 

And the invitations!!!

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It's not all fun and games though..

There are RULES!!

THE RULES OF THE COOKIE EXCHANGE

All cookies should be homemade, baked and main ingredient must be flour.

No plain chocolate chip cookies, cookie mixes, no-bakes, meringues or bars.

Each guest to bring 6 dozen total cookies.

The theme is "Christmas Cookies" (You can make any theme you like.)

Arrange cookies in a basket or platter and be creative!   

Bring a large container to carry away your cookie, 

Email a copy of your recipe before the party (or bring recipe to the party)

RSVP as soon as you can and let the host know what type of cookies you are planning on baking - no duplicate recipes allowed

If you don't have time to bake, or have burnt your cookies, but still want to attend, you must go to a real bakery and buy 6 dozen yummy cookies.

These can be found at the Official Cookie Exchange Website.

If anyone has ever participated in a Cookie Exchange - 

Please tell me alllll about it! I am dying to know what it's like!

xx