It can be difficult to find time to bake cookies and other homemade goodies for the holidays. To lighten the workload, consider hosting a cookie swap.
How it works
Each cookie swap guest makes a large batch (say, 5 or 6 dozen) of a favorite cookie recipe for the party and also brings a large container for taking cookies home. At the swap, attendees divide the cookies (except their own) evenly among themselves. Everyone goes home with an assortment of delicious treats, having saved the time it would’ve taken to make the same variety individually.
Optional rules
- Some hosts choose to set a few parameters, including:
- Each baker must bring copies of her cookie recipe for the other guests.
- Cookies must be homemade and holiday themed.
- No-bakes or basic varieties like chocolate chip are discouraged.
Add-ons
To jazz things up, add other events to the the cookie swap, such as:
- A beer, wine or ornament swap
- A sugar cookie decorating station
- An ugly sweater contest
See page 2 for an easy holiday cookie recipe.
Must-try cookie swap recipe
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 can (21 oz.) Lucky Leaf Cherry Fruit Filling
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Heat oven to 350° F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and mix until combined. Add flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix until combined.
Roll dough into two-inch balls. Place on greased baking sheet. Press thumb into center of cookie to make a well. Place cherries into each cookie.
Bake for 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool.
Melt chocolate according to package directions. Drizzle over cookies. Let chocolate set and serve immediately or store in airtight container. Makes three dozen.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Family Features.
