First New Year's Cookie Exchange

My friends and I held our first (annual?) cookie exchange this year on New Year's Day. It was so much fun! We weren't totally organized, as it was our first cookie exchange, but I hope we hold another one next year.

I got the idea from the book, The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman. If you haven't read it, OMG, do! It's got sad parts yes, but it's a great book about women coming together.

I have to say my friends are great cooks (far better than me for sure!). I loved everything they made and wish I was in town longer to enjoy more of the cookies. I got to share them with my mom and dad though when Matt and I headed off to Cancun. I think one of the best parts of the cookie exchange was hearing where everyone got their recipes and why they chose to make their cookies.

Here are a tips I would suggest for anyone thinking of hosting a cookie exchange:

• Bring a copy of your cookie recipe for everyone. This way each person leaves with lots of new recipes!
• Have a set number of cookies per person ahead of time. This helps to make sure everyone gets some of each cookie if they wish.
• Either bring little bundles of cookies for each person or bring a container to package your cookies from everyone up in at the end of the night. This makes it easier so the hosts doesn't have to provide containers for everyone to take cookies home in. 

No matter what, enjoy! Everyone is sure to have fun!

Look at this amazing cookie Cam made with our names on them!