thecookieblogger.com

with 56 days until the big man in red arrives, we’d better start thinking about some holiday-related cookieness. which means cookie swaps. and cookies as perfect gifts. and of course, we can’t forget cookies for santa. and the reindeer.

i’m thinking this is the week to start herding all your friends and relatives and setting up those cookies swaps. i’m thinking i’ll do at least one at work, and i’ll spend some time this week trying to coerce, um, i mean pleasantly inquire about who’s in. a good cookie swap becomes a great cookie swap if you include at least 15 other cookie bakers, and you plan a fun evening for the swap that involves cookies, festive drinks, holiday tunes, and of course at least one person wearing an awful looking rudolph sweatshirt. be sure everyone brings at least enough cookie bags for the swap, as well as one additional for everyone to munch on that evening. and, if you want to give back a bit, why not add an extra bag or two and then take that extra batch over to the local senior home or to a shut-in that might enjoy some holiday cheer?

great swap cookies are anything ginger or spice-like, any family favorites (remember, if your family eats and loves them, then they are certain to be a huge hit in the swap!) and of course some chocolate. but of course, chocolate is a pre-requisite for any cookie platter, not just for cookie swaps – because who doesn’t love chocolate?

any of the cookie blogger recipes work well for swaps, but i especially love ginger shortbread stars, almond snowballs, and pizzelles, all of which are my ‘go-to’ recipes for cookie swaps. everyone raves, and everybody’s happy! and that’s what a cookie swap is all about!