My Annual Cookie Swap with Complete Recipes

It’s always so much fun to get together with the girls. One of my friend’s (from H.S.) kids was asking why there are no “boy bakers” in my pics. Calling all “boy bakers!” Do you want to join my cookie swap next year? It’s an equal opportunity cookie exchange! Thanks M.B. for the good laugh 🙂 hugs for Viv.

Funny story about the invites. They ended up becoming the favors as well. I never got time to actually get the ornaments in the mail to each guest BEFORE the swap. We just communicated via fb and everyone was able to take an ornament home the day of the swap.

Aside from the invites, er…favors, I also had my friend print these little do-dads to gift each baker. I’m not sure if they give gifts like I do-but they can come in handy during the season anyway. Peel and stick and your good to go.

Part of the fun for me is planning this event with my daughter. We talk about the cookies we want to make and then we get in the kitchen together and do it. Soon, Gelli will be joining in on the fun!

I love how Aga always brings something new to my table. I wanted to incorporate candy canes into the arrangements since I found them in Nuts About Candy in ATC!

Each baker brought a cookie recipe they were willing to share. Vangie brought  “Everything Cookies.”

Ivy brought chewy “Nutella Cookies.” Nino loved these and so did the kids! (I think I had two just while we were tasting.)

Anna brought “Date Nut Filled Sugar Cookies.” I made these with my sisters in law for our Christmas cookie platter. I had so much fun in the kitchen with them baking. They were just as yummy as when Anna made them for us.

Lolet made her rolled “Christmas Pinwheels.” She said these cookies were a little bit more difficult than she expected. I’m glad she made them, because they were a nice change from the very sweet cookies that we all had made too. It didn’t call for so much sugar in the recipe.

Becky brought a killer cookie that I will surely make for the kids. “Reese’s Peanut Butter Choco Chip Cookies.”

This was my first year to make “Linzer Cookies.” I used a recipe that had lots of nuts, a little lemon zest, and yummy raspberry jam. I LOVE these cookies. I thought they would be super difficult but they ended up being not as difficult as I thought they would be. I was able to find this recipe over at www.mamasgottabake.com 

My baby girl, Gia, brought home the prize for BEST PRESENTATION with her “Melted Snowman Sugar Cookie.” Gia used the Wilton sugar cookie recipe for the dough on this one.

I love that my parents are here during the holidays. It makes living in a foreign country a LOT easier when you can see your family as often as I get to see them, ESPECIALLY during Christmas! Mom even helped me prepare for the brunch buffet by making a yummy pasta dish.

I love preparing a packaging table for the bakers. Some of us keep all the loot for ourselves. Some of us repack the delicious treats and share with neighbors and good friends.

With a little ribbon, and an inexpensive ornament you can turn a simple tin of cookies into a fabulous gift! Photo Credit: Vangie Jaehn

Thanks ladies for coming! I always enjoy our time together sharing our cookies!!!

Congratulations Anna! Once again, your cookie powers had everyone super happy!