Hi friends! I will be the first to admit that I am a bit of a nut when it comes to Christmas. I love everything about the holiday season, most especially the food! I have hosted a baking exchange for a bunch of years now and participated in them for even longer. Participating in a Holiday Baking Exchange is such a smart idea are here’s why…
It’s so much easier and faster to bake in batches! Making 10 or 12 dozen cookies all at one time might seem daunting but is saves time in the long run, I promise. And when you are all done baking and packaging your goodies by the dozen and exchanging with friends, you’ll be set for holiday entertaining! These are some of my favorite recipes, perfect for a baking exchange:
White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels
Pistachio, Cranberry & White Chocolate Shortbread
Candy Cane Brownie Blossom Recipe
When organizing the exchange I simply invite participants from last year and put a call out to friends who may want to join. Facebook has been the easiest way to organize it all. Once I have a dozen bakers (you could totally do fewer) I send off this little blurb:
“Hello lovely ladies!
It’s that time of year again! Time for our annual Christmas Baking Exchange!! Whoop whoop! I am (obviously) beyond excited! Our exchange date is Friday, December 2nd, 7pm at ADDRESS (appies and drinks are provided).
Please keep in mind that the CHRISTMAS BAKING EXCHANGE is your chance to showcase your best / favorite cookie. It’s not a good time to experiment or try something new 
We want to share our very best baking with friends and family. I would be happy to help you choose a recipe / taste test or bake!
Cookies, bars or bon bons are welcome. They must be packaged by the dozen with a recipe to share. No need for fancy packaging – large ziplock bags work well. We have a dozen bakers so please make 12 dozen cookies/bars/bon bons to exchange.
Thanks so much for joining us this year newbies and welcome back veterans!
Happy Holidays!”
As we get closer the the date of the exchange I ask participants to share what they plan on baking so that we don’t have any duplicate recipes. I share the updated list with everyone as they chose. Here is our list for this year:
Heather – Candy Cane Brownies
Melanie – Sugar Cookie Snowflakes
Tricia – Peanut Butter Cookies
Amanda – Thumbprint Cookies
Michelle G – Chocolate Balls
Deanna – Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Tamara – Salted Caramel Turtle Cookies
Dana – Almond Shortbread
Julie – Eggnog Cookies
Cindy – Gingerbread….
Holly – Marshmallow Caramel Balls
Michele M – Macaroon Almond Joy Kisses
Don’t these all look so delicious?!? I cannot wait!
Do you host or participate in an exchange? Have any tips for us? Please share…
Great share, I have always wanted to do this. I never make it to it as I direct 4 Nutcracker shows, but maybe this year…. 🙂