Christmas Cookie Exchange

Last night a couple of resident friends hosted a Christmas cookie exchange. Having not been to a cookie exchange before, I knew it would be a tasty event but didn't expect the amazing variety of delicious creations people showed up with. Despite the lack of pre-coordinating the dishes, everyone ended up bringing something unique.

We had traditional baking -- shortbread, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and snickerdoodles -- as well as more unique contributions like cranberry almond biscotti, iced pumpkin cookies, melting snowman cookies, and crushed candy cane-topped chocolate cookies.

Not to be confined by the cookie theme, we also enjoyed Skor squares (so delicious!), chocolate chip pumpkin oat bars, poppyseed loaf, chocolate, and cupcakes. Particularly impressive were the perfect fondant snowmen, penguins, and Santas decorating one batch of cupcakes.

To counter the sugary treats, the hosts generously bought platters of croissant sandwiches, cheeses, meats, and vegetables. They did such an incredible job of organizing the party, decorating, making drinks, and baking tons of treats!

I think a cookie exchange is the perfect idea for a holiday get-together, as it's fun to see what everyone creates -- and so very delicious to sample all of the different treats. Though I did end up too full to try all of the baking, thanks to exchanging all of the uneaten cookies at the end of the party, I will eventually get around to trying them all!

Do you have a favourite type of Christmas cookie?