Cookie Exchange Planner

A cookie swap turns one batch of baking into a full tin of variety. This planner covers the logistics of hosting the exchange: the ground rules, who brings what, how many cookies each baker needs, and the packaging that makes it feel festive.

Set the swap

Clear rules prevent the awkward moment when someone brings a dozen and takes three.

Decision	Your plan
Date and time	Pick a mid-December afternoon, two to three hours
Guest count	Six to ten bakers keeps the swap manageable and the trays full
The rule of the batch	Each baker brings one dozen per guest, plus one extra dozen for tasting on the day
Sign-up sheet	Every cookie claimed in advance so you get variety, not five batches of spritz
Recipe cards	Ask each baker to bring printed or handwritten cards with their recipe
Allergy note	Collect nut, gluten and dairy flags on the sign-up sheet and share them with the group
Containers	Guests bring a tin or box to carry cookies home; host keeps spares
Extras	Coffee, tea, cocoa, milk and something savory so the tasting hour is a real break

Baking batch planner

Fill this in once the sign-ups are in, then bake on your own schedule.

Cookie	Batches needed	Bake date	Frozen?	Done
Classic sugar or shortbread
Gingerbread or spice
Chocolate or cocoa-based
Something with fruit or jam
A no-bake option
Nut-free pick for the allergy list
Kid-helper batch (simple shaping)
Extra tin for gifts and neighbors

Packaging and supplies

Supply	Quantity	Got it
Small cellophane bags or wax paper squares
Twine, ribbon or washi tape
Blank tags for labeling cookie names and allergens
Empty tins or boxes for anyone who forgets theirs
Recipe card blanks for last-minute copies
Tongs or small napkins for the tasting table