1st Annual Cookie Exchange

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I held my first ever cookie exchange with much success this past weekend. Until last year, when I overheard co-workers discussing a cookie exchange, I had never heard of such a party.  My experiences with Christmas parties don't really go beyond ones involving a Yankee Swap or White Elephant Gift Exchange.  Out of curiosity, I began researching cookie exchanges, and decided to host one this year.  Below are some of the websites that I gathered my information from.

Good Housekeeping-Host a Cookie Swap Party
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/cookie-party#slide-1

The #1 Cookie Exchange
http://www.robinsweb.com/cookies/index.html

Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=cookie+exchange

How to Host a Cookie Exchange
http://allrecipes.com/howto/how-to-host-a-cookie-exchange-party/

Cookie Exchange Games (We didn't play any games this time, but definitely planning on it for the 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange.)
http://www.robinsweb.com/cookies/games.html

During my research, I came across many versions of an exchange with many different rules and protocols.  Some of them were quite strict.  I am only that strict with 2nd graders, and can't find myself imposing such rules on adults, much less friends.  I made the expectation pretty simple, bake a batch of your favorite cookies and come enjoy the party.  From some of the information I read, I gathered that you don't actually eat the cookies at the party, but with so many delicious cookies staring at us, we said forget the rules, and dug in.  We spent about 45 minutes sampling, taste testing, and sampling some more with cups of coffee and glasses of mulled wine in between.  After all of the tasting, there were still plenty for people to take home.  I have been snacking on cookies since Saturday, and can't seem to stop. 

My friends shared their delicious recipes with me, which are linked below.  I hope they bring you as much joy and laughter as they did for me.

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

Lemon Tea Cookies

White Chocolate Candy Cane Drops

Snowy Lemon Cookies

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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I made these this afternoon.  They turned out perfectly if I may say so myself.  Me and baking cookies usually do not get along.  I always have trouble with cookies, especially chocolate chip cookies, spreading out too much and becoming chocolate chip cookie crisps.  I found this recipe through Pinterest on Mel's Kitchen Cafe.  They did not spread out, but remained plump and cakey, just like I like them.  I took Mel's advice and used a combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and Reese's peanut butter chips to add that extra kick of peanut butter.  

1 cup (16 tablespoons) butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups smooth or chunky peanut butter
1 ½ cups firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ tablespoons milk
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips (or a combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips)

1.  In a large bowl, combine butter and peanut butter.  Use an electric or stand mixer to beat them until they are light and fluffy.  Add the brown sugar and white sugar.  Combine.  Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla.  Beat until the batter is light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.

2.  Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.  Add to the butter mixture.  Mix until most of the flour is incorporated.  Add chocolate chips and finish combining.  Allow the cookie dough to sit for about 15 minutes.  The dough will become more firm.  

3.  Preheat oven to 350º F.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.  Scoop about 1 inch balls of dough on the cookie sheets.  (I used a cookie scoop to get equal sizes).  Bake about 7 minutes until gold brown.  Remove from the oven.  Allow to cool about 4 minutes and then transfer to cooling rack.  

Makes about 5-6 dozen cookies.  (It made a lot of cookies.  I am glad they turned out yummy.)