Do you love baking and trying new recipes but don’t have time to bake different batches of cookies during the holiday season? Throw a cookie party with your WFWP chapter or a group of friends! Each guest can choose a different recipe and bring a batch to share at the party. I’ve hosted a cookie party for the past few years, and it is always a lovely way to spend time with friends and family.

Here are some ideas to make your cookie party fun and stress-free!

To prepare for the party, make a list of guests. Consider how much space you have and how many people you can accommodate comfortably to make sure everyone has space. If possible, try communicating with guests to decide the best possible date. Have guests tell you which cookie they plan to bake to avoid duplicates at the party.

When sending invitations to guests, make your expectations clear. Be sure to have guests share their food allergies to avoid discomfort at the party. Alternatively, each guest could list an allergy warning for their cookies (such as dairy, nuts, or gluten). Tell them how many cookies they should bring. Guests should be able to take home at least one of each cookie. Encourage guests to bring a tupperware or cookie tin to bring them home.

It is also helpful for each guest to bring a copy (or enough copies for all the guests) of the recipe they chose. That way each person can recreate their favorites, as desired! If you like competition, you can have guests vote on their favorites. Some possible categories include: most creative, most festive, and best-tasting. You could buy some festive baking supplies for prizes, such as measuring cups, cookie cutters, or oven mitts.

If you or your family don’t eat many sweets, consider giving your leftover cookies to people who must work on Christmas, like those at grocery stores or movie theaters, or firemen, policemen, and mailmen. You can have fun without gaining a lot of weight, and also share the joy of festive baked goods with those who selflessly serve their community!

To help you get started, here is a recipe for one of my favorite holiday cookies, Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Cookies. They look festive and taste delicious! Another fun option is Secret Kiss Snowball Cookies, which I’m holding in the photo (taken at a cookie party I hosted a few years ago).

READY, SET, BAKE: HOW TO THROW A HOLIDAY COOKIE PARTY

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