Cookie parties keep holiday spirits bright

Some people may decorate a smaller tree this year, buy less expensive presents or host a more intimate cocktail party, but there's one holiday tradition many folks aren't willing to skimp on - holiday cookies.

Even though you might not have the funds, or even the time, to mix up, roll out and decorate all 10 of your family's favorite cookie recipes this year, you'd like to have a dazzling array of home-baked treats to offer neighbors when they stop by or to share with your son's teachers.

This is where the time-honored holiday tradition of the cookie exchange comes in.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, cookie exchanges, also called cookie swaps or cookie parties, allow bakers to contribute several dozen of one type of cookie (a family favorite, a signature treat) and go home with a many types of treats made by the other attendees.

"They're great fun and a great way of getting family and friends together before the holidays and it's a budget-friendly way to do it," says Barb Arends, recipe applications specialist for Addison-based The Pampered Chef.

Here are some things to consider when planning a cookie exchange:

Baker's dozen: Ask each person to bring a few dozen cookies. If your guest list is on the small size, you might ask guests to bring two types of cookies to increase the variety. Remember, your goal is to have each person leave with a nice variety of cookies to get them through the holidays, says Sara Noel, Frugal Living columnist.

Don't forget to set aside six to 12 of each cookie for a sampling platter.

Biggest return on your investment: Since this cookie swap is an opportunity to save time, look for recipes that make a lot of cookies with little effort, or those that can be easily doubled.

Drop cookies and bar cookies are natural choices, but now's not the time for standard chocolate chip cookies. Save those for the school bake sale.

"During the holidays you want something a bit more special," Arends agrees.

She suggests spritz cookies and tells bakers not to be intimidated by the contraption. I second that - I forgot how easy it was to make spritz cookies until I tried The Pampered Chef's redesigned cookie press, which can crank out dozens of cookies in a matter of minutes. Sprinkle with colored sugars or dip in white chocolate for an extra festive touch.

If you have the time or inclination to stack star cutouts into tiny trees or crush Jolly Ranchers for stained glass cookies, good for you. (Call me; I'll invite you to my swap!)

Recipe swap: To guarantee variety, ask guests to tell you in advance what they plan to contribute. You really don't need three versions of rum balls, do you?

It's also a nice idea for the baker to bring copies of the recipe, Arends says. Hosts who want to go the extra mile can collect the recipes before the party and arrange them into a book for each guest to take home.

Eat and run: As Noel points out, since each person brings his or her own cookies, guests have containers ready to bring back cookies they get in the exchange.

"If you want to be generous, you could give tins or cookie plates as a gift," she says. At the very least, have some aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, storage bags, napkins and paper plates handy.

Party hearty: Cookies are the reason for the party but don't be too narrow-minded. Provide warm drinks - spiced coffee, peppermint cocoa or mulled cider - or tall glasses of egg nog or milk.

Whether or not to serve other food is up to you. For an evening cookie party, you really don't need much else, but for a weekend afternoon gathering some cut vegetables, fruit and cheese or simple appetizers would be a nice touch.

  <div class="infoBox"> <h1>Recipes</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> </div> <div class="recipeLink"> <ul class="moreLinks"> <li><a href="/story/?id=340847" class="mediaItem">Classic Spritz Cookies </a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=340846" class="mediaItem">Smile Cookies</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=340845" class="mediaItem">Cherry Chocolate Almond Crumb Bars</a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=340844" class="mediaItem">Raspberry Chocolate Kisses</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>   <p class=factboxtext12col><b>Baking reminders</b></p> <p class=factboxtext12col>Whether you decide to make one type of cookie or five this season, your results will be better if you follow this advice from Barb Arends, recipe specialist with Pampered Chef:</p> <p class=factboxtext12col>• Read your recipe from start to finish. Even if you've made a favored recipe dozens of times, a refresher can't hurt.</p> <p class=factboxtext12col>• Have the proper measuring cups, bowls and other equipment ready. Don't interrupt the flow to wash and dry dishes.</p> <p class=factboxtext12col>• Get all your ingredients out before you crack that first egg; you don't want to be mixing dough and realize you're out of vanilla extract. </p>