Cookie exchange sign-up
A cookie exchange is only fun if the cookies are different. The whole point is going home with a box of ten kinds you did not have to bake. A sheet where each guest claims one cookie, and no two people claim the same one, is all it takes.
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- Chocolate chipFullMaya R.
- Sugar cookies1 left
- GingerbreadFullDev K.
- Shortbread1 left
- Snickerdoodles1 left
- Thumbprints1 left
- Oatmeal raisin1 left
- Biscotti1 left
- Peanut butter1 left
The math
The usual rule is half a dozen cookies per guest, plus one dozen for tasting at the party. That adds up quickly:
- 8 bakers: about 5 dozen each
- 10 bakers: about 6 dozen each
- 12 bakers: about 7 dozen each
Above twelve, cut it to three cookies per guest or nobody will say yes. Put the number in the sheet description so every baker knows what they are signing up for before they claim a slot.
One cookie, one baker
List the classics as single slots: chocolate chip, sugar, gingerbread, shortbread, snickerdoodles, thumbprints. Then add a few open slots for people with a family recipe, and ask them to write what it is. Once "Gingerbread" is taken, the next person sees it and picks something else. That is the entire trick.
If you want a theme, such as cookies from a family recipe or one cookie per country, say so in the description and let the open slots do the work.
What to ask
- The cookie, if they took an open slot
- Nuts, gluten or dairy, so guests can choose safely
- An optional comment for "I'll bring the recipe cards"
Ask everyone to bring an empty container or box to take cookies home in. People forget, so keep a stack of paper bags by the door.
Timing
Send the sheet three to four weeks ahead. December weekends fill early, and bakers need a weekend to bake six dozen of anything. A reminder the weekend before the party is the one that matters, because it lands right when people are planning their baking day. A morning-of reminder can say "bring your tin and your recipe".
A ready list
The starter list above has nine classic cookies plus four open slots. Paste it into Dibs and each cookie becomes a slot for one baker. Guests claim from the link with no account and no ads, see which cookies are already taken, and can swap to a different one from their confirmation email if their oven gives up.
Cookie exchange sign-up: questions
How many cookies should each person bring to a cookie exchange?
The common rule is half a dozen per guest, plus a dozen for tasting at the party. With 10 guests, that is about 6 dozen each. Lower it to 3 per guest if the group is big.
How many people should I invite?
Eight to twelve bakers works well. Fewer and the variety is thin. More and everyone has to bake an unreasonable number of cookies.
How do I stop two people bringing the same cookie?
Make each cookie a slot that one person can claim. Add a few open 'Something else' slots for people with a family recipe, and ask them to name it so others can see.
Should I ask about allergies?
Ask each baker to note nuts, gluten or dairy when they sign up, and to label their container. It helps guests who need to avoid something.
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Make yours in a minute.
Start from this list, change what you need, and share one link. Nobody needs an account.