iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,134 
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Post by iowgirl on Nov 12, 2015 18:42:26 GMT
I went to one, once. I had to make SO freakin' many cookies - 12 dozen I think.
My kids wouldn't eat a single cookie I brought home, and there was a ton, since you got a dozen from each person.
I love making Christmas cookies, and have my favorites that I make every year. I just stick with my own. I am no help. LOL
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 12, 2015 20:08:18 GMT
I have only been to one cookie exchange and I didn't love it, I agree with whoever said that I felt like the cookies I received weren't great. I just made this up, but maybe it exists already - I was thinking I'd prefer a "Cookie Night" without the trade aspect. Everyone makes a whole bunch of their best cookies to KEEP/use for the holiday season. And then they bring 1/2 dozen or so to the Cookie Night, the purpose of which would be to get together with friends to drink and laugh and sample their best work and EAT ALL THE COOKIES. No one leaves with anything, except a few extra pounds.  You might prefer that but I love getting 5-7 dozen of different kinds of cookies to freeze and eat during the holidays. I give pralines as gifts to people whom I wouldn't otherwise give a gift (including the 11 other members of my bunco group) so my time is spent making many batches of pralines. I have no extra energy to bake different kinds of cookies so my family is thrilled to have an assortment to choose from. JMHO of course. |
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Post by Darcy Collins on Nov 12, 2015 20:18:55 GMT
I just never understood what people did with that many cookies. I mean 12 dozen cookies!?!?!? I did attend a cookie decorating party once that was fun. She provided the sugar cookies - and baked zillions of them. People brought candies, icing etc to decorate with. It was a family party, so the kids did most of the decorating. No master pieces were created - or if they were, they were promptly eaten. I think we might have brought home a dozen of the finished cookies.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 12, 2015 20:24:04 GMT
I just never understood what people did with that many cookies. I mean 12 dozen cookies!?!?!? I did attend a cookie decorating party once that was fun. She provided the sugar cookies - and baked zillions of them. People brought candies, icing etc to decorate with. It was a family party, so the kids did most of the decorating. No master pieces were created - or if they were, they were promptly eaten. I think we might have brought home a dozen of the finished cookies. Most types last for months in the freezer. Also, if you have people over during the holidays it is nice to put an assortment of cookies out on a plate. Although reading this thread, a lot of people get crappy cookies. I must be lucky enough to always get yummy cookies. I have to freeze them fast before DH and DS wander into the kitchen after everyone leaves. It's interesting, too, because I never thought of freezing my pralines but one of the ladies who comes to my exchange said she freezes them so I started doing that too. Means I can make them earlier in December.  |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Nov 12, 2015 20:37:15 GMT
I just never understood what people did with that many cookies. I mean 12 dozen cookies!?!?!? I did attend a cookie decorating party once that was fun. She provided the sugar cookies - and baked zillions of them. People brought candies, icing etc to decorate with. It was a family party, so the kids did most of the decorating. No master pieces were created - or if they were, they were promptly eaten. I think we might have brought home a dozen of the finished cookies. There are 20 - 25 stockings hung at my parents house. With that many people over for Christmas, a platter of cookies would not last that long Christmas Eve and into Christmas. We usually stay up until 2 am wrapping and playing board games and then we are up again before 7. So people are snacking a lot more than usual |
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Post by myboysnme on Nov 12, 2015 20:39:39 GMT
I have only been to one cookie exchange and I didn't love it, I agree with whoever said that I felt like the cookies I received weren't great. I just made this up, but maybe it exists already - I was thinking I'd prefer a "Cookie Night" without the trade aspect. Everyone makes a whole bunch of their best cookies to KEEP/use for the holiday season. And then they bring 1/2 dozen or so to the Cookie Night, the purpose of which would be to get together with friends to drink and laugh and sample their best work and EAT ALL THE COOKIES. No one leaves with anything, except a few extra pounds. You might prefer that but I love getting 5-7 dozen of different kinds of cookies to freeze and eat during the holidays. I give pralines as gifts to people whom I wouldn't otherwise give a gift (including the 11 other members of my bunco group) so my time is spent making many batches of pralines. I have no extra energy to bake different kinds of cookies so my family is thrilled to have an assortment to choose from. JMHO of course. Would you ever post your praline recipe? I am a praline fanatic. Someone might make some for me! |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 12, 2015 20:53:35 GMT
You might prefer that but I love getting 5-7 dozen of different kinds of cookies to freeze and eat during the holidays. I give pralines as gifts to people whom I wouldn't otherwise give a gift (including the 11 other members of my bunco group) so my time is spent making many batches of pralines. I have no extra energy to bake different kinds of cookies so my family is thrilled to have an assortment to choose from. JMHO of course. Would you ever post your praline recipe? I am a praline fanatic. Someone might make some for me! Sorry, it's a family secret. I have instructed DH to print it on the back of the program at my funeral. That way I am assured many people will attend.  Someday I need to write down the recipe so he can follow through! |
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Post by bebe on Nov 12, 2015 21:10:30 GMT
A couple of years ago I hosted a cookie swap which turned out pretty well--I wasn't able to find a "good" night to have it because of other parties so I had a brunch on a Saturday morning and it turned out great. We made a half dozen cookies for each person so it wasn't hard on anyone. I baked couple of extra varieties so everyone left with plenty of cookies. I provided baggies for the take home cookies and bought the inexpensive "shopper" type gift bags (I think maybe at Michael's) a pack of 12 and gave everyone one of those to take their cookies in--turned out really cute.
I also picked up things like hot pads, spatulas and cookies cutters, you know Christmas kitchen stuff and wrapped them in clear cellophane and tied them with ribbons and we had my granddaughter draw names for the "hat" for the winners--that also turned out really well and I didn't really spend a lot of money on them.
Was great fun, but circumstances have kept me form doing it the last couple of years--maybe again soon!!!
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Post by myboysnme on Nov 12, 2015 21:13:58 GMT
Would you ever post your praline recipe? I am a praline fanatic. Someone might make some for me! Sorry, it's a family secret. I have instructed DH to print it on the back of the program at my funeral. That way I am assured many people will attend. Someday I need to write down the recipe so he can follow through! That's what I thought, but I just want to ask. Are they creamy, sugary or chewy? |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 12, 2015 21:32:45 GMT
Sorry, it's a family secret. I have instructed DH to print it on the back of the program at my funeral. That way I am assured many people will attend. Someday I need to write down the recipe so he can follow through! That's what I thought, but I just want to ask. Are they creamy, sugary or chewy? They are sugary with lots of yummy pecans. I personally don't eat them very often because I make them and get sick of them. When I went to a weekend crop once I left a baggie full in the freezer. DH ate them all while watching the 49ers play because it was a close game and he was nervous. Thousand of calories later, I now *hide* them behind something else. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Nov 12, 2015 22:23:29 GMT
I just never understood what people did with that many cookies. I mean 12 dozen cookies!?!?!? I did attend a cookie decorating party once that was fun. She provided the sugar cookies - and baked zillions of them. People brought candies, icing etc to decorate with. It was a family party, so the kids did most of the decorating. No master pieces were created - or if they were, they were promptly eaten. I think we might have brought home a dozen of the finished cookies. Well, let me see. My brother and I make roughly 8-10 batches of cookies and most of them yield between 5-6 dozen cookies each. So conservatively speaking, we usually end up with about 500-600 cookies to split. It sounds like a TON of cookies until you start splitting them up into tins or plates to give away, then about halfway through I start to panic because it always looks like I'm going to run short. Even if you're only giving people three each of eight kinds, that's two dozen right there, and we give each of my other brothers in town at least 4-5 of each kind so everybody in their family can have at least one of each kind. They don't go as far as you think. I always end up supplementing with wrapped Lindor truffles and filled Ghirardelli squares tucked into the corners. LOL, my drop sugar cookie recipe makes about 8 dozen cookies and I always end up making another batch of those before Christmas because DH can decimate a whole tin of them in a week by himself. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 12, 2015 22:36:27 GMT
I just never understood what people did with that many cookies. I mean 12 dozen cookies!?!?!? I did attend a cookie decorating party once that was fun. She provided the sugar cookies - and baked zillions of them. People brought candies, icing etc to decorate with. It was a family party, so the kids did most of the decorating. No master pieces were created - or if they were, they were promptly eaten. I think we might have brought home a dozen of the finished cookies. Well, let me see. My brother and I make roughly 8-10 batches of cookies and most of them yield between 5-6 dozen cookies each. So conservatively speaking, we usually end up with about 500-600 cookies to split. It sounds like a TON of cookies until you start splitting them up into tins or plates to give away, then about halfway through I start to panic because it always looks like I'm going to run short. Even if you're only giving people three each of eight kinds, that's two dozen right there, and we give each of my other brothers in town at least 4-5 of each kind so everybody in their family can have at least one of each kind. They don't go as far as you think. I always end up supplementing with wrapped Lindor truffles and filled Ghirardelli squares tucked into the corners. LOL, my drop sugar cookie recipe makes about 8 dozen cookies and I always end up making another batch of those before Christmas because DH can decimate a whole tin of them in a week by himself. When my aunt's granddaughter got married in Ohio it was customary for the grandmother to bake cookies for the reception. I was amazed at how the guests ate through 100 dozen cookies! There were a few left but not many. I think some guests filled up paper napkins or brought ziplock bags ~ my aunt was known far and wide for her cookies. Okay,  |
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Post by myboysnme on Nov 12, 2015 22:47:40 GMT
That's what I thought, but I just want to ask. Are they creamy, sugary or chewy? They are sugary with lots of yummy pecans. I personally don't eat them very often because I make them and get sick of them. When I went to a weekend crop once I left a baggie full in the freezer. DH ate them all while watching the 49ers play because it was a close game and he was nervous. Thousand of calories later, I now *hide* them behind something else. Sugary with pecans! I am virtually dying and in heaven! |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 12, 2015 22:52:57 GMT
They are sugary with lots of yummy pecans. I personally don't eat them very often because I make them and get sick of them. When I went to a weekend crop once I left a baggie full in the freezer. DH ate them all while watching the 49ers play because it was a close game and he was nervous. Thousand of calories later, I now *hide* them behind something else. Sugary with pecans! I am virtually dying and in heaven! All the people I make them for could easily  to find a recipe and make their own. Cracks me up. |
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Post by myboysnme on Nov 13, 2015 1:49:15 GMT
Sugary with pecans! I am virtually dying and in heaven! All the people I make them for could easily to find a recipe and make their own. Cracks me up. Pralines are an art. I have had alot of pralines over the years from different places. Sugary with loads of pecans are unparalleled. Most pralines are too creamy. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 13, 2015 3:20:32 GMT
All the people I make them for could easily to find a recipe and make their own. Cracks me up. Pralines are an art. I have had alot of pralines over the years from different places. Sugary with loads of pecans are unparalleled. Most pralines are too creamy. I received the ultimate compliment from a friend who visited NOLA a few years back and tried one of the pralines from one of the famous shops. She confided that mine are much better.  |
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Post by robinm on Nov 13, 2015 3:29:17 GMT
I like to make mint chocolate chip cookies for Christmas.
But you would need to have clear rules for your exchange.
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Post by **Angie** on Nov 13, 2015 4:39:28 GMT
Thanks for all of the input!
I think I may be the only "link" between the 10 others I plan to invite, so this will be primarily for trading cookies than for socializing. After they get to know each other, it may become more of a get-together among friends. I do plan on deporting the menfolk and having some savory finger foods to counteract the sweets.
I've been thinking about rules, and I'm leaning more towards keeping it simple. No duplicates, first of all, and if you want to do a bar/no bake/chocolate chip, it had better be "o.m.g. I need this recipe now!" worthy. I mean, my mom makes these amazing chocolate chip cookies - they are the size of my palm, perfectly baked, chock full of chips and nuts. She puts something in them, don't know what, but I've seen grown men close their eyes when taking that first bite. It's the only cookie she bakes, but you know you are receiving something truly remarkable.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 20:26:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2015 5:09:07 GMT
I don't really participate in cookie exchanges anymore. I found myself throwing out about half because none of us would eat it.
The one year with my inlaws I was extremely disappointed. There's 7 of us and only 2 of them had made something we enjoyed.
One had made chocolate chp cookies that were incredibly hard and dry. The other had sugar cookies that had the bottoms burnt. And one had made baked lemon donuts that were flavourless and dry.
My kids normally love treats, but just not those. And I felt like I had wasted valuable time and money. I spent a very long day making donuts from scratch, dipped in a creamy PB filling, then dipped in milk chocolate with crushed nuts sprinkled on top.
It really depends on the people but around here they let all the participants know that you're expected to bring something that took effort. It doesn't just have to be cookies. We frequently have people bring homemade donuts, chocolate rolls (like cinnamon rolls only with a chocolate filling followed by dipping them in a cream topping and then milk chocolate), maple rolls, etc.
Good luck! I wish I could find a group that had similar tastes in Christmas cookies!
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Post by myboysnme on Nov 13, 2015 12:39:35 GMT
Pralines are an art. I have had alot of pralines over the years from different places. Sugary with loads of pecans are unparalleled. Most pralines are too creamy. I received the ultimate compliment from a friend who visited NOLA a few years back and tried one of the pralines from one of the famous shops. She confided that mine are much better. I just got back from New Orleans - praline heaven. I single handedly kept Aunt Sally's in business for another year. Tried others and there was just no comparrison. Some were pretty much shameful. If you are exceeding Aunt Sally's (and it sounds like you are!) you are literally creating culinary art. If you haven't tried Aunt Sallys I should send you one next time I restock my stash! Then you can make yourself little labels that say, "Better than New Orleans' finest!" |
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Post by gryroagain on Nov 13, 2015 12:52:30 GMT
Since I never make cookies on a random Tuesday in July-chocolate chip or otherwise- the "no chocolate chip" rule sounds wildly pedantic to me.
I buy cookies occasionally, but bake them? Myself? From scratch? Maybe...once? Ever?
I wouldn't care if you licked your fingers, give me cookies!! But I couldnt go to a cookie exchange anyway since I can't bake cookies, so I suppose that is moot. Also I've never actually heard of a cookie exchange, except here.
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Post by gizzy on Nov 13, 2015 15:43:31 GMT
Keep your expectations low. I find a lot of cookies that are brought to cookie exchanges just aren't very good. But that could be because I am very particular when it comes to cookies. I find I'm happier just making the kind of cookie I like and not sharing than making the kind of cookie I like and trading them for 4 dozen cookies I wont eat. Exactly this. I like to use butter, didn't think anything of it. Some don't like the taste of butter. I don't like the taste of margarine. Ended up giving most of the cookies away. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 20:26:55 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2015 16:29:05 GMT
Thanks for all of the input! I think I may be the only "link" between the 10 others I plan to invite, so this will be primarily for trading cookies than for socializing. After they get to know each other, it may become more of a get-together among friends. I do plan on deporting the menfolk and having some savory finger foods to counteract the sweets. I've been thinking about rules, and I'm leaning more towards keeping it simple. No duplicates, first of all, and if you want to do a bar/no bake/chocolate chip, it had better be "o.m.g. I need this recipe now!" worthy. I mean, my mom makes these amazing chocolate chip cookies - they are the size of my palm, perfectly baked, chock full of chips and nuts. She puts something in them, don't know what, but I've seen grown men close their eyes when taking that first bite. It's the only cookie she bakes, but you know you are receiving something truly remarkable. Hmmmmm...I dunno; good luck with that, lol. I don't think people bake/cook thinking damn, this tastes like shit, but I'll serve it anyway (or maybe some do  ). Different tastes, quality of ingredients, standards, etc. What's awesome to one might be nasty to another. |
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Post by princess consuela on Nov 13, 2015 16:48:04 GMT
I've held a casual one for the last 3-4 years. Ours is more of a social thing, not really making huge amounts for giving out, more for bringing home to eat lol. Though one year, after I had all my beautiful assorted cookies, my husband had a few friends over and kindly offered them around to them... I wanted to smack him! My cookies! Boys (cuz at that time, they were all just 20 something boys lol) don't appreciate these cookies!
Anyway, I usually have various (non-sweet) appetizers and drinks (including milks lol) on hand to balance out the cookies. We put a few of each type of cookie out so everyone can sample. Then we have maybe 5 categories to vote on, and I have prizes for each (just little things, like Bath & Body works seasonal hand soaps and sanitizers, a Christmas kitchen towel, a Starbucks card with some candy, etc). The grand prize, best overall cookie, gets the "Golden Spatula," a real spatula I decorate with my forlorn scrapbooking items. I usually make little favors for everyone, too. Last year I did Godiva truffles (I got them as a deal) in little mason jars, I think the first year I did whisks filled with Hershey kisses and "I WHISK you a Merry Christmas" tags. Oh, and we also do a White Elephant ornament exchange, too.
Our rules are never too strict. My group doesn't follow rules, anyway, lol. I've had people bring two types of cookies, lol, just cuz. Last year I got those big silver disposable trays from Costco for everyone to take home their cookies, and added Hershey's Kisses, too. We usually don't go around letting everyone disperse, though; usually it's just myself and one friend dividing them up as fairly as we can.
Hope that helps! While I totally wouldn't mind attending a "stricter" party, I know I wouldn't be able to successfully hold one. Have fun!
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Post by gmcwife1 on Nov 13, 2015 16:51:02 GMT
Since I never make cookies on a random Tuesday in July-chocolate chip or otherwise- the "no chocolate chip" rule sounds wildly pedantic to me. I buy cookies occasionally, but bake them? Myself? From scratch? Maybe...once? Ever? I wouldn't care if you licked your fingers, give me cookies!! But I couldnt go to a cookie exchange anyway since I can't bake cookies, so I suppose that is moot. Also I've never actually heard of a cookie exchange, except here. That's what I've been thinking reading this thread I haven't baked cookies in years, so I'll take just about anything!! And the poor chocolate chip cookie, dh loves them crisp and I love them soft, so one or the other would think we had a good one and someone else would think it's bad based just on their preference. That doesn't mean it's bad but it seems like it might still hit the trash can  |
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stampinchica
Junior Member
~I just got some juice out of the fridge & I swear I heard the wine say "what the f*&#?"~
Posts: 68
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Post by stampinchica on Aug 1, 2016 1:16:41 GMT
Ladies ~ Those of you that had a swap last year, how did it go? I had my first one last year and already getting things in order for this year. Did you have any "i won't do this part again" or any "i definitely need to do this part" again??
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JustTricia
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,828
Location: Indianapolis
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Post by JustTricia on Aug 1, 2016 1:43:07 GMT
I'm cracking up reading all the chocolate chip hate. My sisters, my mom, and I used to get together one day and bake all day and of course, we didn't make chocolate chip. We swapped out the chips for red and green M&M's and voila, Christmas Cookies!
The best year was the year we couldn't find just the red and green bag, so we bought four regular bags and sifted out the colors. :-)
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Post by **Angie** on Aug 1, 2016 2:03:14 GMT
Ladies ~ Those of you that had a swap last year, how did it go? I had my first one last year and already getting things in order for this year. Did you have any "i won't do this part again" or any "i definitely need to do this part" again?? Mine went great. My "definitely do again" list: Use the clear plastic serving plates (rectangles) from the Dollar Tree, one for each person to display their cookies on. Be specific about allowed cookies. Have tongs and flat pancake flippers to get cookies off the plates. Stock up the Keurig. Have prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (I bought Christmas-themed hand towels, potholders, and something else I've forgot.) Have some kind of non-sweet food to curb the sugar coma. |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 1, 2016 2:04:22 GMT
We did one at work and we each took home 6 of each cookie. I had cookies for weeks. One person even made dog cookies (for dogs). Those were a huge hit!
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 1, 2016 2:06:17 GMT
Sorry, it's a family secret. I have instructed DH to print it on the back of the program at my funeral. That way I am assured many people will attend. Someday I need to write down the recipe so he can follow through! That's what I thought, but I just want to ask. Are they creamy, sugary or chewy? Sounds like a good question to ask in a thread! Someone might have a good recipe they can share. |
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Someday I need to write down the recipe so he can follow through!
). Different tastes, quality of ingredients, standards, etc. What's awesome to one might be nasty to another.
