This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.

There are a lot of holiday traditions I enjoy, but cookie swaps have quietly become one of my absolute favorites. They’re simple, they’re sweet, and they’re one of the easiest ways to gather your people without turning it into A Whole Thing. And since so many of you ask for easy holiday fun, I couldn’t resist sharing some of my favorite cookie swap ideas today.

Honestly… if you end up hosting one, please invite me. I will happily show up with cookies in hand.

Today we’re planning the kind of cookie swap that feels cozy, doable, and fun — not the kind that makes you add ten more things to your December list.

Let’s keep this simple and joyful.

Why Cookie Swaps Are Just the Best

One of the best parts of a cookie swap is how many different kinds of cookies you get without having to bake all of them yourself. You show up with one batch, and you go home with a whole assortment — sometimes cookies you’ve never tried before, and sometimes someone brings their longtime family favorite that’s been passed down for years.

There’s something really sweet about that.
You’re not just swapping cookies — you’re sharing little pieces of family tradition.

And beyond that:

• You only have to bake one recipe you already know and love.
• You walk away with enough cookies for snacking and gifting.
• It’s an easy, low-stress way to gather friends during a busy season.
• You can check off neighbors, teachers, and hostess gifts in one afternoon.

If you’re craving simple, meaningful holiday fun, cookie swaps give you the best return on effort.

Cookie Swap Ideas: How to Host a Low-Stress Swap

You don’t need themed napkins or perfectly staged counters. Here’s the simplest way to plan a cookie swap without letting it turn into a production.

1. Pick a date and time

Afternoon or early evening works great — just enough time to sip something warm, chat, and swap treats.

2. Invite a small group (4–8 people)

Keeping the group small makes it easier for everyone to prepare just one recipe and still go home with a great variety of cookies.

3. Decide how many cookies each person should bring

This depends on how your group plans to use the cookies:

• For gifting: plan for about 4–6 cookies per other guest.
• For casual snacking: you can scale down a bit.
• For sampling: ask each guest to bring a few extra cookies that can be cut in half (or not) so everyone can taste before trading.

It keeps things flexible and fun without adding stress.

4. Have guests bring printed recipes

Two easy options:

• Ask guests to bring one recipe card per person attending.
• OR have everyone email you their recipe beforehand, and you can use the simple Canva recipe card template (which I made for you!) to print a matching set for everyone.

5. Set up a tiny drink station

A couple cozy options pair perfectly with cookies:

• Apple cider
• Hot chocolate
• Coffee

Instant comfort.

6. Add a simple holiday playlist

A cheerful, classic playlist creates the perfect background without overpowering conversations.

7. Swap cookies + recipes

Taste the extras, trade your batches, gather your recipe cards, chat with friends, and leave with a little box of holiday goodness.

Free Cookie Swap Printables

If you want to keep things simple (but still feel organized), I put together two free printables you can grab inside the Holiday Hub:

🍪 Cookie Swap Recipe Card Template

Perfect for printing everyone’s recipes on matching cards.

📋 Cookie Swap Checklist

This is your one-page, don’t-overthink-it guide with:

• Cookie amounts
• Packaging ideas
• Sample-day setup
• Drink station reminders
• A quick host timeline

Sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll send you the link to the Holiday Hub so you can download these printables (along with all the other holiday resources we’ve shared this season).

Cookie Inspiration List (More Cookie Swap Ideas!)

If you’re still deciding what to bake, here are a few tried-and-true favorites that work beautifully at swaps:

• Snickerdoodles
• Chocolate crinkles
• Gingerbread
• Peppermint bark cookies
• Peanut butter blossoms
• Sugar cookies
• Gluten-free favorites
• No-bake options

Easy, reliable, and always delicious.

Join the Collaborative Cookie Swap Pinterest Board

If you want even more cookie swap ideas, packaging inspiration, or recipes to try, come join our shared cookie swap Pinterest board.

It’s just a cozy corner of creativity — a fun place to share and get inspired without adding anything extra to your plate.

Daily To-Dos (21 Days ’Til Christmas)

• Check your December calendar and pick a date for your cookie swap.
• Make a short guest list — 4 to 8 people keeps it easy.
• Decide how many cookies each person should bring based on gifting vs. snacking plus event tasting cookies.
• Send quick invites with the cookie amounts, recipe card info, and sampling cookie notes.
• Start thinking about what cookie you want to make this year — nostalgic, easy, or something completely new.

And if you end up hosting one…
I fully expect an invite🙂