25+ Best Cookie Exchange Ideas for Everyone

 

This collection of 25+ best cookie exchange ideas is all you need for a perfect holiday exchange!

Hello December! It’s the merriest and surely the busiest month of the year again. 

From planning on what food to serve your guests, shopping for Christmas gifts, and decorating your homes with colorful ornaments, most of us are also busy signing up for cookie exchange parties.

And if you’re running out of ideas on what to bring to your cookie swap, don’t fret just yet.

Down below are some of our top favorites for you to try – from the classic gingerbread cookies to delicious sugar cookies, you can find lots of festive, easy-to-make, and super yummy to-eat Christmas cookies here!

So start adding these amazing cookie recipes to your list now! Preheat your oven and start baking!

 

25+ Best Cookie Exchange Ideas

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1. Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies (cookie exchange ideas)

Get the full recipe on Real Mom Nutrition

You’ll love how simple it is to whip up these delightful Whole Wheat Sugar Cookies at home.

They turn out incredibly soft, and buttery and come with a delightful frosting in naturally vibrant colors.

 

2. Gingerbread Cookies

Get the full recipe on Handle the Heat

You’re in for a treat with these Easy Gingerbread Cookies!

They’re wonderfully thick and delightfully soft and hold their adorable shapes flawlessly.

Working with the dough is an absolute dream, and the best part is that you can make these cookies ahead of time.

Plus, we’ve got an easy cookie icing recipe included for some extra pizzazz!

 

3. Matcha-Cranberry Linzer Cookies

Get the full recipe Pure Wow

These delightful matcha-cranberry Linzer cookies are sure to steal the show at any cookie swap!

The addition of matcha powder gives them a beautiful green color and a delightful toasted flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberry jam filling.

For an extra touch of festivity, try using a small star-shaped cutter to create a charming cutout in the center of each cookie.

 

4. Sugar Christmas Snow Cookies

Get the full recipe on Leite’s Culinaria

These treats are incredibly thin, delicate, and tender, with just a hint of browning around the edges.

And let’s not forget about the irresistible taste of butter that adds a sweet, sweet touch to each bite.

Imagine these cookies as a fancier version of classic shortbread, disguised as delightful sugar cookies.

 

5. M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars (cookie exchange ideas)

Get the full recipe Number 2 Pencil

You’re in for a treat with these scrumptious M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars!

This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also perfect for your holiday baking adventures. The best part?

They’re super easy to make! These bars are loaded with chocolate goodness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering experience that will have you saying “yum” with every bite!

 

6. Soft Frosted Holiday Sprinkles Cookies

 Get the full recipe on Averie Cooks

Can you resist these sprinkled cookies around the holidays especially when they’re frosted with cream cheese frosting?

The cookies are easy, there’s no rolling or cutting out involved, and they’re super soft and buttery with tender, pillowy centers.

The cookies are creamy, just melt in your mouth, and remind you of Lofthouse cookies but way better.

The dough is very soft and must be chilled before baking.

 

7. Reindeer Cookie Pops (cookie exchange ideas)

Get the full recipe on Fork and Beans

These delightful treats are not only cute and fun but also incredibly delicious.

And here’s a little secret: your kids are going to love them!

 

8. Peppermint Candy Cane Kiss Cookies 

Get the full recipe on Sally’s Baking Recipes

These are drop-style cookies that are super easy to make!

They are generously adorned with vibrant Christmas sprinkles and have a delightful surprise in the center: candy cane-flavored Hershey’s Kisses!

These cookies are the perfect nut-free and peppermint twist on the beloved classic peanut butter blossoms.

 

9. Double Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies (cookie exchange ideas)

Get the full recipe on Spooful of Flavor

These irresistible treats are loaded with delectable candy cane bits and rich chocolate chips.

With less than 10 minutes of prep time, these cookies are the perfect go-to for your holiday baking.

 

10. Candy Cane Cookies

Get the full recipe on Number 2 Pencil

A charming combination of red and white peppermint cookie dough, expertly twisted into a festive candy cane shape.

These cookies will not only bring joy to your taste buds but also add a touch of festive cheer to your holiday spread.

 

11. Christmas Crinkle Cool Whip Cookies (cookie exchange ideas)

Get the full recipe on Bread Booze Bacon

Making these cookies is an absolute blast and a perfect activity to enjoy together.

These easy Christmas cookies are loved by everyone, but here’s a little secret: be prepared to embrace a little messiness along the way.

The joy and laughter that come from creating these delicious treats are worth it!

 

12. Peppermint Brownie Truffles

Get the full recipe on Bake Eat Repeat

Rich, delicious, peppermint brownie truffles – a homemade peppermint patty filling surrounded by rich brownie crumbles and coated in chocolate!

 

13. Best Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Get the full recipe on Life Love and Sugar

If you’re wondering how to make soft and chewy sugar cookies, then you have to try this recipe.

These cookies require no chilling, are easy to make, and stay wonderfully soft and chewy for DAYS!

 

14. Jam Thumbprint Cookies

 Get the full recipe on The Comfort of Cooking

Buttery soft cookies with a sweet surprise.

These simple, delicious jewel-hued cookies are my new favorite for the holidays, and after one bite they’ll be yours, too!

 

15. Hot Cocoa Cookies

Get the full recipe on Belly Full

Hot Cocoa Cookies are the best combination of a soft, chewy chocolate cookie, a brownie, and hot cocoa with marshmallows.

They are such a classic Christmas cookie favorite and the perfect dessert all winter long.

 

16. Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

 Get the full recipe on OMG Chocolate Desserts

Christmas Sugar Cookies are just a fun and festive twist on the classic sugar cookie recipes.

Sugar cookies are a Christmas cookie staple!!! It’s a quick and easy Christmas dessert with a few simple ingredients and comes out quickly.

This sugar cookie dough doesn’t require chilling and cookies are formed by hand.

 

17. Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies

Get the full recipe on Life with the Crust Cut Off

Christmas Cream Cheese Cookies are going to be your new favorite holiday cookie!

They melt in your mouth and are so festive with their sprinkles.

 

18. Kris Kringle Christmas Cookies

 Get the full recipe on Kim’s Cravings

Rich and buttery Kris Kringle Christmas Cookies are dressed for the holidays with creamy white chocolate chips and sweet dried red cranberries.

Seriously, the BEST Christmas cookies!

 

19. Peppermint Pattie Cookies

Get the full recipe on How Sweet Eats

These mouthwatering treats are then adorned with a homemade peppermint cream that is perfect, and as a final touch, they are elegantly drizzled with a smooth ganache.

 

20. Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Get the full recipe on Liv for Cake

The classic combination of chocolate and peppermint makes these Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies the perfect treat for the holidays!

 

21. White Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies

 Get the full recipe on Yummiest Food

White Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies – Christmas cookies must! So delicious, cute, and very easy to make.

You need only a few ingredients for these White Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies!

 

22. Peppermint Snowballs (cookie exchange recipes)

Get the full recipe on Lemon Tree Dwelling

Peppermint Snowball Cookies are the perfect holiday twist on the classic snowball cookie!

Packed with delicious peppermint flavor and just the right amount of crunch, this easy cookie recipe is a must-make for your holiday baking!

 

23. Italian Christmas Cookies (Nonna’s Recipe)

 Get the full recipe on Gonna Want Seconds

Our Classic Italian Christmas Cookies are buttery, tender, cakey, and not too sweet.

Bakery quality- Nonna approved. Gorgeous on your Christmas cookie tray!

 

24. Candy Cane Peppermint Kiss Cookies

 Get the full recipe on Baked by Rachel

Soft and fluffy candy cane peppermint kiss cookie recipes!

A peanut-free twist on a classic cookie and a fun addition to any holiday cookie tray!

 

25. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies (cookie exchange recipes)

 Get the full recipe on Cooking Classy

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a new perfect Christmas cookie!

They’re deliciously soft and have the classic flavors and stunning color of a red velvet cake but in individual cookie form.

They’re coated with a sweet dusting of powdered sugar and once baked up end with pretty little crackles to impress.

 

26. Maple Cinnamon Cookies

Get the full recipe on The Gracious Wife

Warm and cozy, these Maple Cinnamon Cookies have a crunchy outside from the crystallized maple syrup and a soft, chewy cookie inside.

Must try for maple lovers!

 

27. Santa’s Swirl Sugar Cookies (cookie exchange recipes)

Get the full recipe on Renee’s Kitchen Adventures

Delight your family and friends this season with these fun Christmas cookies I call Santa’s Swirl Sugar Cookies!

Easy slice-and-bake cookie recipes are transformed into festive treats with colored sugar and red and green nonpareils.

 

28. Chocolate Cherry Cookies

 Get the full recipe on Small Town Woman

These Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a fabulous treat.

A soft fudge cookie with a plump sweet maraschino cherry right in the center and then drizzled with a chocolate fudge sauce.

 

29. Orange Creamsicle Truffles (cookie exchange recipes)

 Get the full recipe on Homemade Hooplah

Delicious orange truffles that will remind you of all the creamsicles you had as a kid.

Easy to make and a great snack for parties!

 

30. Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe

Get the full recipe on  The Rebel Chick

Whether you spend an afternoon baking this Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies Recipe for friends or family or bake them on Christmas Eve for Santa, they’re bound to be a hit!

 

 

I hope you enjoy our list of the best cookie exchange recipes. Which ones will you try first? Let me know in the comments!

 

Read More About Christmas:

• 12 Easy Christmas Treat Recipes
• 12 Easy Christmas Snack Ideas to Make
• 29 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes for 2024
• 19+ Christmas Lunch Ideas That Are Easy and Festive
• 40 Stylish Christmas Decor Ideas to Put Your Home in Holiday Cheer

 

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