Cookie exchanges are a great idea: make a batch of single cookies and head home with several different treats from others.
They’re a great way to get a variety of seasonal sweets without having to spend a fortune on all the different ingredients. Plan a cookie exchange party with your best friends, family members or co-workers — either way, everyone will leave with a new recipe idea.
Good Housekeeping suggests making your event low-key, and making time to sample everyone’s offerings. This way, you'll know which ones are your favourites.
We've rounded up 12 easy cookie recipes you can test drive for your next exchange. If you like more than one recipe, make sure you make a few extras for yourself!
Cookie Recipes For Your Cookie Exchange
Loaded M&M And Oreo Cookie Bar(01 of92)
This cookie bar is the definition of decadent, packed with both M&Ms and Oreos. You can add an extra festive touch by using green and red M&Ms and gingerbread Oreos. Get the recipe from Averie Cooks here.
Candy Cane Cookies(02 of92)
These soft cookies add a bit of holiday crunch with chopped-up candy canes. You could also mix things up by using different candy-cane flavours. Get the recipe from Today's Parent here.
Perfect Sugar Cookie Cut-outs(03 of92)
It’s not a true cookie exchange without sugar cookies. This recipe promises to turn out perfectly both in baking and cutting. Get the recipe from Love Grows Wild here.
Toasted Coconut Shortbread Cookies(04 of92)
There are ways to change up this holiday classic — toasted coconut is a great place to start. Get the recipe from Rock Recipes here.
Alfajores: Dulce De Leche Sandwich Cookies(05 of92)
These sandwich-style shortbread cookies are filled with dulce de leche, a caramel-style spread that can be made from condensed milk. Alfajores are popular in Spain and Latin America. Get the recipe from Roxana's Home Baking here.
Pumpkin Swirl Sugar Cookies(06 of92)
Sugar cookies are great in their most basic form, but their simple recipe also provides ample opportunity for customization. This recipe uses pumpkin! Get the recipe from Jen's Favorite Cookies here.
Eggnog Cookies(07 of92)
Eggnog isn’t just great for drinking — you can also use it to make cookies in both the batter and the icing. Get the recipe from I Heart Naptime here.
Cake Batter Fudge(08 of92)
Not only is this fudge festive, but it can even be made in the microwave, cutting down on your baking time. Get the recipe from Cravings Of A Lunatic here.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies(09 of92)
You’d never guess these decadent-looking cookies were made without butter or eggs. Get the recipe from Shape Magazine here.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread(10 of92)
Gingerbread people are a holiday classic, and so much fun to decorate. This recipe ensures even the gluten intolerant can get in on the fun. Get the recipe from Simply Gluten Free here. (credit:Simply Gluten Free)
Snickerdoodles(11 of92)
This cookie is a classic for a reason: soft and buttery with a cinnamon coating, it’s got a flavour that nearly everyone can agree on. Get the recipe from Averie Cooks here.
Almond-Flour Sugar Cookies(12 of92)
These are Christmas cookies for paleo devotees. These sugar cookies, made with almond flour, are also gluten-free. Get the recipe from Meaningful Eats here.
Chocolate Dipped Pecan Shortbread Cookies(13 of92)
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies(14 of92)
Chocolate-Drizzled Oatmeal Shortbread Cookies(18 of92)
Parmesan, Rosemary and Thyme Shortbread Cookies(19 of92)
Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies(20 of92)
Salted Chocolate Shortbread Cookies(23 of92)
Chocolate-Dunked Pistachio Shortbread Cookies(24 of92)
Rosemary Cranberry Shortbread Cookies(25 of92)
Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies(26 of92)
Coconut Shortbread Snowflake Cookies(30 of92)
Gluten Free Whipped Shortbread Cookies(31 of92)
Salted Caramel Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies(32 of92)
Strawberry And Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies(37 of92)
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies(39 of92)
Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seed Oatmeal Cookies(40 of92)
Star Cookies(53 of92)
Sometimes, you just need to start with the basics. These star cookies are made with cinnamon, honey and baking soda. Get the recipe from elana's pantry here.
Cake Batter Sugar Cookies(54 of92)
Another basic recipe, these cookies taste like cake! Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction here.
Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe(55 of92)
Let your kids experiment with their own tree ornaments with candies and chocolates! Get the recipe from Joy Of Baking here.
Pink Pinwheel Sugar Cookies(56 of92)
Aren't these fun? These pinwheel cookies can be made with any colour of your choice. Get the recipe from Just A Taste here.
Almond Flour Frosted Sugar Cookies(57 of92)
This grain-free cookies are made with raw honey, coconut oil and almond flour. Get the recipe from Detoxinista here.
Spelt Sugar Cookies(58 of92)
Celebrate Hanukkah festivities with these fun decorate-them-yourself spelt cookies. Get the recipe from Out to Lunch Creations here.
Sugar Christmas Snow Cookies(59 of92)
Fun tip for this one: you can even add vodka to the icing! Get the recipe from Leite's Culinaria here.
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas(60 of92)
Add a layer of fresh fruit with your sugar cookies with this simple recipe. Get the recipe from Taste of Home here.
Egg-less Sugar Cookie(61 of92)
Vegan? No worries. This simple recipe is made with baking powder. Get the recipe from Novice Housewife here.
Peppermint Sugar Cookie Dough Bark(62 of92)
Get extra fancy this season with your cookie recipes by making this sugar cookie dough bark. Get the recipe from Crazy for Crust here.
Soft Batch Iced Pumpkin Sugar Cookies(63 of92)
Who says pumpkin season has to end in October? These soft cookies go perfectly with a warm latte. Get the recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe here.
Sweet Lemon Sugar Cookies(64 of92)
These delectable cookies are topped with a creamy lemon buttercream frosting. Get the recipe from Flourishing Foodie here.
Soft Peanut Butter Chip Sugar Cookies(65 of92)
Sprinkles? Yes. Peanut butter frosting? Yes. Get the recipe from Averie Cooks here.
Cappuccino Chocolate Chip Brown Sugar Cookies(66 of92)
These sugar cookies (that actually don't look like sugar cookies) are made with cappuccino and chocolate chips. Get the recipe from Baking Bites here.
Sugar Cookies Snowflakes(67 of92)
These classic snowflake sugar cookies are topped with a royal blue icing. Get the recipe from Serious Eats here.
White Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bar(68 of92)
Why just have sugar cookies when you can have a whole BAR? Get the recipe from Lovely Little Kitchen here.
Dark Chocolate Quinoa Sugar Cookies(69 of92)
This gluten-free cookie option is made with raw sugar, red or white quinoa and organic cocoa. Get the recipe from The Homestead Lady here.
Mint Chip Sugar Cookies(70 of92)
This recipe is made with cream of tartar and peppermint extract. Get the recipe from Little Dairy On The Prairie here.
Caramel-Filled Chocolate Sugar Cookies(71 of92)
If we can have a cookie filled with another delicious ingredient, we will take it. Get the recipe from Crunchy Creamy Sweet here.
Sugar Cooke Presents(72 of92)
How adorable are these tiny little present cookies? Yes, you may need someone to make a pretty bow for you. Get the recipe from Land Lakes here.
Chewy Chocolate Chips Cookies(73 of92)
Start with the basic chocolate chip cookie recipe and spoil yourself with a glass of milk. Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything here.
Chocolate Chip Cookies With Coconut Oil(74 of92)
This recipe is butter-free and made with light brown sugar. Get the recipe from Averie Cooks here.
Mint Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies(75 of92)
Instead of chocolate chips, use mint chips! Get the recipe from Joyful Healthy Eats here.
Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies(76 of92)
These soft cookies are made with rolled oats and toasted walnuts. Get the recipe from Butter Baking here.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies(77 of92)
Why you'll love this recipe? It only has four ingredients. Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven here.
Marshmallow-Stuffed S'mores Cookies(78 of92)
For those days when you can't make s'mores over a campfire. Get the recipe from Veggie and the Beast here.
Chocolate Chip Skor Toffee Cookie Bars(79 of92)
Cookies made with a chocolate bar? Yes, please! Get the recipe from The Black Peppercorn here.
Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies(80 of92)
We love the use of a breakfast cereal for this recipe. Get the recipe from Averie Cooks here.
Espresso Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies(81 of92)
For those of you who love your morning cup of coffee, check out these brownie cookies. Get the full recipe from Just A Taste here.
Macadamia Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies(82 of92)
Not only do we like these cute round shapes, we're also fans of the almond flour. Get the recipe from Civilized Caveman Cooking here.
Coconut Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies(83 of92)
These cookies are made with coconut flour and coconut oil — and yes, these are grain-free. Get the recipe from The Detoxinista here.
Flourless Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies(84 of92)
These little mountains of cookies are made with cashew butter and ground vanilla beans. Get the recipe from My Whole Food Life here.
Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies(85 of92)
The perfect time to eat pumpkin (yeah, screw you winter!), these cookies are made with pumpkin puree. Get the recipe from two peas & their pod here.
Double Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies(86 of92)
JUST LOOK AT THAT MIDDLE! No, seriously, so much chocolate. Get the recipe from Living Better Together here.
Mexican Chocolate Cookies(87 of92)
Need a spicy kick? Try these Mexican chocolate cookies. Get the recipe from Gen Foodie here.
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies(88 of92)
Besides being a scrumptious treat for your holiday party, we can't get over the use of caramel. Get the recipe from Nestle here.
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Mini M&M’s(89 of92)
Another one made with coconut oil, this recipe uses M&M's. Get the recipe from Seeded at the Table here.
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies(90 of92)
We couldn't make a chocolate chip cookie list and forget bananas! Get the recipe Sugary Winzy here.
Red Velvet Double Chocolate Chip Cookies(91 of92)
These cookies use both white and chocolate chips. Get the recipe from The Marvelous Misadventures of a Foodie here.
Orange Chocolate Cookies(92 of92)
Add a citrus twist to your chocolate chip cookie with this recipe. Get the recipe from Kitchen Mason here.