Related: find free printables to make your own invitations, place cards, or print out recipes in 3x5 card size to include with your cookies that you bring to exchange.
Visit Teas2dine4.com's long page of "printables" online.
also see the online Templates  resources page for more  printables

It's a Good Thing!!
Cookie Swap Party at MarthaStewart.com
Cookie Swap and More Information

How to Host a Cookie Exchange Party
http://www.allrecipes.com/cb/w2m/seaspec/christmas/party/default.asp
Note: above is a link to the "archived" version of this page from the Wayback Machine
This excerpt quoted from web site:

Do you love setting the table with a huge assortment of cookies but can't stand the thought of spending several days baking? Then a cookie exchange party is the perfect party for you! It makes it possible for everyone who participates to take home a gigantic assortment of homemade cookies without putting a lot of work into it. Interested? It's simple to organize and throw your own party -- we'll walk you through the basics by giving you a handy party-planning checklist and sample invitation, by doling out advice on ways to make the party extra-special, and by loading you up with plenty of Christmas cookie recipes. 
The Basics
Invite a group of your favorite cookie-loving friends over and ask them each to bring a big batch of cookies (estimate 1 dozen multiplied by the total number of guests), a stack of recipe cards for the cookies they'll bring and containers to take cookies home with them. After a period of chatting and snacking, the cookie exchange can commence with all of the cookies organized buffet-style on a table and with everyone gathered around, merrily swapping cookies into their containers.
To learn exactly how to throw a Cookie Exchange Party,
read our How To Host A Cookie Exchange Party timeline.

Invitation Tip: Make sure that your guests understand that the cookies they'll bring must be homemade and easily transportable, as the cookies will most likely be combined with a lot of other cookies and will need to hold their form well. 

Take a look at our Sample Cookie Exchange Party Invitation for suggestions on the best ways to explain the rules of the cookie exchange party. 

Variety is the Spice of Life
You can alter your cookie exchange party a variety of ways to make it extra special. We recommend three favorite ways: 

Extend Your Circle of Sharing: Add another aspect of giving to your party by asking guests to bring an unopened package of store-bought cookies or canned food. You can then collect the packaged food and bring them to a homeless or women's shelter. 

Share Cookie Stories: During the actual cookie-swap segment of the party, ask each guest to tell a story about their cookie. It could be a story about the cookie's origin, where the cook learned the recipe or how the particular batch of cookies was made. Story time can be a really fun addition to the party; if you do this, be sure to allot time for it in your party timeline! 

Create Cookie Recipe Booklets: Our final favorite bit of variety you can consider is to ask your guest to mail (or e-mail) their cookie recipe to you. Collect the recipes, print them out onto cards or sheets of paper and put them together to make a booklet of recipes for everyone to take home with them. 
Christmas Cookie Recipes Galore! There is a wide array of cookie possibilities for most cookie exchange parties, but there is an especially wide selection of cookies when it's Christmas time! 

> Belgian Christmas Cookies
> Butter Snow Flakes
> Caramel Filled Chocolate Cookies
> Chocolate Orange Cookies
> Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Happy Exchanging,
The Staff at Allrecipes 
This article was written by Tammy Weisberger, an Allrecipes staff writer. 

Excerpt quoted from website : http://baking.about.com/od/cookies/a/hostingexchange.htm
Suggestions for Hosting a Cookie Exchange
A cookie exchange is where several people get together and exchange dozens of cookies. Cookie exchanges are perfect for this time of year. What a wonderful way to be able to offer your holiday house guests several different types of cookies when you only have to bake one type.
Find all the information here:
http://baking.about.com/od/cookies/a/hostingexchange.htm

Holiday Cookie Exchange : How to Do It
http://www.party411.com/christmas-cookieexchanges.html

How to Hold a Cookie Exchange
http://www.chefs.com/Features/Standard/120/feature.aspx

Cookie Exchange
http://www.heb.com/mealtime/celeb-bakingExchange.jsp

How to Have a Successful Cookie Exchange or Cookie Swap
http://www.cookieclubrecipes.com/cookieexchangeswap.htm
by Michelle Jones
also
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Cookie/CookieExchange.htm

Throw a Holiday Cookie Swap
http://parenting.ivillage.com/mom/kitchen/0,,7g80,00.html

Cookies 101 Swap Party
http://www.baking911.com/cookies/101_cookieswap.htm

Have an Office Cookie Exchange for Holiday Fun
http://www.best-interview-strategies.com/cookie-article.html
Find lots of Cookie Recipes
http://www.cookie-crazy.com/

TASTY TREATS: A Delicious Exchange
Cookie recipes from R-J readers offer delightful baking ideas for the holidays
By HEIDI KNAPP RINELLA 
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Dec-15-Wed-2004/living/25454244.html

Cookie Exchanges - Recipes & Tips
http://mylist.net/archives/christmas-cookies/Week-of-Mon-20031117/000012.html
 
 

Cookie Exchange Menu Ideas
http://organizedchristmas.com/ftopic-1127-0.html

Online article:
SMART COOKIES/ Who has time to bake 10 varieties of holiday treats?
Gazette, The (Colorado Springs),  Nov 27, 2002  by TERESA J. FARNEY

TimeLine
http://www.allrecipes.com/cb/w2m/seaspec/christmas/timeline/default.asp

  6 Weeks Before the Party
 Decide on a date for the party.
 Send out invitations. Take a look at our Cookie Exchange Party Invitation. Feel free to print out and use this invitation for your party!
 

1 Month Before the Party
 Call your friends to collect RSVP's if they have not yet responded.
 Make sure no one is making duplicate cookie recipes -- 20 dozen chocolate chip cookies does not make for pleasant variety.
 Decide on treats and drinks to serve at the party, and if you wish, ask friends to bring some of the appetizers and drinks.
 

3 Days Before the Party
 Bake your cookies and store them in an airtight container or freeze them. Alert your guests to the fact that they will need to defrost the cookies before serving them. 
 Begin decorating the house.
 Gather any tablecloth, napkins or tableware necessary for the party.
 Begin making appetizers that freeze or store well. 
 Select background music that you would like to have playing during the party.
 Write out a time schedule for the party to make sure you leave enough room after initial socializing before the exchange. 

1 Day Before the Party
 Finish making appetizers and drinks. 
 Arrange furniture for the party. 
 Set up the cookie-buffet table; it should hold a large variety of cookies 
 and be accessible by more than one person at a time.

The Day of the Party
 Arrange food and drinks.
 Fix up any last-minute decorations. 
 Pull out your party timeline, put on some festive attire and get ready to PARTY! 

Happy Exchanging,
The Staff at Allrecipes 

This article was written by Tammy Weisberger, an Allrecipes staff writer. 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Copyright 2001 Allrecipes.com 

Copy and paste into a word processing program, Use a creative font, and maybe some clipart,
and print out onto your own card paper:
Replace the when, where, attire, and phone information with your own details.

You Are Invited To A Tea & Cookie Exchange Party!

When: 
Where: 
Theme:  Cookies  & Tea
Attire: Festive! Dress comfortably and in theme.

The Details:
A cookie exchange is no ordinary party! No one arrives or leaves a cookie exchange party empty handed. For this special occasion, you must bring an assortment of things: 

6-Dozen Home-Baked Cookies: Yes, you read that correctly! Everyone in attendance will bring 6-dozen cookies (baked with the theme in mind) and there will be a swap so that everyone leaves with a large assortment of cookies to bring home to their family. Bring cookies that will hold their shape well. That means: NO soft icings because they are likely to get smooshed in transit. 
Recipe Cards: Make enough copies of your cookie recipe to give everyone in attendance a copy. 
Please bring at least 10 copies. 
Containers: Bring containers to carry your collection of cookies home with you. 
We suggest airtight, freezable containers. 
A Fancy Arrangement: Please bring a decorative basket or container to display
a portion of your cookies on the cookie table. 
Please RSVP! Let me know what type of cookie you will be bringing.
I would like to ensure that there are a wide variety of cookies baked, 
so have more than one idea for the cookie you would like to bake, 
in case someone has already chosen your first choice. 

Phone me at _____________________________________________________________. 
or
Email me at______________________________________________________________________.

Happy Baking! 

Download  a printable Cookie Recipe Invitation from Saran.ca
http://www.saran.ca/cookie_exchange/

• http://www.knoxvilletennessee.com/christmas/recipes/cookieswap.html
• http://recipebox.net/holiday/cookiexchange.htm

  ---

  Below is an example of copying and pasting wording onto an image and 
  creating a printable invitation.
  I used  Microsoft's PictureIt software to create this.
  *this image is reduced for posting on webpage*
  

to top of page

Cookie Exchange Ideas, Recipes & More

Excerpts quoted from individual websites:

 Christmas Celebrations | Cookie Exchange Tea
This dainty spread will serve up to twelve cookie bakers
http://www.cookingvillage.com

Secrets To Making Perfect Cookies
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Cookie/CookieTips.htm

Reason to Party
http://www.reasontoparty.com/christmasideas.htm
Host a "Cookie Exchange" Party…a wonderful way to make light work of holiday baking, and to enjoy the company of close friends. Send out an invitation requesting that each guest bring a specified number of a favorite holiday cookie recipe. Generally, you will have each guest bring enough cookies to share three with each other guest. For example, if you are expecting 12 guests, ask each to bring 36 cookies. The cookies will then be divided amongst all the guests, and each guest will go home with 12 different varieties of cookies. A lovely platter to set out for holiday entertaining! You may also want to have guests bring their recipe to share with the group. To put guests in cookie baking mode, send a creative invite. Attach a computer or hand generated tag to a metal or plastic holiday shaped cookie cutter with a piece of satin or curling ribbon. "Please "cutout" December 14th on your calendar…You're invited to a Cookie Exchange!" In addition to exchanging cookies, you could serve a light meal or dessert, and you could also add a book or ornament exchange to the party.

Take time out of your hectic holiday season this year to host a fun cookie exchange! 
Virtual Cookie Exchange Party
You know them from message boards and email lists. Maybe they're old friends and distant family -- and now the Internet is your main means of communication. These people are special to you, and, across the miles, you want to celebrate the holidays together. How can you do it? Throw a cookie exchange party! 
http://chefmom.com/holidaymenus/cookieexchange.htm

Excerpt from website information linked above for CyberExchange
Here's a sample invitation to join the exchange: Copy and paste into an email message.
For printing:
**Copy and paste onto your own paper or cards using various software programs that you may have on your computer** 
Find links to printable resources, including "Free Fonts" on my Online Printables page.

Snickerdoodles, oatmeal and lemon crisp
Pfeffernuesse, gingerbread and chocolate chip
Cookies will come from across the miles
Sent to you to bring you smiles 
Although you're all friends who are not so near
We all, in our hearts, hold each other dear
Together we will enjoy some tasty treats
And spend our holidays with these to eat 

Russian hats, shortbread, molasses, too
Gingerbread, spritz - make them all for you
Someone who you know by an email address
Will wish you happy holidays and send you her best! 

If you'd like to exchange cookies you bake
Write me back and tell me what you'll make
Then in the mail you soon will get
Boxes of cookies from friends you haven't met! 

Ideas and Recipes for a Christmas Cookie Exchange
http://www.herbaltreas.com/ChristmasCookieExchangeRecipes.html

Katrinas Cookie Swap
http://www.hometown.aol.com/katscookieswap/index.html

Cookie Exchange definition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cookie_exchange

Comfy Country Creations
Excerpt quoted from website
Cookie Exchange
Cookie exchanges are the best way to get a variety of baked goods and new recipes
with the least amount of work and expense. It is an activity that can take place any time of the year. Imagine what it would be like to have a selection of cookies and squares to fill lunch boxes, 
entertain, take to the cottage or have on hand when company drops in unexpectedly. 
http://www.comfycountrycreations.com/cookieexchange.htm

Extravagant Holiday Cookie Exchange
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art6735.asp
Related - BellaOnline has link to a Childrens Tea Party idea and recipes

Spring Cookie Exchange Party
http://www.cakeworkscentral.com/cookies/party/spring-cookie-exchange.htm

Print Cookie tags  *PDF file link
http://www.hp.com/united-states/homefun/holidays.html

Purchase this Kit online
Cookbookin™ Cookie Exchange Kit
http://www.anniesattic.com/crafts/detail.html?prod_id=17645

Chef2Chef
Excerpt quoted from website
Cookie Exchanges
Seem to work best when you have a dozen people involved... 
Have some coffee or tea, enjoy a piece of cake, and then swap and share cookies and recipes!
Find the following recipes on the site page:
Lemon Crunch Cake
Chocolate Chip Coffeecake
Cherry-Coconut Bars
Cranberry Rugelach
Spumoni Biscotti
Egg Nog Thumbprints
http://marketplace.chef2chef.net/season/cookie-exchange.htm

Neighborhood Cookie Swap
http://www.knoxvilletennessee.com/christmas/recipes/cookieswap.html

Christmas Cookie Swap
http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/holidays/cookieswap.html

Holiday Cookie Exchange
By Lynne Valeriote 
http://www.foodtv.ca/feature/ontheburner/article2_2002_12_02.asp
With recipes to:
· Prize Winning Shortbread
· Belgian Biscuits 
· Bourbon Balls with Maple and Pecans 
· Pfeffernüesse Cookies
· Cranberry Amaretto Almond Bars
· Nacotoli (Braided Italian Cookies)

Mens Cookie Exchange
http://www.halcyon.com/arborhts/pics/cookies/

Ladies Home Journal - Holiday Cookie Exchange
Take time out of your hectic holiday season this year to host a fun cookie exchange!
http://www.lhj.com

Wilton - Cookie Exchange - recipes
http://www.wilton.com/recipes/recipesandprojects/Xmas/cookiex.cfm

Top 10 Holiday Baking Tips
By Anna Olson Pastry Chef and Host of Sugar
http://www.foodtv.ca/feature/ontheburner/article15_2002_12_02.asp

Related Holiday menu item
Making Eggnog Trifle with Anna Olson
By Lynne Valeriote 

Clever and Frugal Holiday Party Gatherings
To Help Each Other…
http://www.thepartyworks.com/holiday/christmas/frugalgifts-gatherings.htm

A welcome exchange
Friends come bearing cookies for a relaxed party — and sweet holiday supplies for all
http://www.sunset.com/sunset/Premium/Food/2002/12-Dec/CookieExchange1202/CookieExchange12021.html

Holiday Cookie Party
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/at_home/article/0,1801,HGTV_3221_1383467,00.html

Have a Holiday Cookie Exchange
Recipes and Tips
http://busycooks.about.com/library/weekly/aa111302a.htm
Related:
A Christmas Tree Decorating Party
Part 3: The Cookie Recipes
http://entertaining.about.com/library/weekly/aa120699c.htm

Episode 502: That's my Cookie! 
Cookie Exchange Party
http://www.savoirfaire.ca/episode_archive/5_tips_2.1.html

The Thirteenth Dozen
Suggestions for Hosting a Cookie Exchange 
http://baking.about.com/library/weekly/aa113097.htm

Cookie Exchange / Holiday Party
http://www.partydirectory.com/guide/theme021.htm

Cookie Exchange Party
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/4679/85011

Cookie Exchange Parties - A New Holiday Tradition!
http://www.craftideas.com/craftArticle/263

Holiday Cookie Exchange
How to Do It
http://www.party411.com/christmas-cookieexchanges.html

Cookie Exchange Memories
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/cookie-exchange.html

A CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE
http://www.msc.edu.ph/wired/christmas3.html
 

iVillage Holidays and Parties
Cookie Exchange Ideas
http://pages.ivillage.com/holiday_recipes/holidaysandparties/id46.html

Cookie Party Ideas Message Board
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/entertain/msg1107271428647.html

Have a Cookie Party 
http://bbaskets.topcities.com/ckprty.html

Recipes & Ideas
http://www.christmasmagazine.com/english/entertaining/recipes.asp

Land O' Lakes - Making Ahead
Cookies are in high demand during the holidays. Be prepared with these five delicious make-ahead favorites. This collection is ideal when you want home-baked cookies anytime. Freezing is also a great way to have quantities of homemade cookies for cookie exchanges or large parties.
http://www.landolakes.com/holiday2003/MakingAhead.cfm
Includes links to several recipes, but this is one of my favorites!
BEST EVER CINNAMON SPICE BUTTER COOKIES
 

Teachers.Net Lesson 
Cookie Exchange idea before the holiday break
http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/170.html

Diabetics can join in on the fun as well, Please be sure to find out if there will be any individuals attending your party exchange who may have food allergies, etc.
Be sure to include "recipe cards" in front of each plate of different cookies, so that guests can glance at ingredients, and check that they don't  or do, include something they might be sensitive or allergic too.
Make a Sweet Connection With Holiday Cookies
Diabetic-friendly cookie recipes for an old-fashioned holiday cookie swap
http://diabetes.about.com/library/blfoodforthought/ucTScookieexchange1102.htm
More: Diabetic Cookie Recipes
http://www.diabetessymptom.net/news/news_item.cfm?NewsID=67
Related:
Recipes for Children with Diabetes:Cookies
http://www.penpages.psu.edu/penpages_reference/12101/12101195.HTML
 
 

Join Nestle's "Very Best Baking" team (for free) and find all kinds of useful tips, recipes,
contests and more:
http://www.verybestbaking.com
They have wonderful cookie recipes of course, and a section on Cookie Exchanges

Party ideas from Debbie Mumm
https://www.debbiemumm.com/ctc/oct02/ctc.asp#partyideas
Project Party Ideas 
Progressive Craft Party 
Organize your neighborhood for this fun project party. Make an ornament at one house; move on to another house to decorate a gift bag. At a third house, make your own wrapping paper. Collapse in front of a fireplace with a mug of warm spiced cider at the last house! 

Holiday Stitch Fest
Invite your quilting friends in for an afternoon of Christmas music and refreshments. Have them bring their quilts-in-progress to stitch in the company of friends. 
 

Crafty Kids
Have a kids’ craft afternoon to make simple gifts and ornaments such as pinecone ornaments and twig stars. Look for some great ideas for easy crafts for kids in our November craft project of the month. 
 

Finishing Party
This will be the last get-together before Christmas to finish up your projects. It can be a “Quilt Till You Wilt” party that lasts until midnight or until everyone’s projects are done! 
 

Wrapping Party
Invite a few friends to bring paper, ribbons, trimmings, and their presents, of course, for a Christmas wrapping party. Clear off some large tables so you have plenty of space to work, put on Christmas music, set out a plate of cookies, and then have a ball visiting and wrapping. If you share supplies, then everyone will have a much bigger variety of papers and ribbons for their presents. 
 

Cookie Exchange
Arrange with your friends for a cookie exchange party. Each person makes enough of one variety of cookies to give each participant one dozen. So if six people participate, each person will go home with a dozen of six different cookies. Put out a piping hot pot of tea, arrange a few samples of the cookies on a plate, and enjoy the company of your friends knowing that your baking is already done! 

Christmas Cooking Basics Index
http://www.christmasrecipe.com/hints/list.asp

Doughmakers
Cookie Clinic--Tips for Cookie Monsters
by Marcy Goldman
http://www.doughmakers.com/cookieclinic.asp

CookieWishes.com
http://www.cookiewishes.com/home.htm

The Cookie Jar
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/471.asp

BetterBaking.com - Cookie recipes
http://www.betterbaking.com/recipeCategory.php?category_id=7

Recipes & Party Planning
http://home.attbi.com/~rick1449/XmasLinks.html

Visit Old Fashioned Holidays, for recipes, craft ideas and more
http://oldfashionedliving.com/holidays/main.html

Chef Mom.com
http://www.chefmom.com/

FabulousFoods.com
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/

Practical Kitchen.com
http://www.practicalkitchen.com/

Ginger Snap Cookies & Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar
by All Homemade Cookies
If you like gingerbread, here are two different recipes for you to try. One is a ginger snap cookie recipe, and the other is a gingerbread cookie mix in a jar. The recipe in a jar makes a great gift, and not just for Christmas. You can use these for wedding favors, hostess gifts, baby showers or for cookie exchanges.
http://www.allhomemadecookies.com/recipes/cutout/gingersnapcookies.htm

Creations by Christine 
Recipe Cards, Gift Basket Ideas 
and  More!!
http://www.geocities.com/recipe_cards/recipecards.html

Online Printables page