Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe for Cookie Exchanges (2024)

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I love Christmas Cookies and Cookie Exchanges around the holidays are one of my very favorite Christmas traditions. Here are loads and loads of awesome Cookie Exchange Recipes!

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe for Cookie Exchanges (1)

I love cookies year around but I love how much baking goes on this time of year so I’m so excited to join up with a bunch of other bloggers for an awesome virtual Great Cookie Exchange.

What is a Cookie Exchange?

I hadn’t gone to a cookie exchange until a couple of years ago and I think they are just brilliant. If you’ve never been to one its a super fun way to get a variety of cookies without having to whip up batches and batches of cookies. How it works is the host invites a bunch of friends. Each attendee brings a few dozen cookies, sometimes the printed out recipe and then a box to bring your cookies home in.

The exchange which can be a quick and dirty gathering, or a more drawn out party with your favorite party foods or even a tasty soup and fresh bread diner. When guests arrive everyone sets their cookies out. But these aren’t for eating at the party.

When directed by the host everyone goes around and adds a few of each cookies to their take home container. This allowed everyone to go home from the cookie exchange party with a box full of different sorts of cookies. It is a blast!

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe for Cookie Exchanges (2)

Tons of Cookie Exchange Recipes

Even if you won’t be attending or hosting a cookie exchange this year hear are loads of delicious cookie recipes that you can make. My favorite tip for when you want a variety of holiday cookies without all the work is to save dough throughout the year.

For example, I love to make Halloween cookie gingerbread skeleton. But I don’t really need dozens of gingerbread cookies at Halloween so I’ll save some of the dough in the freezer and use it for Christmas gingerbreads when it’s time.

Most cookie dough can be frozen and used like this!
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe for Cookie Exchanges (3)

It is so fun to find new recipes and trade and swap a few batches of one kind for a great assortment of different delicacies!

Here are 40+ delicious cookie exchange recipes so you can find the perfect cookie to take to the party this holiday season! Scroll down to get links to each of the recipes!

Christmas Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

Before I get to all the recipes here is my cookie contribution to the virtual cookie exchange. These easy Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are so festive and are a great make ahead option.

I just love the sprinkle detail on the side. They are fun and festive and perfect for making with the little ones!

Ingredients for Thumbprint Cookies

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • Christmas non-perils
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup

How to Make Thumbprint Cookies

There’s some refrigeration time for these beauties so make sure to plan ahead. You could even do some them spread over a few days. Just make sure to allow some time for the dough to soften a bit if you do.

  1. Mix flour, baking soda and cream of tartar in a small mixing bow.
  2. Cream sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, almond extract together.
  3. Add dry ingredients and mix well.
  4. Divide dough into two logs between wax paper; refrigerate at least 1-2 hours. Slice dough into disks roll in Christmas sprinkles. Press your thumb to form an indention in the middle of each.
  5. Bake at 375 F for 7-8 minutes. Allow to cool.
  6. Microwave the chocolate and corn syrup for 30 seconds and stir. Zap for an additional 10 seconds and stir. Repeat until the chocolate is 80% melted and finish by stirring to melt completely.
  7. Spoon a generous amount of chocolate mixture in and allow to cool and set.

Don’t forget about all the other awesome cookies and be sure to follow along on the Cookie Exchange Pinterest board for year round cookie recipe inspirations!Follow Reasons To Skip The Housework’s board The Cookie Exchange on Pinterest.


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So many creative recipes right!? I’m a sucker for cookies year around. In fact they are one of my treats of choice!

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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe for Cookie Exchanges (2024)

FAQs

How many cookies should you bring to a cookie exchange? ›

A good rule to follow is for every guest to bake a half dozen cookies per each attendee. So, if 10 people attend, each guest would bring five dozen cookies to share. We've put together a chart to help you figure out just how many cookies to ask your guests to make.

How to do a cookie exchange with a large group? ›

Cookie Exchange Rules
  1. All cookies should be homemade.
  2. Please bring at least 2 dozen cookies (or more if you'd like!).
  3. Print out copies of the recipe to share.
  4. Arrange cookies in a basket or platter (be creative!).
  5. Bring a large container to carry away your cookies.
  6. Christmas attire is encouraged.

How do you transport thumbprint cookies? ›

Stuff the tin or container with tissue paper (here's a festive option!), crumbled newspaper, or packing peanuts to keep the cookies snug. Place the tin or container into a shipping box and use more crumbled newspaper or other shipping materials if needed. Then send off!

How do you package homemade cookies for gifts? ›

Just place a few cookies in the center of a square sheet of a festive red or green cellophane, bunch it up at the top, and tie it together with a ribbon—and that's it. If you wanted to add some stickers to give it an extra flare you can, but the splash of color with the cellophane can definitely stand alone.

How is a cookie exchange done? ›

The idea is simple: Everyone brings a big batch of (hopefully homemade) cookies and distributes roughly 6 - 12 cookies each to the other attendees. So at the end of the event, you and your guests will each have your own delectable assortment.

What to serve at a cookie exchange? ›

I like to involve a savory element, like a simple crostini (or another hand-held appetizer) or a cheese board, as well as a drink (whether it's of the alcoholic variety or a festive hot cocoa). Plan where your cookies are going to go. Also plan how all these cookies will make it home after the swap is over.

How do I run a successful cookie exchange? ›

Tips for a Cookie Exchange
  1. Have 8-12 people participate. You get a great selection of cookies that everyone can try and plenty for your guests to take home to share with their families. ...
  2. Timing matters. ...
  3. Be mindful of allergies. ...
  4. Prepare for extra guests. ...
  5. Consider donating cookies to charity.
Sep 14, 2023

What is the ideal number for a cookie exchange? ›

Christmas cookie swap parties usually work best with groups of 8-12 guests. You'll want to keep your guest list modest so it's easier to keep track of who's bringing what. Think of all the bakers, foodies, and festive friends in your group when creating your guest list.

How to decorate for a cookie exchange? ›

The good news about decorating for your cookie exchange is that you can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. The main décor is being brought by guests…the cookies! Set up tables that give ample room for people to walk arounds. Decorate with a festive tablecloth that fits the season of your party.

How many cookies per person for a cookie tray? ›

When you have a solid idea of your RSVP count, we suggest 6 – 8 cookies per person. In other words, if you are expecting 100 guests, 100 x 6 is 600, divided by 12 is 50 dozen cookies. More than that is fine, but make sure you save your transport containers as you may be taking some home.

How do you organize a bake exchange? ›

Whether you're hosting or attending a holiday cookie swap, here's a step-by-step checklist for hosting a cookie exchange.
  1. Get organized. Set a date for your swap party—aim for two to three weeks before the holiday rush. ...
  2. Think about quantity. ...
  3. Don't forget the packaging. ...
  4. Keep parchment paper handy. ...
  5. Have fun.
Nov 1, 2023

How do you keep thumbprint cookies fresh? ›

Store your baked thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. There's no need to refrigerate. These cookies will keep for at least a week before starting to dry out and get crumbly.

How do you keep thumbprint cookies from sticking together? ›

You can also separate each layer of cookies with wax paper (something we do in our packaging) to keep them from sticking together and falling apart.

Why do my thumbprint cookies spread? ›

Mixing Butter & Sugar

If your butter is under mixed, it won't have the air pockets to hold it's shape. If it's over-mixed, the air pockets decrease in size and are unable to hold their shape in the oven—causing your cookies to spread. It's best to cream butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes.

How do you package cookies for resale? ›

Line the bottom of a durable, rigid box or cookie tin with cushioning material (like some crumpled parchment), then place larger and heavier cookies on the bottom, and smaller cookies on top. You can also add a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between each cookie for additional protection.

How do you arrange a cookie swap? ›

Tips for hosting a fun cookie swap party
  1. Create your guest list. ...
  2. Make the rules. ...
  3. Decide on a theme. ...
  4. Send out the invites. ...
  5. Check RSVPs. ...
  6. Bake the cookies. ...
  7. Share the recipe. ...
  8. Prepare some snacks and drinks.
May 23, 2023

How do I package a cookie drop? ›

Use an airtight container for packing the cookies. Line the bottom of the container with a cushioning material, such as bubble wrap or Kraft paper. If shipping different types of cookies, stack bigger ones at the bottom, with smaller and lighter ones on top. Fill empty space with cushioning material.

How do you package cookies professionally? ›

Pack the tin or container in a heavy cardboard box that is large enough to allow two inches of cushion between the container and the box. Place a large amount of packing material–bubble wrap, shipping peanuts or popcorn–between the container and box. Seal the container with freezer, plastic or adhesive tape.

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