It is Christmas cookie exchange time! If you are looking for some simple yet delicious cookie ideas you have come to the right place. I’ve collected over 50 cookie exchange recipes for you to check out.
Welcome to the ultimate holiday culinary adventure – the Christmas cookie exchange!
It’s a world where the only currency is cookies, where every bite takes you on a journey of festive flavors, and where your kitchen becomes the epicenter of holiday cheer.
The holiday season is a whirlwind of tinsel and twinkle lights. While decking the halls and sleighing the gift-giving game are all part of the fun, we all know the real MVP of Christmas is the cookies.
But who says you have to spend endless hours in the kitchen making thumbprint recipes, missing out on all the mistletoe and merriment?
The magic solution? A cookie exchange! It’s like outsourcing your baking to a team of elves, but instead, it’s your friends and family.
The concept is simple yet genius: you bake a lot of one type of cookie, and in return, you get a smorgasbord of delectable treats. It’s a win-win: less time baking, more time for holiday shenanigans.
I’m diving headfirst into the internet cookie jar to bring you over 50 recipes perfect for your next cookie exchange.
And we’re not just talking about your grandma’s sugar cookies (though those are always a hit).
We’re expanding the cookie universe with bars, truffles, fudge, and other scrumptious surprises that’ll make Santa want to stick around for seconds.
Keep an eye out for unique cookie recipes that are quick and easy – because let’s be honest, sometimes the best treats are the ones that leave you more time for a cup of eggnog and a Hallmark movie marathon.
Ready to embark on a cookie exchange journey that’s as joyous as it is delicious? Scroll down and let’s get started!
From classic favorites to new twists, these cookie exchange recipes are your ticket to a holiday filled with sweetness and smiles.
And remember, it’s not just about the cookies; it’s about the memories you bake along the way. Happy Holidays!
(P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Christmas cupcakes for more festive inspiration!)
Cookies
1
Red Velvet Thumbprint
These red velvet thumbprints are so rich and fluffy with the perfect amount of creamy cheesecake filling. They are perfectly festive and delicious!
Get the Recipe
2
Peppermint Frosted Chocolate
Discover the joy of holiday baking with peppermint-frosted chocolate cookies. These are rich with extra soft centers and chewy edges.
Get the Recipe
3
Snickers
These irresistible Snickers cookies incorporate the perfect blend of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts in every bite. You'll love them!
Get the Recipe
4
Santa Cookies for Christmas
These Santa cookies are perfect for Christmas! Make these sugar cookies – that look like jolly St. Nick – for holiday gifting or parties.
Get the Recipe
5
Chocolate Thumbprint
Chocolate thumbprint cookies are a decadent dessert that is easy to make! They're soft and chewy with a rich chocolate ganache center.
Get the Recipe
6
Chocolate Chip Sandwich
Learn how to make the best ever chocolate chip sandwich cookies! This recipe features two cookies with a rich buttercream frosting center.
Get the Recipe
7
Buckeye Cookies
These buckeye cookies are inspired by the traditional Christmas candy! Topped with creamy peanut butter over a soft and chewy chocolate base.
Get the Recipe
8
Nutella Stuffed
Nutella stuffed cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with delicious hazelnut spread! Learn how to make this recipe for dessert, exchanges, or holiday gifting.
Get the Recipe
9
Heath Bar
If you love chocolate and toffee then you’ll love this Heath Bar cookie recipe. They’re sweet, soft, and you can't just eat one.
Get the Recipe
10
theoregondietitian.com
Vanilla Shortbread
This healthier shortbread cookie recipe has an optional glaze and makes a perfect holiday wreath! They're vegan, too.
Get the Recipe
11
Reese’s Pieces Chocolate
Get a delicious chocolate Reese's Pieces cookies recipe! These are great for exchanges or an everyday treat.
Get the Recipe
12
Apricot and Almond
Combine sweet fruit with crunchy almonds and rich dark chocolate – you have the perfect, decadent apricot cookies for year-round indulging! Makes 3 dozen.
Get the Recipe
13
Chocolate Mint Sandwich
This recipe for chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies is perfect for the holidays! These are easy to make, and everyone loves them.
Get the Recipe
14
Rolo Cookies (Five Ingredients)
Rolo cookies are quick, easy, and delicious! Follow this simple Rolo cookie recipe (only requires five ingredients) to make this incredibly tasty, chocolatey, and gooey dessert! Great for a bake sale or cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe
15
Bacon Chocolate Chip
Learn how to make the most delicious chocolate chip bacon cookies. This recipe is easy, and you're going to love the combination of sweet and salty!
Get the Recipe
16
www.justsotasty.com
Soft Gingerbread
These soft gingerbread cookies are a must for the holidays. They’re perfectly spiced with soft centers and the perfect gingerbread taste. The best gingerbread men I’ve ever tried!
Get the Recipe
17
Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
Learn how to make these peanut butter cookies with fudge in the middle! These are perfect for a Christmas cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe
18
eatlittlebird.com
Chocolate Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne)
Zimtsterne is a classic German cinnamon cookie. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of chocolate.
Get the Recipe
19
www.adishofdailylife.com
Cherry Pie
These pretty (and delicious!) shortbread style cherry pie cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or special occasions! Your guests will never guess how easy they are to make.
Get the Recipe
20
www.thereciperebel.com
No-Bake Christmas Tree
If kids want to get in on the Christmas cookie action, these are perfect for them! You'll love the no-bake aspect, and children can easily decorate too.
Get the Recipe
21
momsdish.com
Ferrero Rocher
A flaky crust surrounding a delicious Ferrero Rocher candy and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Only five ingredients needed!
Get the Recipe
22
sugarspunrun.com
Blizzard
Made with half a brick of cream cheese in addition to butter, these winter-sprinkle infused cookies studded with white chocolate chips are super soft cookies that belong in your yearly Christmas cookie rotation.
Get the Recipe
23
Ginger Molasses
Learn how to make this delicious, old-fashioned ginger molasses cookies recipe! These are so soft and tasty – you’ve never had a cookie like this before.
Get the Recipe
24
lemonsandzest.com
Peppermint Chocolate Chip
Chocolate chip cookies get the Christmas upgrade with candy canes and white chocolate! These will definitely be a hit amongst the other cookie exchange recipes.
Get the Recipe
25
Butterscotch with Popcorn
These buttered popcorn and butterscotch cookies are a unique twist on a tradition favorite! They are sweet, salty, chewy, and delicious – and the recipe is very easy to make.
Get the Recipe
26
www.veggiebalance.com
Vanilla Meringue
The easy to follow steps and tips provided make these four-ingredient cookies really simple to achieve! These cookies will melt in your mouth.
Get the Recipe
27
stateofdinner.com
Cardamom Shortbread with an Orange Glaze
Cardamom shortbread cookies boast an exotic warm flavor, balanced with a sweet, citrusy orange glaze. The cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Get the Recipe
28
madcreationshub.com
Almond Flour
Buttery soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, these four-ingredient, highly-rated cookies are sure to be a family favorite. Especially if you sandwich some chocolate spread between them!
Get the Recipe
29
waitingforblancmange.com
Chocolate Oatmeal
These chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies without peanut butter are a quick and easy twist on the classic. Six ingredients make this a super easy recipe for a Christmas cookie swap!
Get the Recipe
30
www.spendwithpennies.com
S’mores
This semi-homemade recipe will remind you of sitting by the campfire. With only 5 ingredients, you can make these in no time!
Get the Recipe
31
Shortbread Tea
Learn how to make delicious shortbread tea cookies using some basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. These tea biscuits are good with tea (of course), but also hot chocolate during the Christmas season.
Get the Recipe
32
kidgredients.com.au
Coconut Macaroons
These coconut macaroons are an old school Christmas cookie exchange recipe that everyone loves! Quick and easy to make and absolutely delicious, they will take you right back to your childhood. Light, fluffy and seriously yummy, you can make a batch of these in under 20 minutes. They are also freezer friendly.
Get the Recipe
33
www.frugalmomeh.com
Jell-O Cookies
Make these easy sugar cookies using red and green Jell-O for the holidays! Kids will love the bright colors and can help with the baking process.
Get the Recipe
Dessert Bars
34
Marshmallow Pretzel Bars with M&Ms
Looking for a delicious holiday treat you can make in just a few minutes? Try these M&M marshmallow pretzel bars! No baking required.
Get the Recipe
35
shesaved.com
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Six ingredients and no baking required! That means all of the kids can help. Side note: these are amazing topped with ice cream.
Get the Recipe
36
Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
This rice krispy treat recipe makes the cutest Christmas trees ever! Perfect for the holidays, tasty, and the whole family can join in to make them.
Get the Recipe
37
mariasmixingbowl.com
Holiday Marshmallow Bars
Marshmallow bars meet fudge in this incredible no-bake holiday treat. Soft and scrumptious, these are a favorite with everyone! These Christmas bars only have five ingredients.
Get the Recipe
38
thedizzycook.com
White Chocolate Cereal Bars
Your choice of cereal plus four more ingredients! These white chocolate bars are a great combination of sweet and crunchy, and perfect for a Christmas cookie exchange.
Get the Recipe
39
mytherapistcooks.com
Brown Butter Blondies
Brown butter gives these an almost caramel flavor that is perfect with the chocolate chips. Only seven ingredients needed.
Get the Recipe
Truffles
40
thefirstyearblog.com
Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls
This classic buckeye balls (peanut butter balls) recipe is a family favorite no bake treat to make during Christmas time! It's probably my number one favorite at Christmas cookie exchanges.
Get the Recipe
41
Beijinhos de Coco
Beijinhos are Brazilian coconut truffles that are incredibly easy to make – they only take 4 ingredients, and are amazingly sweet and delicious!
Get the Recipe
42
abakingjourney.com
Buttery Biscoff
No bake and only three ingredients required? Sign me up! If you are a fan of Biscoff cookies, you will love these truffles.
Get the Recipe
43
www.jaroflemons.com
Healthy Salted Caramel
This healthier truffle uses dates and honey for the sweetness and are topped with just a touch of salt.
Get the Recipe
44
Christmas Oreo Balls
Perfect for holiday treats, these Oreo xmas balls are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. You can make them same day for the holidays.
Get the Recipe
Fudge
45
Candy Cane
If you want an easy fudge recipe for a cookie exchange, try this delicious candy cane version! You can use the same base and customize with other ingredients to make it your own.
Get the Recipe
46
recipepocket.com
Tiger Butter
Quick and simple tiger butter fudge is made with only three ingredients! Made using the microwave oven this is one of the easiest fudge recipes you will ever make. It looks pretty, tastes delicious and is creamy smooth too.
Get the Recipe
47
ohsosweetoketo.com
Chocolate Mint
Use green food coloring and call these 'Grinch Fudge' for the holidays. This 2-layer fudge has a chocolate base and a mint top layer. Best part? This is a no-sugar added recipe!
Get the Recipe
Treats
48
Christmas Crack
This saltine cracker toffee is the ultimate Christmas dessert! Everyone loves this recipe and it's very easy to make. It's addicting – that's why they call it "Christmas crack!"
Get the Recipe
49
inthekitch.net
Cuban Lunch Squares
This is a copycat recipe of an old favorite candy in western Canada. It is the perfect blend of dark chocolate and peanuts.
Get the Recipe
50
Rolo Pretzels
Rolo pretzels are easy to make! Although these Rolo turtles have a Valentines twist, you could dip them in white chocolate and add red and green sprinkle touches for Christmas.
Get the Recipe
51
Bella Bucchiotti
Cranberry & Pistachio Bark
Cranberry and pistachio white chocolate bark is so festive and it’s perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges! It’s like almond bark but with pistachios rather than almonds. This easy holiday treat recipe is so simple to make and if you are like me, a fan of white chocolate, cranberry and pistachio, you’ll love it.
Get the Recipe
52
chefnotrequired.com
Chocolate Hedgehog Slice
This is a fast, simple, no-bake recipe that everyone will enjoy! Only six ingredients needed. It's very easy to slice and perfect for handing out during exchanges.
Get the Recipe
What cookie exchange recipe will you be making this year? Did I leave your favorite off of the list? Let me know in the comments below. I’d also love for you to visit the following posts:
Joss
Thursday 2nd of December 2021
What a fun post! So many good treats on this list. Bookmarked.
Amy
Thursday 2nd of December 2021
Thank you so much Joss!