Cookie Exchange Extrodinaire

(Several of the dessert plates are hidden under other plates because we had so much!)

I had this great idea last week to get together some girlfriends and do a cookie exchange. I love to take plates of homemade goodies to friends, but it gets a bit overwhelming to think of making multiple desserts in large enough quantities and in a fast enough time that they are still moist. I had heard of this concept of exchanging Christmas sweetness before, but I had never participated--let alone thought of hosting the whole event.

Well, I went ahead and dove in and contacted a bunch of friends--there ended up being 8 of us total--and we got together this morning to divide the spoils. It was absolutely amazing to see that many cookies/treats all in one location.

The way I worked it was to have each woman bring a dozen of whatever she chose to make for each of the other women. So, there were 8 of us total, so I had to make 7 dozen of something to share with the other ladies. I chose to make Chocolate-Peppermint Sandwiches (homemade oreo with peppermint filling, dipping one corner in a chocolate glaze and rolling it in crushed peppermint candies--I know, I know--pretty gourmet--look for my TV show on the Food Network later this year).

(These are the mini cheesecake type desserts)

Well, the cookie I picked wins an award for smallest quantity ever for a recipe. I ended up doubling the batch FOUR times. That's right, if I would've done individual batches I would've made it 8 times!!! AND, that didn't make enough cookies either. I ended up supplementing with a shortbread type cookie called Cinnamon Coins.

The biggest problem with the whole exchange is that after seeing all of these scrumptious desserts, none of us want to give them out! I think a new tradition is born.

Featuring: Coconut Macaroons, Pecan Sandies, Peppermint Oreos, Cinnamon Coins, Nutter Butter Cookie Truffles, Ginger Crinkles, Fantastic Fudge, Cream Cheese Cups, Candied Pretzels & Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chippies!