The Great Holiday Cookie Exchange

Gift-giving is a hallmark of the holiday season, no matter which holidays are being celebrated. But who has time—or, let’s face it, the strength—to brave the mall at this time of year? The most meaningful gifts are the ones we make ourselves, but again, time and strength are the problem. So why not band together and let holiday magic turn one batch of cookies into 12? That’s right: The cure for holiday gift anxiety is a cookie exchange. Gather a large group of friends, ask everyone to bake a batch of cookies, and bring a big Tupperware container. After a few hot toddies, fill ’er up and go home with dozens of different kinds of homemade cookies to eat or share. Regifting never tasted so good.

Lace Cookies
by Robert Steinberg and John Scharffenberger

These thin, crisp, old-fashioned cookies really play up the flavor of the chocolate filling.

Harlequins
by Flo Braker

These simple but delicious cookies, scented with orange and lemon zest, are made elegant by an easy two-glaze decorative finish.

Smooth French Macaroons
by Nick Malgieri

These are the beautifully smooth-topped pink macaroons on display at all the best pastry shops in Paris.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
by Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito

This fabulous classic chocolate chip cookie is further proof that one should never settle for the tasteless, chalky, lazy versions found in convenience stores and at mass-market kiosks.

Pine Nut and Fig Roundups
by Elinor Klivans

Chock-full of sweet dried fig and covered in pine nuts, these cookies are an unusual holiday treat.

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