The Christmas Cookie Swap

Cookie exchanges for the holidays are found the world over. In the USA, the first examples of such a holiday exchange was noted in 1917 during World War 1.

By the 1950s the cookie swap was a fashionable way to create a glamorous gathering, a varied cookie gift box and support other women in the process. Gathering a new recipe or two and enjoying a few hours away from the pre- holiday rush was also a perk.

The concept was to bake one dozen cookies for each woman in the club, and often a few more, just in case. Stories were swapped along with the cookies and everyone took home a mixed collection in a container. Often a luncheon was served. Sometimes clubs even published cookie cookbooks featuring their all-star recipes, garnering funds for the clubs community projects.

Cookies that became popular over the years through these exchanges include gingerbread, snickerdoodles, shortbreads, intricate rolled refrigerator cookies, chocolate chip “toll house”, candy cane brownies, pecan sandies,”melting moments” ( whatever they may be, but I’ll take two!) and Florentines.

It was a convivial gathering, more about camaraderie than competition.

One of my all time favorites, and a Maine staple the year round, is the humble Snickerdoodle.

Please see my seasonal recipe for my take on this classic.