Planning on attending a cookie exchange this year? Here are 50 of the best cookies to make for a cookie exchange. These are organized by difficulty so you can enjoy your party with everything from from easy to more impressive cookies. Plus we have alternative ideas if you want to make something other than cookies!

Tips for Cookie Exchange Hosts

If you’re planning to host a party, be sure to check out this post on how to host a cookie exchange which includes free printable invitations, instructions, labels, and score cards! And if you are hosting and really want to get ahead of the game, check out this list of 15 Freezer-Friendly Christmas Cookies to get your cookies made before the hosting duties start.

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Easy Cookies

If you’re looking for a simple option, try one of these cookies that are easy to bake and guaranteed to be enjoyed by all!

Reindeer Cookie Pops

Coconut Macarons

Chocolate Covered Oreos

3-Ingredient Shortbread

Chocolate Candy Cane Truffles

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars

Reindeer Cookies

Pecan Sandies

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Cookies that Take a Bit More Time

If you have a bit more time, try one of these great cookies that are sure to impress!

Cookie Press Cookies

Peppermint Chocolate Roll Cookies

Christmas Cutout Sugar Cookies

Salted Caramel Stuffed Cookies

Eggnog Latte Cutout Cookies

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Chocolate Brownie Crackle Cookies

Stained Glass Cookies

Crispy and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Snowball Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookie Cups

Santa’s Christmas Cookies

Christmas Tree Meringues

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies

Chocolate Chip Brownie Tarts

Slice and Bake Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Chocolate Mint Pinwheel Cookies

Kitchen Sink Cookies

Cinnamon Oatmeal Lace Cookies

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Other Treats (that aren’t cookies)

Cookies aren’t the only thing that fit in at a cookie exchange. Lots of other great treats are easy to share and make for a fun cookie exchange. If you’re not a cookie baker, try one of these options below!

Sweet and Salty Snack Mix

Peppermint Bark

Chocolate Biscotti

Chocolate Saltine Toffee Bark

Marshmallow Cornflake Treats

Banana Bread Truffles

Peppermint Marshmallows

Seven Layer Magic Bars

Chocolate Brownies

Pecan Tarts

Mini Charcuterie Boards

This savory option is great to have for people to snack on while they do the exchange. If you’re hosting and want to make something easy ahead of time for everyone to nibble on, this is always a hit. OR, if you’re not a cookie baker and want to help out your host, offer to bring these snacks instead of cookies!