Menu: A Holiday Cookie Swap

Nutella stirred into hot chocolate lends a luxurious texture and great, chocolate-hazelnut flavor. For an extra dose of hazelnut, add a splash of Frangelico. Get the recipe for Nutella Hot Chocolate with Hazelnut Liqueur »

The Menu

Invite each guest to make enough of their go-to holiday cookies for everyone to bring home a few of each variety. If they need inspiration, have them bake one of the cookies from our collection. You may want to make a list to ensure no one is baking the same treat.
What you'll need: Bake enough classic sugar and gingerbread cookies for each guest to have a half-dozen of each to decorate. In the area where you'll be decorating, set up bowls of different colored sprinkles, silver balls, red hots, and sanding sugar. Fill disposable piping bags with royal icing ahead of time, or set out small bowls of icing with one spreading tool for each guest, along with parchment paper or a cookie sheet. Aprons are a nice touch, but not essential if you're planning to invite a crowd.
Watch this video on How to Flow Royal Icing and learn how to wield a piping bag like the professionals.
Make sure you tell your guests to bring a big plate, tupperware, or box for transporting their goodies home. You may want to purchase some cake boxes to have on hand in case anyone forgets.
Hot chocolate is a wintertime staple, but sometimes it needs a little boost. Spice up classic cocoa with six recipes for gourmet variations—try white chocolate-cardamom or cocoa spiked with red wine—in our recipe gallery.