When I started to host a cookie exchange party 20 plus years ago, I had no idea that it would still be going strong. More surprising is that my friends are growing more and more competitive and create Best Cookie Exchange Cookie Displays.

People get into the holiday and competitive spirit and endure games to win prizes not only for their game skills but also for their Cookie Displays. Yes, presentation counts a lot at this party and this year I finally had someone take photos of what I mean. 

Be sure to check out our list of super easy cookie exchange recipes

Best Cookie Exchange Cookie Displays

I don’t have the best tasting cookie category so your cookie can make someone gag, but if it’s presented beautifully and creatively you are going home with a prize.

I hope to update this in the years to come to see the setups these ladies have created. Remember, they have to drive them over so it’s not like they are doing it in the convenience of their own home.

 

 

ADD LIGHTS TO PLATTERS

The cookies were beautiful and she added lights and a cute glass with coffee beans and a candy cane spreader to match the cookies. 

Adding lights to a cookie tray can be a creative and festive way to display your cookies, especially during special occasions or holidays. Here are some ideas:

1. LED String Lights:
   • Wrap battery-operated LED string lights around the edges of the cookie tray. This will create a warm and inviting glow.
2. Tea Lights or Battery-Operated Candles:
   • Place small battery-operated tea lights or candles strategically on the cookie tray. Make sure they are safe and won’t damage the tray or pose a fire hazard.
3. Fairy Lights:
   • Use delicate fairy lights to add a magical touch to your cookie tray. You can weave them through the cookies or arrange them around the edges.
4. Edible Lights:
   • If you want to get really creative, you can make edible “lights” using icing or candy. Decorate the tray with small edible lights made from colored icing or candy.
5. Candle Holders:
   • If your cookie tray has raised edges or handles, consider placing small candle holders or votives along these areas. Ensure they are stable and won’t tip over.
6. Seasonal Decor:
   • Incorporate seasonal decorations along with lights. For example, during Christmas, you could add small orna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADD TOWERS OF CANDY or a STATUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simply adding a tower of peppermint candy in a tray brings attention to the cookie that is also a pinwheel.

 

 

 

 

 

Stack them on 3 Tier Platters for Dimension

 

 

 

 

DISPLAY COOKIES IN UNUSUAL THINGS

Small, non-delicate cookies look great in a vase. Notice the magnolia leaves under the vase. A great addition to the cookie display.

 

 

 

Pretty impressed with this newbie one. She added the Santa clause kisses and the cookies in the middle.

 

 

 

Make your cookie exchange platter come alive and serve as a centerpiece to a candle! Why not as long as the wax doesn’t drip. 

 

 

This is the platter that won the most festive. The lights all around the platter really brightened up ordinary peanut balls. She did add fun sprinkles too. 

 

KEEP IT SIMPLE BUT UNIFORM

A swirl sugar cookie looks great just stacked up next to each other. 

 

 

 

Find this easy cookie exchange recipe for butter cookie buttons

 

Even a platter of toffee, really not a cookie but we will let it pass. Throw a fun holiday decoration in the middle for an easy cookie display. 

 

 

TURN THE COOKIES INTO THE DISPLAY

This egg nog glass is from the 4th time winner. Not the same category but she really gets inspired. Such a cute presentation don’t you think? 

 

 

Best Cookie Exchange Cookie Display Ideas

This sugar cookie man platter was a last minute design. I saw the women the night before and she had not even started! The addition of the gingerbread home with the gingerbread kids all around won her a prize too. 

For the most original cookie, these thumbprints won. This baker was also a newbie and the cookies were delicious so I am glad she won something. Displayed on a platter with festive napkins. 

Be sure to check out our Cookie Exchange Party Games and Party Favors. 

 

 

Its all about the cookie too.  These Christmas Tree Meringues were easy and fun to make for a cookie exchange.

 

 

 

This my cookie display from the year I won.. it wasn’t my party. Get the Reindeer Cookie Recipe. 

Which cookie display would you vote for most festive?