Cookie Swap! is a fun cookbook which has over 50 cookie (and some drinks) recipes with concepts that guide to creating delightful cookie swap experience. This book has lots of traditional recipes along with some unique ones that will motivate anyone who enjoys baking. I have not had a cookie swap before personally, so this book sounds very new and foreign, but all in all, this idea really excites me. The cookbook has photos for every recipes, but they aren't big or very photogenic per se (it gets the job done) and the recipes are for beginners to advanced. None of them requires hard-to-find ingredients or complicating instructions. If you have not experienced a cookie swap or would like to up your game, give this book a try!

Cookie Swap! is a delightful cookbook that features over 50 mouthwatering cookie recipes. It kicks off with an introduction to the art of cookie swaps and essential pantry staples, setting the stage for a fun baking experience. The collection is impressively diverse, covering everything from cookies, sandwich cookies, shaped cookies, biscotti, savory cookies, and even shortcut cookies.

Each recipe is thoughtfully laid out with an introduction, a clear ingredient list, step-by-step numbered instructions, baking times, and a tempting photo. I love the inclusion of photos; they showcase the finished cookies and inspire you to try new creations.

Whether you're a cookie enthusiast or searching for the perfect gift for one, this cookbook offers an abundance of delicious recipes and handy tips for hosting your very own cookie swap.

While many of the cookie recipes in this book were more traditional, there were also many that were incredibly inventive and unique! I never thought to use spelt in a cookie, and the bars section gave me lots of ideas for new things to add to my holiday cookie platters. My only critique was that some of the recipes did not have photos, or had only small images. I find it helpful (and visually pleasing) to look at a photo when deciding what to make or to gauge how my final product should look.

I love the concept for this book! I organize a cookie swap every year for by neighbors at Holiday time. Each year people want to bake chocolate cookies and the rules (my rules) say that only one participant can bake chocolate chip cookies. Then some people ask, what should I make? This book is absolutely perfect for ideas and recipes. It even tells you how to organize a swap and the recipe yields are all divisible by 12. The author has thought of everything, including advice on a "bag of tricks," which includes discussions of chocolate, types of butter, equipment, and types of cookies.

There are some traditional recipes and there are some that are more recently in demand - like gluten-free or sugar free.

There are 12 recipes for drop cookies. This is the type that my group most commonly likes to make. Some are very traditional and some are a bit more creative. I'm sure every one is delicious. Photographs are provided to make your mouth water.

Nine bar recipes - which includes brownies and blondies. (Ganache-glazed brownie bites anyone?) But I have my eye on the pecan bars and the cherry-almond shortbread cookies.

Four pastry type cookies are very attractive and not all that difficult to make. Seven types of refrigerator cookies allow you to make the dough ahead and bake when you're ready. There are five types of sandwich cookies. The recipes sound great, but there's more than twice the work so for me, I only would consider making these for special occasions, for just family. But the Walnut Sandwich cookies with Fig Filling sound delightful. There are 9 recipes for shaped cookies, including a recipe for royal icing - for those beautiful cookie cutter cookies that beg to be decorated.

There are also biscotti recipes and recipes for crackers/savory cookies. And several recipes that allow the baker to take some short cuts by incorporating ingredients that save time and effort. And a chapter that provides recipes for beverages that go well with cookies, Iced Irish Coffee, Mulled Cider, Mini Strawberry Milk Shakes are examples.

I would recommend this book for any cookie baker and especially for people who are planning/participating in a cookie exchange.

Cookie Swap! includes over 50 cookie recipes. The cookbook begins with an introduction to cookie swaps and pantry staples. Next are the recipes for drop cookies, bars, pastries, icebox cookies, sandwich cookies, shaped cookies, biscotti, savory cookies, and shortcut cookies. Each recipe includes an introduction, ingredient list, numbered directions, bake time, and a picture. I appreciate that the recipes include a photo because you can see what the cookies look like and it can help you decide if you want to make them. If are you a cookie lover or you know someone who is, then this cookbook is for you as it has a plethora of cookie recipes to try and tips for hosting your own cookie swap.

Book Review: Cookie Swap! by Lauren Chattman

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Cookie Swap! by Lauren Chattman, and it’s a delightful treat for anyone who loves baking—especially when it comes to cookies! This book is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a guide to creating joyful cookie swap experiences year-round. The vibrant photographs throughout the book truly bring the cookies to life, making it impossible not to get excited about baking.

The concept of cookie swaps is wonderfully inclusive and can be celebrated on so many occasions beyond the holiday season. Chattman emphasizes that these gatherings can be perfect for any reason, even weddings, which I found particularly charming. This makes the book feel relevant all year long and not just reserved for Christmas.

What I adore about Cookie Swap! is how it balances being both a cookbook and a practical guide. It’s packed with theme ideas, essential planning tips, and even some helpful math for figuring out how many cookies to bake based on your guest list. And the recipes? Oh, they’re simply mouthwatering! From the classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies to more inventive options like Matcha Sandwich Cookies with Almond Cream, there’s truly something for every palate.

Honestly, I loved this book. It’s filled to the brim with everything you need to host a successful cookie swap: recipes, tips, and tricks that make the process feel effortless. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, Chattman has made sure there's something here for everyone.

In a bright and playful package, Cookie Swap! is not only a fantastic addition to your kitchen bookshelf but also makes for an ideal gift for fellow cookie enthusiasts. If you’re looking to infuse a little more sweetness into your gatherings, I highly recommend picking up this book!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I can’t rate this book because the title and content are not correct. It’s supposed to he cookies but when I open the file it’s just jello recipes which look good to be honest but just not what I wanted, needed or expected.

This is a wonderful cookie book to add to my collection for holidays and other occasions. I appreciate having new and different recipes to add into the mix, and that there is variety beyond just cookies, but brownies and other desserts as well. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.