Box'n and Cookie Swap'n

Cookie swaps are just about my favorite thing in the world. They are like a potluck party but instead of bringing food everyone brings cookies, and instead of leaving drunk and tired everyone leaves with...wait for it...more cookies.

What is not to like?

I have been cookie swapping with a handful of former co-workers for a few years now. Back then it started as a practical way to generate a variety of baked goods without all the cooking -- just a few people exchanging tupperware boxes in the office kitchen one Friday....now it's grown, and since hardly any of us work in the same place anymore, it's a good excuse for a get-together. Cookies + old friends = good time.


Unfortunately, not everyone on the planet can come to my house to swap cookies (maybe next year, guys). Until then, it's nice to give cookies to family and friends sans party.

I love giving and receiving little bundles of cookies but sometimes storage can be a pain. Paper plates covered in foil or plastic wrap are fine for transportation, but they don't do a very good job of keeping things fresh sitting out on the counter. Disposable tupperware boxes are nice but they aren't exactly pretty to look at (or good for the environment). What do you do?

Save your boxes, that's what you do.




The empty cardboard boxes from rolls of foil or parchment are great for exchanging baked goods. When lined with wax paper they keep cookies and bars neatly in place, plus, now the recipient can put the whole box directly in their cupboard or bread box. No fuss. No mess. No stale or broken cookies. Huzzah!

To make these, I just used a little bit of craft paint to dress up the outside then covered the metal "tear strip" (that sharp thing along the edge of the box) with a little bit of washi tape. In retrospect I could have saved the washi tape and covered the metal strip with masking tape and then painted right over the whole darn thing, but you know...learning curve.



I am still due for another round of baking later this week. Anyone have a favorite recipe to recommend? I'm on the lookout for a no-fail somethingorother that comes out crispy. I'm good on the chewy and chocolate fronts, but a crispy cookie would be nice. Suggestions welcome.