The Holiday Cookie Party Playbook - From Dough to Gift Bags in One Afternoon
Why cookie parties work
Cookies scale, decorate well, and travel even better. With the right tools and a tidy setup, you can knock out trays for neighbors, teachers, and last-minute gifts without turning the kitchen into a war zone.
Your mess-saving base layer
Line your prep table first:
• Holiday Party Solids 6-Pack Premium Plastic Tablecloth (54" x 108") covers up to an 8-ft table; toss when you’re done.
👉 Party Solids Plastic Tablecloth https://amzn.to/4hMhI6N
Cut perfect shapes (and dozens of them)
An organized cutter set keeps the line moving and the sizes consistent:
• HULISEN 11-Piece Stainless Round Cutter Set 1.6"– 4.4" diameters; dishwasher-safe; nesting storage tin. Use small rings for mini sandwich cookies, medium for classic rounds, and large for whoopie pies or hand pies.
👉 HULISEN Round Cookie/Biscuit Cutters https://amzn.to/4qMZOEZ
Kid-friendly cocoa & adult coffee (no spills)
• Kids’ station: durable, easy-open bottle that keeps cocoa cold for hours after decorating gets… energetic.
👉 THERMOS FUNTAINER 12-oz Kids Water Bottle with straw https://amzn.to/4oYTNmX
• Grown-ups: leak-proof slider lid for coffee that won’t slosh while you’re frosting.
👉 Owala SmoothSip Slider Insulated Reusable Stainless Steel BPA Free 12 oz Coffee Tumbler - https://amzn.to/4qPqO6D
Recipe: Classic Cut-Out Sugar Cookies (holds shape)
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg + 1 tsp vanilla
- Whisk dry. Cream butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes; beat in egg & vanilla.
- Mix in dry on low. Divide dough; chill 1 hr.
- Roll ¼-inch. Cut with round cutters; chill for 10 minutes on a tray.
- Bake 10–11 min at 350°F; cool before icing.
Pro tip: Use the smallest ring to punch a “wreath” hole in large cookies—thread ribbon for edible ornaments.
Recipe: Soft Ginger Molasses “Thumbprints”
- 2¼ cups flour, 2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp clove, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, ¼ cup molasses
Roll in sugar, then use the smallest cutter to gently imprint a shallow “well” (it keeps jam centered). Bake 8–9 min at 350°F. Fill with cranberry jam.
Pack like a pro
Nest small + medium rounds for “duo packs,” wrap in cellophane, tie with twine, and label flavors. Looks bakery-level without bakery prices.
CTA: Lay the tablecloth, brew the cocoa/coffee, and put the round cutters to work. Your kitchen will look like you planned this weeks ago.
