DMichelle,
I hope you don't give up on Cookie Swaps so quickly. I hosted them years ago and they were so much fun, I intend to resume next year! I think the key is to set some rules - have everyone sign up and let you know what they will bring so you get lots of variety and be clear that to take home cookies, you must also bring them -- that's why they are called cookie swaps and not cookie takes!
This year, I took part in a cookie bake/swap. I got together with three other women and we each baked several batches of our chosen cookie and then shared all the results. I made a yummy soft iced spiced raisin cookie. My friends made snickerdoodles, peanut butter cookies stuffed with a small peanut butter cup, and coconut pecan dream bars.
We laughed, baked, listened to Christmas music, and had a glass of wine. It was one of the most fun events of the holidays for me. Maybe this is a better alternative than the traditional exchange!
