Interested in starting a cookie exchange at work or hosting one at home, but don’t exactly know what to do? Cookie swaps and exchanges are a great way to have some friends over for the holiday and load up on sweets and catch up on all the dish. Let the following cookie exchange experts help you out:

• Bring the tradition of cookie exchanges into your life – Wilton provides a little summary to help you get into the right state of mind.
• Plan your exchange – Better Homes and Gardens takes you step-by-step through the process. Read the customer reviews for additional tips that will prevent you from wasting time and energy.
• Need some recipes? – This comprehensive list of cookie recipe links will keep you busy.
• Instructions, ideas, and templates galore! – Domino Sugar has done it all for you…check out the downloadable templates for invites, recipe labels and name tags.
• Finally, Partybluprints.com is offering a FREE 17-page E-guide on how to host a successful cookie exchange / swap.

It is never too late to share a cookie. Don’t fret if you can’t squeeze the cookie exchange in before the holiday season melts away… start planning now for your Valentine’s Day cookie swap and you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Not into baking but looking for a way to give back? Why not consider making a donation to the “Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale,” sponsored by Domino Sugar and C&H. This national campaign “mobilizes Americans to end childhood hunger by holding bake sales (and cookie swaps) in their communities.” Pretty cool what a cookie can do.

Photo credit: saflora

You know they make superior baking flour, but King Arthur Flour offers so much more to the baking enthusiast.                                            

Need some professional guidance when it comes to batch costing or the correct dough temperature? Maybe you just need a little help when it comes to selecting the proper flour for your baking needs.

If you are looking to improve your baking skills they offer free online classes! Learn how to make and decorate a family favorite, a gingerbread house.   

If your holiday baking repertoire needs a boost, check out the Christmas recipes and the Gift Giving recipes.  The Bakers’ Banter blog offers some great ideas, too.

Speaking of ideas…they have a great program that teaches children to bake and help feed those who are in need. The Life Skills Bread Baking Program is a wonderful mixture of education and philanthropy. The program is free to schools in the Midwest and Northeast regions (grades 4-7). The kids attend a 50 minute assembly program that teaches them the science of baking and the joy of sharing. They are given enough supplies to make two loaves of bread, one to make and share with their family, and one to make and donate to a local organization chosen by the school. The program has an application process. 

When you need some companionship from your fellow bakers, join the Baking Circle online community and share recipes, tips, and receive special offers from King Arthur. Don’t forget to sign up for their free eNewsletter and you’ll never miss out on new product announcements, recipes, and sales.

Finally, if you can’t coax the yeast to rise, conquer the flour confusion, or create a mirror image of the featured recipe, give the professionals a call. Ring the Bakers’ Hotline and you’ll receive free product support and advice. How awesome is that?

Another Awesome Fact: They don’t use GMO wheat.

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Photo credits: King Arthur Flour