Last night, a bunch of ladies came over for a cookie swap, which I now believe is the perfect type of party. Friends arrive with armfuls of baked goods; you hang out, drink wine, eat cookies, and chat; and everyone leaves with a panoply of treats — what could be better? Here’s how it went down…

First, people placed their cookies on the counter. My invitation suggested that people bring two dozen cookies, but added: “It’s low-key, so if you want, bring store-bought. No one cares!” so there was zero pressure to do anything fancy.

Jessie brought Joe-Joe’s, which are Trader Joe’s peppermint Oreos and very delicious.

Liz brought Swedish raspberry caves (don’t you love that name?) and Erin drew cute faces with icing.

Nothing more joyful than a houseful of women!!!

Before divvying up the cookies, everyone went around to explain what they brought. While they talked, Toby — forever our “hype guy” — piped in with comments, like “That’s the cookie to beat!” and “Let’s gooooooooooo.”

And…drumroll…the cookies that stole the show? Amanda brought Susan Spungen’s ginger chocolate cookies AND Sarah Kieffer’s olive oil cookies with lemon glaze, and holy smokes, they looked like regular cookies, but they were actually flavor explosions. Highly recommend.

All in all, the night was so much fun. My last cookie swap was back in 2010 — when Toby was a teeny baby! — but now I’m inspired to throw one every year.

Do you host cookie swaps? Any tips to add? Or recipes to share? Would love to hear…

P.S. Toby’s cookies that blew us all away, and the joy of all-female gatherings.