The Cookie Party Cookbook

Although this book is not aimed at teens, it is easy to imagine them using the recipes at home, with friends, or to impress their peers at the bake sales common to school hallways. They might also enjoy putting together a cookie exchange party during the holidays, or any time of year.

You will want add this to your list of holiday books. The author has quite the holiday cookie website as well.

OLSON, Robin L. The Cookie Party Cookbook. 344p. St. Martin’s/Griffin. 2010. pap. $18.99. ISBN 978-0-312-60727-2. LC number unavailable.  

Adult/High School–An everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know book about cookie exchange parties. Olson has been hosting these events for more than two decades and believes that there are “as many ways and reasons to host a cookie exchange party as there are people who give them.” She includes a bit of history and offers advice on how to host a party and how to do the actual exchange. What follows are more than 170 cookie and treat recipes from all parts of the globe, including the author’s favorites. Skill levels are included for each recipe. The last third of the book is filled with more advice including party themes, decorating ideas, 25 menu ideas, party activities and games, and ice-breakers. Also helpful are conversion charts for measurements and a list of resources for special ingredients. There are 22 photos of various cookies, which seems light for the number of recipes. Teens could readily embrace the idea of having a cookie party, and this book will provide every possible piece of information imaginable.–Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA