Free Christmas Cookie Exchange Organizer & Calculator
Add everyone who's baking and what they plan to bring. Choose how many cookies each person takes home from each baker, and you'll see how many cookies and batches each baker needs, what everyone goes home with, a rough cost per baker and any duplicate cookies on the sign-up list.
It runs in your browser. Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere. Example numbers are made up; replace them with yours.
| Baker | Cookie they'll bring | Makes per batch | Cost per batch, $ | Notes (allergens) |
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How the math works
- Guests getting each baker's cookies = number of bakers (or bakers − 1 if bakers don't keep their own).
- Cookies per baker = cookies per guest × guests getting them + extra for tasting.
- Batches = cookies per baker ÷ that recipe's batch size, rounded up. Leave a baker's batch size blank to use the typical one.
- Cost per baker = batches × cost per batch. Ingredient costs are your own estimates.
- Each guest goes home with cookies per guest × the number of bakers whose cookies they get.
- Duplicates are cookie names that match after ignoring capital letters and extra spaces.
Want it on paper?
The Christmas Cookie Exchange & Baking Planner ($4 on Gumroad) is a printable with cookie math and a budget, a guest and cookie sign-up, recipe cards, allergen labels, a baking schedule and a grocery list.
Get the cookie exchange planner, $4
We make this, so take that into account. The calculator above is free to use either way.
Frequently asked questions
How many cookies should each person bring to a cookie exchange?
A common setup is half a dozen or a dozen for each guest. With 8 bakers at 6 cookies each, every baker brings 48 (or 42 if they don't keep their own), plus a few for tasting. Our how many cookies to bake guide goes through it.
How do I organize a cookie exchange sign-up?
Collect each baker's name, the cookie they plan to bring and any allergens in one list, then check for duplicates before baking starts. The table above does that; our cookie exchange hosting guide covers invites, timing and packaging.
How many batches do I need?
Divide the cookies you need by what one batch of your recipe makes and round up. Recipe yields vary a lot, so use the number your recipe gives.
How much does a cookie exchange cost each baker?
It depends on the recipe and local prices. Enter your own cost per batch and the calculator multiplies it by your batches. Our cookie exchange budget guide has ideas for keeping it low.
Is my list saved?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent anywhere. Reloading the page clears it.
More free tools: all calculators, the Secret Santa generator and the Christmas dinner cost calculator. See everything for the season on the holiday page.