Choosing the cookie recipe that you‘ll bake for a cookie party can be quite the decision. Be sure to choose a recipe that matches your baking skill set and fits your schedule and budget. For extra reassurance, test the recipe before baking dozens of cookies. One good, versatile recipe can give you plenty of decorating options. Sugar or gingerbread cookies are two perfect choices. Here are a few fun cookie ideas to try:

Stained-Glass Cookies
Cut cookie dough into 2-inch frames and place them on a greased baking sheet and fill with crushed brightly colored hard candies before baking. These cookies not only look pretty, but also are pretty good to eat!

Pinwheel Cookies
Divide cookie dough into third and tint each with food coloring. Flatten and layer the thirds, roll and refrigerate. Cut the chilled roll into slices and bake. These cookies can be tinted with fun colors such as red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine's Day, or shades of green for St Patrick’s Day.

Chocolate-Layer Cookies
Sandwich 2 baked cookies with a layer of melted chocolate, and then sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Peanut butter and jam are tasty filings to try. Experiment with different filings to create your own cookie creation.

Encourage your guests to bring their favorite family recipes that have been passed down for generations. The stories behind the cookies and the memories that come along with them are just as special as the recipes. A cookie decorating party is another facet of this theme. Guests can help roll out the dough and choose their favorite cookie cutters. Provide bowls of fun toppings and frostings, and let each guest create edible masterpieces. This is a great activity for a kid’s cookie party.

Decorations for this party can be simple. Consider using cake plates of varying sizes to display cookies for a grand and easy presentation. Using place cards to give names for cookies is a fun way to make it personal. Chalkboard nameplates are a fun way to do this. A pretty tablecloth with themed colors will complement the display of cookies easily. Milk and hot cocoa are great beverages for all the yummy cookies that guest will want to try. Feel free to provide your guests with whatever other menu items you choose such as fresh fruit or finger sandwiches, but remember the cookies are the main attraction.

Providing everyone with a container to take home his or her cookies is an easy party favor. You can pick up inexpensive decorative containers at your local craft store or dollar store.

Remember to have fun! Baking and sharing delicious treats is such a nostalgic tradition. Bake up some memories and host a cookie party!