Host a Cookie Exchange with Betty Crocker for Toys for Tots #MakeMerry #TFTCookieExchange + GIVEAWAY

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The holiday season is a special time of the year and a great reminder of just how blessed I am in my life.  So I can’t think of a better time to think of others, especially those less fortunate.  Betty Crocker wants to help you celebrate the the holiday season with fun cookie exchange to benefit Toys for Tots. What a great way to make a difference in the lives of others and spend time with family and friends at the same time!   To kick off the celebration, Betty Crocker has donated $50,000 to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to help deliver more than 3,500 toys to families in need.

(Not pictured: Train Cookie Cutter)

Host a Cookie Exchange & Register for a Cooking Making Kit

Now through December 27, individuals can register to host their Toys for Tots Cookie Exchange at www.toysfortots.org/cookie. In return, the first 1,000 hosts who sign up will receive a special cookie-making kit from Betty Crocker, including a Toys for Tots train-shaped cookie cutter. Evite® partnered with Toys for Tots and Betty Crocker to create a custom invitation for cookie exchange hosts to easily spread the word to their guests.

The not-so-jolly reality is that more than 16 million American children currently live in poverty and may not receive any toys this holiday season. With a goal of 1,000 or more cookie exchange parties hosted, Toys for Tots, Betty Crocker and Evite are encouraging Americans to help other families make merry memories this holiday season.

“We’re honored to partner with Toys for Tots this holiday season to help fulfill their important mission,” said Laura Forero, marketing manager with Betty Crocker. “It’s our hope that through hosting cookie exchanges to gather donations some added cheer will be brought to thousands of deserving children this holiday season.”

I received a cookie making kit from Betty Crocker so I did some baking of my own. After browsing the Betty Crocker The Big Book of Cookies from the kit, I decided to make the Ginger Crinkles. They turned out soft and chewy and full of flavor! I do feel the ginger was a bit strong the first day or two for my own taste.  After the flavors had a chance to settle they were amazing. (Next time I will cut the ginger by half.) 

They were a huge hit with my entire family. I took some to my son’s piano recital so I didn’t have as many left over for exchanging. They are a bit addicting!

For cookie exchanges, I like making cookies that are easy to double and travel well. But don’t forget that finishing touches like dipping in chocolate and colorful sprinkles can really make your baked goods stand out. Don’t feel like you have to bring only cookies. I love other treats like homemade fudge, Chex Mix and dipped pretzels. This year I used a flat pretzel crisp instead of traditional pretzels. They worked very well for dipping in chocolate. I added various nuts, sprinkles and peppermint white chocolate pieces.

Don’t forget to get your kids involved! My kids love decorating cookies and this is a great way to get them involved in doing something for charity.

All of these toys are being donated to our local kids in need! My kids love dropping them off toys in the donation box.

Host Your Own Toys for Tots Cookie Exchange:

1. Sign Up. The first 1,000 hosts who register will receive the exclusive cookie-making kit from Betty Crocker.

2. Invite Your Guests.  After you sign up, hosts will have access to free custom Evite invitations that they can personalize and send to their guests.

3. Make a Merry Difference.  Each friend and family member are encouraged to bring cookies to share as well as a toy or cash donation to Toys for Tots. Choose to donate online or collect cash and checks at the party.  Find a Toys for Tots drop-off location here for the toys you collect.

4. Be Creative.  Get cookie recipe ideas from Betty Crocker, as well as cute ways to easily decorate your party!

5. Share your holiday cookie creations and donation success on social media using #MakeMerry and #TFT CookieExchange hashtags.

WIN IT:

I have one Cookie Making Kit from Betty Crocker for one reader who is interested in hosting their own cookie exchange! It includes a cookbook, apron, spoon, cookie mixes, frosting and a train cookie cutter.
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Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with General Mills. All thoughts remain my own!