Thank you to Frito Lay for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #ad

How to Host the Ultimate Holiday Pajama and Cookie Party

The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, joy, and countless opportunities to gather with loved ones. But let’s be honest, it can also be incredibly hectic! Between fancy dinners, formal events, and endless shopping, sometimes all you crave is a chance to relax and truly connect. That’s where the idea of a Holiday Pajama and Cookie Party comes in. Forget the stress of elaborate preparations and focus on what truly matters: making cherished memories with friends over delicious treats.

This year, I’m excited to share my top tips for throwing a fun, low-key, and utterly delightful holiday pajama and cookie party. It’s a fantastic way to minimize your time spent stressing in the kitchen and maximize those precious moments sharing laughter and sweet indulgences with your favorite people. Get ready to swap your heels for slippers and your fancy attire for cozy PJs, because this is the party you’ve been dreaming of!

Embracing the Sweet Tradition: My Love for Cookie Exchanges

For me, the holidays have always been synonymous with cookies, bars, and all things sweet. Growing up, receiving trays of homemade cookies from my mother’s friends was the absolute highlight of the season. My sister and I would eagerly sort through the delicious bounty, each claiming our favorites – Pecan Tassies and Cherry Bing bars for me, and the charming Corn Flake wreaths for her. We’d inevitably end up with a happy belly ache, but it was always #worthit.

Now that I live a couple of hours away from my mom, those ready-made trays of cookies are a cherished memory. This realization led me to a brilliant idea a few years ago: why not create my own tradition? A low-key, incredibly fun cookie party with all my girlfriends seemed like the perfect solution. And so, the annual Holiday Pajama and Cookie Party was born, transforming a simple desire for holiday treats into a beloved gathering.

Planning Your Perfect Pajama & Cookie Bash

As soon as Halloween decor is packed away, my mind immediately shifts to holiday party planning. The excitement begins: what festive foods will I serve? Which delectable cookie will I bake for the swap? And, perhaps most importantly, which fabulous new pair of pajamas will I debut this year? Because heaven forbid I rock the same ones I wore last season!

The beauty of this party lies in its relaxed nature. P.J.’s aren’t just welcome; they’re practically mandatory! There’s something wonderfully liberating about shedding the usual holiday party pressures. While other events might call for black tie, an ugly sweater, or formal attire, our gathering is all about ultimate comfort. We get cozy, indulge in delicious party food, swap cookies and candies, and enjoy a few festive drinks. It’s a refreshing change of pace during a busy time of year.

I always host the PJ Cookie Party at my home, and for me, no party is truly complete without a beautiful tablescape. Much like our popular Ugly Sweater Party, I love to offer a diverse spread that includes both tempting store-bought items and a few homemade delights. The only “requirement” for my guests is to bring a few dozen cookies or bars to swap. And let me tell you, this year, they absolutely outdid themselves! Just look at these incredible treats!

The Cookie Swap: A Recipe for Success

To ensure a seamless and exciting cookie exchange, I ask each guest to email me their recipe one week before the party. This serves two fantastic purposes. First, it helps prevent any duplicate cookie entries, ensuring a diverse and exciting selection for everyone. Second, it allows me to compile all the recipes into a charming collection. As a special thank-you gift for coming, each guest receives a set of all the recipes from the party. It’s like their own mini holiday cookbook to take home and enjoy all year round! To help you with your own holiday baking this year, I’ve even included a printable recipe card for you to use. Consider it our little virtual PJ cookie party – I’m still in my PJs, aren’t you?

Balancing Sweet and Savory: The Perfect Party Spread

While cookies are undeniably the star of the show, a truly memorable party spread requires a thoughtful balance. To complement the delightful array of sweets, I always ensure there’s a fantastic selection of savory snacks. This year, I was particularly excited to feature some incredible products from Frito Lay, which always add an extra layer of deliciousness to any gathering.

I recently fell in love with Smartfood Indulgences Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Popcorn – it’s an absolute game-changer. There’s no such thing as too much chocolate, so another bag (or two!) was a must for the party. And speaking of chocolate, I simply cannot get enough of Lay’s Wavy Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips. The combination of crispy, salty potato chip and smooth, sweet milk chocolate is unexpectedly divine, so these definitely made a star appearance.

To truly balance out ALL THE SUGAR, we needed some classic salty goodness. I made sure to grab everyone’s favorite Lay’s Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips, along with Tostitos^® Scoops!^® Tortilla Chips, perfectly paired with a fresh salsa, an assortment of cheeses, and crackers. And for a touch of freshness, a vibrant veggie platter helps round out the spread, ensuring there’s something for every craving.

I also wanted to create a truly festive and delicious dip that would perfectly complement the Frito Lay snacks. I knew that the Lay’s Wavy Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips would pair amazingly with a creamy Peppermint Cheesecake Dip. Nothing says “holidays” quite like the refreshing zing of peppermint combined with the rich indulgence of cheesecake! It’s a simple yet impressive addition that always gets rave reviews.

Crafting the Perfect Holiday Drink Station

A party with my girlfriends wouldn’t be complete without a delightful selection of beverages, and cocktails are a must! I’ve made it a tradition to craft a unique and festive sangria for each holiday gathering. This year, I opted for a beautiful white sangria infused with juicy cranberries and aromatic rosemary. It’s not only incredibly delicious but also bursting with those quintessential seasonal holiday flavors, making it a perfect sip for a cozy night in.

For my friends who prefer something other than sangria, I always offer a variety of options. This year, I picked up some Shock Top Ginger Wheat beer. As a huge fan of ginger, I had to give it a try when I saw it, and it was a unanimous hit! Its subtle spice and refreshing notes were a wonderful addition to the drink menu. Of course, we also had classic Pepsi and refreshing Lipton Peach Iced Tea for those who wanted non-alcoholic choices. Offering a range of drinks ensures everyone has something delightful to enjoy.

Thoughtful Favors: Sending Guests Home with Joy

In addition to the compiled recipe cards, I always enjoy sending my girlfriends home with a little extra trinket as a thank you for coming and for bringing their tasty treats to share. Last year, I chose adorable little snowman ornaments, each holding a miniature whisk, a tray of cookies, or a mixing bowl – perfectly fitting for a cookie exchange! For this year’s party, I discovered these fantastic tote bags from Oriental Trading. They were absolutely perfect for guests to carry home their dozen (or more!) swapped cookies and any other goodies. Little touches like these make the party feel even more special and show your appreciation.

When it comes to sourcing party supplies, I’m a huge fan of Oriental Trading. That store truly has everything you could possibly need, from decorations to favors and more. I especially love the convenience of shopping online; if I don’t have time to run to a physical store, I can simply order right from my couch. The same goes for Frito Lay brand products! You can often purchase their delicious snacks directly from their website, and many retailers will ship them right to your home. Talk about a score for easy party planning!

And speaking of easy, my PJs this year were an absolute must-have! The moment I saw these “cookies by the dozen” pajamas online, I couldn’t add them to my cart fast enough. I mean, could they be any more perfect for a Holiday Pajama and Cookie Party? They set the tone perfectly for a night of sweet indulgence and relaxed fun.

For my own contribution to the cookie swap this year, I baked up a batch of delicious Cherry White Chocolate Cookies. They’re packed with juicy dried cherries and creamy white chocolate chips – a truly delightful combination that tastes wonderfully festive. Keep an eye on the blog, as I’ll be sharing the recipe and even a giveaway very soon!

More Than Just Cookies: Making Memories

When the party wound down, and all the laughter slowly faded, each of my girlfriends left with not just six dozen cookies (or more!), but also a full stomach and, most importantly, a full heart. These holiday gatherings are about more than just the food; they’re about cherishing the friendships, strengthening bonds, and creating new memories that will last a lifetime. I am incredibly grateful for all my girlfriends, not just around the holidays but always, and I’m so happy they love to help make our parties truly awesome and unforgettable!

As my little party gift to you, don’t forget to download the free printable recipe card! It’s perfect for organizing all your holiday baking recipes. And please, don’t forget to use #strawberryblondiekitchen on social media so I can see how you use your recipe card this holiday season and, of course, feast my eyes on all your wonderful holiday treats!

Click here to download your free Christmas Cookie Printable Recipe Card | Expressions Paperie

Happy Holiday baking, everyone! 🍪🎄

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