Scoop dough (about 1 1/2 tbsp each) onto baking sheets.
Press 1–2 pecan halves on top of each dough ball.
Bake 9–11 minutes until set on the edges.
Cool 10 minutes before moving (they firm up as they cool).
Optional upgrade: Add a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top right after baking.
3) Peppermint Bark Brownie Cookies
Fudgy brownie cookies with a white chocolate “bark” finish and candy cane crunch.
Ingredients
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1 box (18 oz) fudge brownie mix
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup (60 ml) canola oil
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp peppermint extract
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2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup white chocolate chips
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1/3 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets.
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Mix brownie mix + flour. Add oil, eggs, and peppermint extract. Stir until combined.
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Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips.
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Scoop dough (about 1 1/2 tbsp) onto the tray.
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Bake 9–11 minutes. Cool completely.
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Melt white chocolate chips (microwave in 20-second bursts, stir each time).
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Spoon or drizzle white chocolate over cookies, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
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Let set at room temp (or chill 10 minutes).
Peppermint warning: Peppermint extract is strong—measure it carefully.
4) Butterscotch Pudding Cookies
Extra soft and chewy with a cozy caramel-butterscotch vibe.
Ingredients
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1 box (15.25 oz) butter golden cake mix
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1 box instant butterscotch pudding mix
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1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, melted (cool slightly)
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2 large eggs
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1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets.
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Stir together cake mix + pudding mix.
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Add melted butter and eggs; mix until thick and smooth.
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Fold in butterscotch chips.
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Scoop dough (about 1 1/2 tbsp) onto baking sheet.
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Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are set.
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Cool 10 minutes (they’ll finish setting as they cool).
Texture tip: For thicker cookies, chill dough 20 minutes before baking.
Storage + Cookie Swap Packaging
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Store airtight at room temp 3–5 days.
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Freeze baked cookies (well sealed) up to 2 months.
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For swaps: pack 5–6 cookies per bag/box, add a label with name + allergens (nuts, dairy, eggs).
Conclusion
If you want cookie-swap success without stress, these four recipes are exactly the kind of dependable, crowd-pleasing winners you need. They’re quick, festive, and easy to batch—so you can focus on the fun part: trading cookies and building the ultimate holiday box.
