Easy cookie swap recipes to impress

You just got invited to a cookie swap and you really want to go, because cookies. But you are also crazy busy (and maybe a little stressed out?) with work, kids’ parties, holiday gatherings, gift shopping and, oh, you know, all the other stuff that you do on a regular basis. Who has time to make 5 dozen fancy cookies? Well, you do with these easy cookie swap recipes.

These cookies are gorgeous enough to be the talk of the party, but easy enough not to be the death of you. And they’re delicious, too—of course.

Believe it or not, shortbread is one of the easiest cookies to bake. The dough isn’t fussy, it requires just a few ingredients, and the result is rustic, beautiful cookies that taste amazing. Add a little lime zest and coconut like in this recipe for Toasted Coconut and Lime Shortbread at Donuts, Dresses and Dirt (above & top) to make everyone think you are a gourmet chef. And, shhhh: I bet you could get away with not even toasting the coconut!

Who doesn’t love a good blossom cookie with a Hershey’s Kiss on top? Also—count the ingredients and weep happy tears—these 4-Ingredient Christmas Cookies at Your Cup of Cake are chocolatey, pretty, and beyond simple to prepare. Thank you, cake mix.

These 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms at Rhubarb and Honey are kind of just three ingredients. But once you add a chocolate candy on top for added flair and flavor, you technically max out at four ingredients. Still. Just four. It’s a Christmas miracle.

Relate: 8 spectacular holiday cookies to kick off the holiday baking season.

Snickerdoodles are a straightforward cookie recipe that even a very beginner baker can successfully throw together. It’s a good thing since everyone loves them, too. Grab some pretty colored sugars at the store to make these sparkly Christmasdoodles at Persnickity Plates. So festive without any additional work.

These Nutella Strawberry Sandwich Cookies at Country Cleaver win the award for most impressive easy cookie ever. Seriously, you have to hop on over to the site to learn Megan’s secret. I can assure you that there are no fussy ingredients, just a smart, simple approach to baking. And the result? Downright gorgeous.