Corsha's Annual Cookie Exchange: A Sweet Tradition of Fun and Flavor

While it’s certainly about enjoying great homemade treats, it’s also about connecting with each other in a meaningful way—learning about teammates through their recipes, celebrating diverse approaches to baking, and taking time to appreciate one another’s efforts. It’s a long-standing event that blends the joy of friendly competition with the warmth of shared experiences, and last year, it was more fun than ever.

A Delicious Competition

One of the highlights of our exchange is the friendly baking competition. Everyone brings their best cookies to share, and the goal isn’t just about who bakes the best—it’s about trying new things and celebrating each other’s skills in the kitchen. The air is filled with the sweet smells of sugar, butter, and chocolate, and of course, there’s a lot of laughter as we taste-test each other’s creations.

This year’s winner was a refreshing and light cookie that quickly became a favorite among our team: Lemon Cool Whip Cookies. These cookies are so easy to make but packed with a burst of citrusy goodness. The soft, cake-like texture and the bright flavor of lemon make them a perfect treat for the holidays, and the best part? They're incredibly simple to whip up.

Why We Love the Cookie Exchange at Corsha

What makes our cookie exchange so special is the sense of community it fosters. In a company where collaboration and creativity are key parts of our culture, this event provides a unique opportunity to bond over something sweet. Whether you're an expert baker or a beginner, it’s about sharing your creations and celebrating the diversity of flavors and techniques that each person brings to the table. Plus, it gives us all a chance to take a break, enjoy some treats, and see who can truly master the art of holiday baking.

And, of course, the competition isn’t just about winning—it’s about having fun. Whether you’re proudly presenting a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies or pushing the envelope with a new recipe, everyone walks away with a smile (and a belly full of cookies).

A Winning Cookie: Lemon Cool Whip Cookies

Now, if you're wondering what makes these Lemon Cool Whip Cookies so special, let us tell you. The combination of lemon cake mix and Cool Whip creates a soft, pillowy texture, while the powdered sugar coating adds a delicate sweetness to every bite. They’re the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with a lightness that makes them ideal for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.

Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 ounces or a traditional 9×13 box cake mix)
• 2 cups frozen whipped topping (thawed)
• 1 large egg

To roll the cookies:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with a non-stick baking mat or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, thawed Cool Whip, and the egg. Stir everything together until the dough is smooth and well combined. The dough will be a little sticky, but that’s what makes the cookies so soft!
3. Coat the Dough: Place the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Drop teaspoon-sized portions of the dough into the powdered sugar and roll them until they are evenly coated. Be sure to coat each piece thoroughly.
4. Shape the Cookies: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 ½ inches apart.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. You want them to be set, but not browned—this keeps them soft and chewy.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely. This recipe should make about 20 cookies (around 2 ½ inches in diameter).

The Cookie Exchange Poll: Vote for Your Favorite!

Of course, there was more than just one winner at our cookie exchange! To make things even more fun, we held a poll to determine the top cookies in a few different categories. Here’s how the votes stacked up:

• Most Likely to Make Mary Berry Proud: Lemon Cool Whip Cookies – Their light, fluffy texture and perfect balance of tangy and sweet won over the hearts of our judges.
• Most Insta-Worthy: Layer Cookies (Magic Layer Bars) and Millionaire’s Shortbread – Both of these beauties were true showstoppers. With their perfect layers of gooey goodness, they were practically begging to be photographed!

Recipe Round-Up: Try These Cookie Creations at Home

If you’re ready to bake some showstoppers yourself, here are the recipes for the Layer Cookies (Magic Layer Bars), Millionaire’s Shortbread, Healthy Oatmeal Cookies, and Lemon Cool Whip Cookies (recipe above) that took top spots at our exchange.

1. Layer Cookies (Magic Layer Bars)

These decadent bars are a fan favorite for their sweet, layered texture. With chocolate chips, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, they’re the perfect balance of gooey and crunchy.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan to form the crust.
3. Layer the chocolate chips and shredded coconut evenly over the crust.
4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Let cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

For full details, visit the Layer Cookies (Magic Layer Bars) recipe on Food.com.

2. Millionaire’s Shortbread

This indulgent treat combines buttery shortbread, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. A perfect blend of textures, it’s a showstopper in both flavor and appearance.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 oz unsalted butter (for the caramel layer)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix together butter, sugar, and flour until a crumbly dough forms. Press into the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake the shortbread for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
4. For the caramel layer: Combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Pour over the baked shortbread layer.
5. Melt the chocolate chips and spread evenly over the caramel layer.
6. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours before slicing

For full details, visit the Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe on The New York Times Cooking.

So, we hope you celebrated the holidays with your team, family, friends, and some delicious treats.  Here’s to a fantastic 2025!. 

Happy baking from our team to yours! 🍪