Host a Holiday Cupcake Exchange

I've long been intrigued by the concept of a cookie exchange, but the couple of times I was invited I was unable to attend (in my experience it's more of a Christmas-oriented gathering than one centered around Hanukkah, but maybe that's changing). The ritual seems like it embodies the holiday spirit that I would enjoy, each guest baking enough of one or two cookies to swap with other guests and leaving with a large assortment of home-baked goodies to share with family, friends and co-workers.

On the other hand, knowing my penchant for sweets and inability to resist freshly baked cookies (especially peanut butter cookies!) when I'm near them, I am a little afraid that I would eat myself sick at a cookie exchange party and would neglect to share enough of the bounty afterwards, and probably ruin my chances of ever being invited back.

But there's little danger of overeating if I'm hosting a virtual cupcake exchange, right? Nearly every child I know loves to make and eat cupcakes, like a sweet frosted birthday cake made just for them. So, this week I decided to share inspiring cupcake recipes and photos from some of my favorite food bloggers. You can enjoy making any of the recipes or share them with your friends and host a live cupcake exchange this holiday season where you each leave with an assorted dozen. Happy Holidays, Kitchen Explorers!

First, some tips on how to host a how to host a cupcake exchange from Chef Danielle of Cooking Clarified.

Now the recipes:

• Strawberry Cupcakes with Strawberry Meringue Buttercream from Browneyed Baker
• Gluten-Free Crazy Cake Cupcakes from Jeanne Sauvage, the Art of Gluten Free Baking
• Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes from the little kitchen
• Vegan Cupcake from Kitchen Explorers
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcake Cones from Erica's Sweet Tooth
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Hi-Hat Cupcakes from Pineapple & Coconut
• Rice Krispies Cupcakes from The Wicked Noodle
• Berry Good Chocolate Cupcakes from Meal Makeover Moms
• White Cupcakes with Nutella Frosting from Sarah's Cucina Bella

What type of cupcakes would you most enjoy bringing to a cupcake exchange?