You’ll want to savor Cookie Swap chapter by chapter and cover to cover to fully appreciate what all the rave is about. But in the meantime, here’s what the culinary and publishing elite are saying about Julia’s new book:

“Julia Usher’s over-the-top cookies and detailed, theme-inspired swaps promise joyful sharing and sweet memories for year-round entertaining.”
— Flo Braker
Author of Baking for All Occasions, The Simple Art of Perfect Baking, and Sweet Miniatures

“This creative book has become my new gold-standard guide to cookie decorating. Talented baker Julia Usher provides foolproof recipes and teaches us decorating techniques, from the simplest bar cookie to elaborate showpieces. Her whimsical designs and ideas make this book as fun as it is informative. Open it to any page – you’re bound to be inspired.”
— Tish Boyle
Editor, Dessert Professional (formerly Chocolatier) and author of The Good Cookie and The Cake Book

“A cookie is one of life’s most precious, delicious gifts. Swapping them with friends is all the better. Julia Usher’s gorgeous and doable ideas inspire us not only to trade cookies at holiday time but the whole year through. Filled to the brim with mouthwatering recipes and delectable photographs, Cookie Swap is a sweet treat to savor and celebrate.”
— Nancy Wall Hopkins
Deputy Food and Entertaining Editor, Better Homes and Gardens

“Julia Usher is one smart cookie…and luckily, we can now all be invited to her Cookie Swap! Her new book has it all: complete basics for beginners, everything a home baker needs to perfect the simple art of "something out of nearly nothing," and imaginative creativity for pros. Well-tested recipes are reliable, fun, and scrumptious; photos are enticing; and party ideas are both practical and budget conscious. Essential for all bakers, this excellent guide to year-round cookie swap parties is a winner.”
— Susan G. Purdy
Author of Pie in the Sky

“Julia Usher’s lovely cookies will inspire you to become a dedicated cookie decorator.”
— Nick Malgieri
Author of The Modern Baker, How to Bake, and Cookies Unlimited

“Encouraging Christmastime cookie swappers to up the ante with plans for eight themed swaps, Usher produces a wealth of eye-catching bakery, decoration and entertainment ideas for hosts of all experience levels. Usher’s suggestions . . . are sure to appeal to fans of the Barefoot Contessa and Martha Stewart (no surprise from the designer dessert maker whose work has appeared in Chocolatier, Better Homes and Gardens, Bon Appétit and Modern Bride).”
— Publishers Weekly

"No wonder Usher — who grew up to get a degree in mechanical engineering from Yale
University, earned an MBA from Stanford University and at 47 is an accomplished
pastry chef and cookbook writer — is intent on drawing folks back to the kitchen. She knows, firsthand, the heart-filled connection that’s sparked there. And she has just the ticket to get us all baking the honest-to-goodness way."
— Barbara Mahany
Food Editor, Chicago Tribune

"With its thoughtful invitation, decorating, and cookie-making suggestions, Cookie Swap reads like one giant cookie-themed Come Party With Me! Move over, Martha. This book, with its cute-named cookies, stunning food styling, and personalized party ideas, establishes Usher as a serious pastry party authority."
— YumSugar

"There are more than 100 beautiful photographs in Cookie Swap, and Usher’s cookies are so artfully and impeccably decorated—she did all the food styling herself—that anyone with an appetite for baking or crafts is bound to be inspired, and, in addition to the highly detailed recipe and decorating instructions, that’s what makes this book so invaluable. Whether you’re a student or a pro, this book is an extremely useful guide to cookie baking and decorating and is a great addition to any culinary library."
— Leite’s Culinaria