Picture a December open house in Valparaiso that starts at 2 p.m. Guests arrive throughout the afternoon, coffee is poured, conversations fill the room and a beautifully arranged cookie tray is front and center. By 4 p.m., the tray is nearly empty. It’s a familiar situation for anyone hosting a holiday gathering, office party, shower or family celebration.

Dessert trays offer variety and make serving simple. A cookie tray is a pre-arranged assortment of cookies sold by piece count or weight for parties, open houses, office events and holiday gatherings.

The key is ordering enough cookies for your guest count while providing a variety of flavors. Follow this guide before ordering and check with your local Strack & Van Til Bakery if you have further questions:

How many cookies do you need per person?

For most events, plan on two to three cookies per person when other desserts are served and four to five cookies per guest when cookies are the only dessert option.

A few factors can influence the total:

• Children often take more cookies than the estimate.
• Adults generally take slightly fewer.
• Open houses, family gatherings and wedding receptions that last several hours may require higher quantities.
• Plan for the upper end of the range for events with continuous guest traffic

For example, if you host 50 guests and cookies are the only dessert, you want to have approximately 200 to 250 cookies. If you also serve cake, brownies or other sweets, 100 to 150 cookies may be enough. See Party trays in Northwest Indiana: Sizes, prices and how to order for more guidance.

Cookie and dessert tray counts

Guests	With other desserts	As the only dessert	Assortment worth ordering
12	24-36 cookies	48-60 cookies	3-4 varieties
25	50-75 cookies	100-125 cookies	4 varieties
50	100-150 cookies	200-250 cookies	4-5 varieties
75	150-225 cookies	300-375 cookies	5 varieties
100	200-300 cookies	400-500 cookies	5 or more varieties

Most cookie trays for 25 guests require about 100 to 125 cookies, while trays for 50 guests typically require 200 to 250 cookies when cookies are the primary dessert.

What goes on a cookie tray?

Most cookie platters include chocolate chip, sugar and oatmeal cookies, plus shortbread or butter cookies and a decorated seasonal selection.

Cookie trays are sold by piece count or by weight and arrive arranged and ready to serve.

Dessert trays beyond cookies

• Many dessert trays include more than cookies
• Brownies and dessert bars travel well and can be cut into bite-size portions.
• Mini cake bites add variety and visual appeal.
• Cupcakes are easy to serve and count for larger groups.
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries and fruit add a lighter option.

Mixed dessert trays combine several of these items in one display. This approach works particularly well for open houses, office gatherings and parties where guests mingle and graze.

Choosing a tray and timing the order

• Mixed trays work well for office parties and open houses.
• Decorated cookies and cake bites suit showers, receptions and milestone celebrations.
• Cookie trays also make easy holiday gifts for hosts, neighbors, teachers and family members.

When placing an order, timing matters. Standard cookie and dessert platters usually require at least 48 hours’ notice. Custom-decorated cookies, specialty desserts and larger orders require additional lead time.

December is one of the busiest months for bakery departments, so ordering early from your local Strack & Van Til Bakery can help ensure availability and allow time for custom requests.

Because Strack & Van Til bakeries bake in-store, customers can conveniently pick up dessert trays during the same trip as other party groceries.

Cookie and dessert trays from Strack & Van Til

Whether it’s a small gathering or a large community event, catering dessert trays can simplify party planning with a ready-to-serve assortment of sweets.

Strack & Van Til bakeries offer cookie, dessert bar, cupcake and cake trays in multiple sizes, including custom dessert platters for larger crowds.

Specialty bakery trays may include items such as mini cream puffs, mini eclairs, mini cannoli, dipped marshmallow treats, carrot cake bars, lemon cake bars, pie tarts and chocolate cake bars.

“Our everyday party platter options include pumpkin bars, brownie bars, home style cookies and tea cakes in 12‑inch and 16‑inch sizes,” says Bakery Director Stephanie Flynn. “Special orders require 48 hours’ notice and when ordering for the holidays, order well in advance.”

Bakery platters feed a smaller range of guests, so be sure to pick up enough to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth:

• 12‑inch bakery trays: serve 6 to 10
• 16‑inch bakery trays: serve 12 to 18

Customers can order ahead through SVT To Go at strackandvantil.com and schedule pickup at stores throughout Lake and Porter Counties.

Frequently asked questions

What size cookie tray should I order for 50 guests?
Typically you need 200 to 250 cookies when they are the primary dessert.

How far in advance should I order a cookie tray?
Order a few days ahead for most events and earlier during holiday seasons.

Should I choose all one cookie or a variety?
A variety gives guests more options and appeals to different preferences.

Can a cookie tray replace a cake?
Yes. Cookies work well as the primary dessert for many casual and workplace gatherings.

How many varieties of cookies should be included on a cookie tray?
Most cookie trays include four to five cookie varieties with assorted flavors and textures.

How do you keep cookies fresh before serving?
Keep cookies covered and stored in a cool, dry place until serving.

Are dessert trays a good option for office parties?
Yes. They are easy to serve and offer built-in portion control.

What can I serve alongside a cookie tray?
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and milk are classic choices. For larger celebrations, add fruit trays, cakes and other desserts.

Let the bakery do the baking

Successful dessert planning starts with a simple count. Plan for two to three cookies per guest when serving other desserts and four to five when cookies are the main dessert.

If you’re planning a holiday party, open house or special event, remember to allow extra time for December orders. Check with your local Strack & Van Til Bakery about your guest count and pickup date so you have the right tray ready for your celebration day.

By Karyn G. Zafran