Cookie Bake-Off Contestant

Cookie Bake-Off Contestant 

White Mountain Cookie Bake-Off & Holiday Market Official Contest Rules

Thank you for participating in the White Mountain Cookie Bake-Off & Holiday Market! We look forward to celebrating your baking talents and holiday spirit. Please review the following rules carefully.

Eligibility

The contest is open to amateur and home bakers of all ages.

Entry Requirements

Each contestant may enter up to two (2) cookie recipes. Each recipe must be entered separately. Cookies must be made by the contestant in a clean kitchen using common sanitary practices to avoid any foodborne illness. Entries must be baked specifically for this event. Store-bought, commercially prepared, or pre-packaged cookies are not permitted.

Each entry must include:

At least five (5) dozen cookies (60 total). Approximately 12 cookies will be reserved for judging and display. Remaining cookies may be used for public tastings, photos, and event promotions.

Cookie Categories Examples include:

Traditional Christmas Cookie

Chocolate Cookie

Decorated Cookie

Unique or Original Recipe

Up to 2 categories per entry may be chosen. Example: Unique/Original Recipe & Chocolate Cookie.

(The event organizer reserves the right to combine categories if participation is limited.)

Each entry must also include a “Story Behind the Cookie” (50-100 words) to be displayed with the cookies.

Preparation

Labeling – The entry name, contestant name, category entered, and recipe ingredients must be listed on a sign to prevent potential allergic reactions. (Revealing the use of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, etc.)  Complete recipe measurements and instructions are not required and can be kept private.

Cookies must be baked at home in a clean kitchen.

Cookies must arrive fully baked and ready for judging in sealed containers.

No on-site baking is permitted.

Cookies must be set up in an engaging holiday display. Get creative with your presentation. Create a mini “stage” for your cookies.

Food Safety: Contestants agree to:

Practice safe food handling procedures.

Prepare cookies in a clean kitchen.

Use fresh ingredients.

Keep cookies protected during transport.

Avoid ingredients that have expired.

The event reserves the right to disqualify any entry that appears unsafe for consumption.

Judging Criteria

Cookies will be evaluated on a 100-point scale.

Appearance & Presentation – 20 points

Aroma – 10 points

Texture – 20 points

Flavor – 30 points

Creativity & Originality – 10 points

Holiday Theme – 10 points

Judges' decisions are final.

People's Choice Award

The People's Choice Award is determined solely by tasting ticket-holding attendees' voting and is separate from the judges' awards.

Display

Entries may be photographed and displayed for promotional purposes. By entering the competition, contestants grant the White Mountain Cookie Bake-Off & Holiday Market, Village EVENTures/The Village WM, and the Mountain of Hope Foundation permission to use photographs of their entries for advertising, marketing, and future event promotions.

Get creative with your cookie display!

Awards

Cash Prizes for first, second, and third place will be awarded by the guest judges.

Special awards may be given for the Best/Most Creative Cookie Display, Best Traditional Cookie, and Honorable Mention entries.

Sportsmanship

Contestants are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and treat fellow participants, judges, volunteers, and attendees with courtesy and respect. Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.

Liability: Contestants participate at their own risk. The event organizers, volunteers, sponsors, venue, Village EVENTures, and the Mountain of Hope Foundation are not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property or for injuries resulting from participation in the event.

Agreement

By submitting an entry, contestants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Official Contest Rules and accept the decisions of the judges as final. We wish you the very best of luck—and may the best cookie win!