Tag: Best Cookie

Sicilian Sunrise Cookie from Land O’Lakes Best-Ever Shortbread Contest

Sicilian Sunrise Cookie: This citrus delight won 2nd Place in the Land O’Lakes Best-Ever Shortbread Contest at the 2026 MN State Fair. The now award-winning recipe comes from Randi Madden of St. Paul. One of her techniques, popularized by pro baker and cookbook author, Dori Greenspan, has you rubbing fresh zest into the sugar. It works! Between that step and using the delightful Fiori di Sicilia, this cookie’s flavor will knock your socks off.

Follow their respective links for seeing what won 1st place and what won 3rd place in the Land O’Lakes Best-Ever Shortbread Contest at the 2026 MN State Fair. Happy baking to you!

-Cyndi

 

 

2026 Minnesota State Fair Special Baking Contests

Be a Baking Champion: Compete at the Minnesota State Fair’s Annual Baking Competition 

New in 2026: Land O’Lakes Shortbread Contest & More!

Minneapolis-St Paul, MN – June 23, 2026 – The Minnesota State Fair will be here before we know it. For many Minnesotans, that means it’s time to showcase their baking skills and compete for cash prizes and blue-ribbon bragging rights.

With more than 80 baking categories or “classes,” the Minnesota State Fair’s annual baking competition celebrates the best cookies, cakes, breads, pies, and more. Don’t miss the new Land O’Lakes “Best-Ever Shortbread” and Blue Ribbon “Savory Scone” special contests.

Registration is open now and closes Tue, Aug 4, 2026, 4:30pm CT. The event’s pre-Fair drop-off date/time is Sat, Aug 22, 2026, 9:30am to 1pm CT (Creative Activities Building, Minnesota State Fairgrounds), with winners announced Thu Aug 27, opening day of the Fair. In the same Creative Activities Building, display cases will showcase the best of the best all days of the Fair (Aug 27-Sep 7).

Land O’Lakes “Best-Ever Shortbread Contest” 

From traditional to totally creative, all styles, flavors, and shapes of shortbread qualify for this contest. Just be sure to use the beloved Land O Lakes brand of butter. We want to see a huge variety of entries. Wow the judges with a standout flavor, buttery aroma, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a beautiful presentation. A unique mix of shortbreads will win, with $350 in prizes split among top three winners ($200/1st, $100/2nd, $50 3rd), plus bonus prizes for all “best-in-class” cookie winners. Looking for inspiration? Check out these Millionaire Shortbread Bars and Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints, then brainstorm what you’ll bake for the contest.

Land O’Lakes Live Event: Thu Sep 3

Join us for a live baking event featuring Land O Lakes® Butter  in the Cambria Kitchen on Thu, Sep 3, 2026. The day begins with a 10am meet/greet session featuring 2026 Land O’Lakes shortbread contest winners. Then, Jackie Thesing @SweetGirlTreatsMN showcases a to-die-for Browned Butter Toffee Pecan Cookie recipe with live demonstrations at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Enjoy complimentary tastings while supplies last.

Blue Ribbon Group “Savory Scone Contest”

It’s time to put the spotlight on savory scones, like tomato/basil, cheddar/chive, or prosciutto/gruyere. Bake your best outstanding scone (circular, square, or triangle) that looks, tastes, and smells fantastic. A unique mix of scones will win. Awards: $200 1st, $100 2nd, $50 3rd (gift cards), plus bonus prizes for quick bread “best in class” winners. As a warm-up, try these Cheddar Scallion Scones from King Arthur Baking Company, or these prize-winning Parmesan & Chive Scones.

Key Dates to Remember

  • Competitors Register by Tue Aug 4, 2026, 4:30pm
  • Drop-Off Day is Sat Aug 22, 2026, 9:30am to 1pm
  • Land O Lakes® Butter Demos, Cambria Kitchen, Thu Sep 3, 10am to 1:30pm
  • View Winner Displays Aug 27 to Sep 7 in Creative Activities Building

First Time Participant or Need a Refresher?

All registration goes through the Minnesota State Fair competition department. Registration is free! Once you’re signed up, there is no obligation if you later can’t participate. Here are some quick-start tips:

  • Go to the Competitions/Creative Activities/Baked Products section found here at MNStateFair.org to sign up.
  • To find all baking rules, regs, open classes, and any special contests, be sure to download the Creative Activities/Baked Goods Premium Book Section. Jump to pages 12-14 for the special contests.
  • For extra guidance and frequently asked questions, go here.
  • Ultimately, be sure your registration clears and you receive an email confirmation. Save that email, just in case you need it later.

 

Open Sesame Cookies

Perfectly baked. Perfect flavor. These Open Sesame Cookies are fresh from the archives. They won at the Chicago area fair, DuPage County Fair, back in 2013. We still talk about these cookies.

Open Sesame Cookies 2

Brown Butter in Dough and Frosting

These cookies are perfection. And, they are easy to make. If we can do it, you can too.

You start by browning your butter with toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds. We recommend Land O’Lakes butter. Soon, you’ll be savoring the butter’s nutty, rich aroma.

Open Sesame Cookies Step 1

The reason people flip for brown butter is simple. It is flipping amazing! No other way to describe it.

Brown butter

The dough comes together great once you have that done. Sifting the flour is a key step.  You are adding air to the flour. As a result, the dough is easier to mix and you get a delicateness to the cookie, which is delightful.

Frosting: the icing on these Open Sesame Cookies will wow your senses.

Open Sesame Cookies 3

The winner, Gayle Willard, had a history of baking for a Chicago test kitchen. She nailed her presentation with this recipe. I remember the judges specifically noting the ideal browning and consistent size of the cookies.

Bottom of a cookie

Be careful not to overbake these, which is easy to do, with this cookie’s richness. If  you nail the bake time, you will have a kudos-worthy cookie too.

This is the cookie I make for people don’t like chocolate. I know a few of them. Be sure to put these Open Sesame Cookies on your “must make” list. They are outstanding!

-Cyndi

p.s. If you’re looking for more recipes with brown butter, check out these cashew ones and this nutty pie.

2024 Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests

2024 Minnesota State Fair Special Contests To Feature New Fresh Salsa, Nutty Cookie, Mighty Muffin Recipe Contests

Minneapolis-St Paul, MN – July 22, 2024 – With over 75 baking and cooking categories at the Minnesota State Fair this year, home cooks and bakers will have many ways to win in the kitchen, including $1,000 in prizes in Blue Ribbon Group special contests and awards. The annual and much beloved tradition of blue ribbon baking and cooking returns!

There’s a new Fresh Salsa contest thanks to Bushel Boy Farms, a Nutty Cookie contest from the Blue Ribbon Group, and a Mighty Muffin contest from 3 Cricketeers. The general/classic baking categories (divided into “classes”), range from 28 types of bread and 21 types of cookies, to 12 different kinds of cakes, and 3 pie flavors, plus international and gluten-free baking divisions. Let the games, er… Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests BEGIN!

Register by Tue July 30, 2024, 4:30pm; All Special Contests & All Baking Categories Take Place Sat Aug 17, 2024

Rally time is now! Look for these new special contests, each with $100 to $200 for first place, plus runner-up prizes and special awards. Registration is now open. It closes Tue , 2024, 4:30pm CT. Open to Minnesota residents only. All contests happen Sat August 17, 2024, drop off 9:30am to 1pm, Creative Activities Building. Winners announced Thu August 22, 2024. Having trouble finding what you need to participate? Drop us a line here.

Bushel Boy Farms “Fresh Salsa Recipe Rally”

2024 Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests
Make a fresh-tasting, crowd-pleasing salsa with premium, locally grown Bushel Boy Farms tomatoes as the star ingredient. Bushel Boy’s tomatoes are grown right here in Owatonna, Minnesota at their high-tech greenhouses and picked at perfect ripeness. Combine them with other ingredients for a masterful and award-winning homemade salsa (refrigerated, not processed/canned). Present with your favorite chips for dipping. $350 in prizes await the top 3 winners, plus bonus prizes for canned salsas (Class 1245 & 1246). Find recipe inspiration @BushelBoyFarms on Instagram & Facebook.

Join Bushel Boy Farms to celebrate opening day of the fair, Thu August 22, 2024. They will take over the Cambria Kitchen to showcase fresh tomato creations and salsa contest winners, plus offer complimentary samples and other giveaways throughout the day.

Blue Ribbon Group “Nutty Cookie Contest”

2024 Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests

Come compete in the “Nutty Cookie Contest” from the Blue Ribbon Group. We want a creative variety of nut-centric winning cookies. Make your tasty treats with your favorite nuts, from peanuts and pistachios to almonds and cashews. Any nut goes and any type tracks. They can be classic or creative: think biscotti, nut clusters, butter pecan shortbread, monster cookies, and more. Wow the judges with your outstanding cookie, how it looks and what they experience biting into it. A unique mix of cookies will win. Prizes are $200, $100 and $50 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively. Find inspiration @BlueRibbonFoodies on Instagram & Facebook.

Join us Sun August 25 at the fair for our Nutty Tarts & Treats event (Cambria Kitchen, Creative Activities Building). In the meantime, find a fantastic sample recipe to make here.

Mighty Muffin Recipe Contest

2024 Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests

Make your 3 Cricketeers Mighty Muffin entry with 3C’s Pure Cricket Powder (1/4 cup or more) and additional ingredients known to give you power and energy, such as nuts, seeds, oatmeal, peanut butter, and chocolate. Awards: $100 (1st Place), $75 (2nd Place), $50 (3rd Place). Find their online store at 3 Cricketeers. Use code StateFair2024 for free shipping on your first order. Share your creative process by posting on Facebook or Instagram. Tag #3cricketeers

Join 3 Cricketeers on Fri August 23 for a day of demos and free tastings (Cambria Kitchen, Creative Activities Building).

Special thanks to our prize partner and all-around amazing baking company:

Key Contest Dates to Remember

  • Competitors Register by Tue July 30, 2024, 4:30pm
  • Drop Off Day Sat Aug 17, 20, 9:30am to 1pm
  • View Winner Displays & Recipe Demos Aug 22 to Sep 2 in Creative Activities Building

First Time Participant or Need a Refresher?

All registration goes through the Minnesota State Fair competition department. Registration is free! Once you’re signed up, there is no obligation if you later can’t participate. Go to the Competitions/Creative Activities/Baked Products section at MNStateFair.org to sign up (under the Participants tab).

Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests: Quick-start tips:

  1. Find all baking rules, regs, open classes, and cool special contests here and be sure to download the Creative Activities/Baked Goods Premium Book Section. Jump to pages 12-14 for the special contests, page by page.
  2. Sign up for the Competition Department email list here and be sure to choose “Creative Activities” as your email list.
  3. Create your online account here (then be sure your registration clears and is confirmed by email).
  4. For step-by-step guidance: go here (for a written tutorial) or here (for a video) For FAQ (frequently asked questions) go here.

Minnesota State Fair Blue Ribbon Special Contests: Resources are aplenty, but if you still have questions, never hesitate to ask. The state fair competition office can be reached 651-288-4417 or competition@mnstatefair.org. We are available too, at statefairteam@blueribbongroup.net.

Espresso Salted Caramel Turtle Sandies

These Espresso Salted Caramel Turtle Sandies are another all-time favorite cookie from our archives. With state fair season upon us, the timing is perfect for trying new recipes. Give this one a shot. Maybe perfect it for a cookie to enter at your fair this year.

The espresso powder the recipe calls for gives the cookie distinction. It is in the cookie dough, along with mini chocolate chips and pecans, which add another dimension to the cookie. Once baked, you add a caramel drizzle, made from caramel bits. You finish the cookies with some flair: a sprinkling of chopped pecans and a drizzle of bittersweet chocolate chips.

Espresso Salted Turtle Sandies 2

Espresso salted caramel turtle sandies won first place many years back at the Ohio State Fair, 2014, to be exact. Recipe credit goes to blue ribbon winning baker, Janet Gill.

Janet wanted to compete with a new take on the famous Pecan Sandies many of us know. Mission accomplished! With its mocha flavor and delicious drizzles, Janet created quite an epic cookie and deserves major kudos.

Espresso Salted Turtle Sandies 3

My mom who baked our test run with me said to note that tasters should chew slowly and luxuriously to enjoy all the delightful dimensions of this cookie! I agree. Find out for yourself and bake these today! And if you love pecans, be sure to try this other Ohio State Fair winning cookie for Toasted Pecan Honey Squares.

-Cyndi

 

Lemon Lavender Cookies

Lemon Lavender Cookies. Don’t those sound delicious? They are from Indianapolis hobby baker Jennifer Dickie, who won several special contests we organized at the Indiana State Fair. Jennifer grows her own lavender and puts it into her cookies. She says they’re deceivingly simple but have a big wow factor when people taste them. They are a light, delicate cookie and not overly sweet.

4 Main Ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Flour
  • Salt

Ready to make these lemon lavender cookies? Here are the main steps:

  • Beat the butter until fluffy, then slowly add the powdered sugar, flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
  • You stir in the zest and dried lavender by hand.
  • Last, you chill the dough before rolling out with granulated sugar, then cut into desired shapes.

Jennifer suggests dipping your cookie cutters in granulated sugar for easier release. Once baked, which you do for about 20 minutes, you allow them to cool. As an optional finishing step, you can make a simple glaze for on top.

Another great thing about these cookies, you can customize them by changing up the flavors, like we did, morphing them into holiday shortbread. Get creative with the flavors and colors to have various version of this cookie. You are going to love them!

-Cyndi

 

Giant Peanutty Banana Cookie

Go big or go home and bake this Giant Peanutty Banana Cookie! Make an impression with this oversized double chocolate cookie and its delicious toppings: a peanut butter-meets cream cheese layer, peanuts, and chopped candy bar. You finish it with banana slices and a chocolate drizzle.

Toppings on Giant Peanutty Banana Cookie

Not only is this a show-stopper in it’s appearance, the creative cookie is also mouth-wateringly delicious! Are there are dozens of ways you change it up and make it  your own.

Step by Step

It starts simple with an easy dough you spread in a greased 15-inch pan. We used a large non-stick pizza pan, which worked great.

Giant Peanutty Banana Cookie - Base Layer

Once assembled, the base of this Giant Peanutty Banana Cookie bakes in 20 minutes. Then the only hard part is waiting for it to cool. After the toppings are on you have a giant size dessert that will wow anyone who sees and tastes it. You could even call it a “chocolate-peanut butter banana pizza.”

Blue Ribbon Winning Cookie at Carolina Classic Fair

Congratulations to Jennifer Smith who came up with this winner!

Jennifer won first place at the 2015 Carolina Classic Fair (formerly Dixie Classic) with this Giant Peanutty Banana Cookie. It’s another all-time favorite from our archives.

You are going to absolutely love this cookie! And if you’re looking for more recipes with the chocolate-banana flavor combination, don’t miss this blue ribbon winning – and super creative – banana bread recipe.

Enjoy!

-Cyndi

 

Minnesota State Fair Mojito Lime Cookies

These Minnesota State Fair Mojito Lime Cookies are THE citrus sweet treat you need this summer. Have you ever had a Mojito? That delightful Cuban drink with crushed mint and fresh lime? I hope you have. It is one of my favorite cocktails to have on vacation and in warmer temps. The cocktail also served as direct inspiration for these award-winning Minnesota State Fair Mojito Lime Cookies.

Created by hobby baker Greg Boe, these cookies won second place at the 2013 Minnesota State Fair. He cleverly titled them “Incognito Mojitos.”

Stack of Minnesota State Fair Mojito Lime Cookies

My cohort Crystal was the lucky one to remake Greg’s recipe. Find her step-by-step tips below that walk you through baking process. Or if you’re already ready to bake them, hit the “jump to recipe” button.

Every bite of these winning cookies will make you think of sunshine. The texture is light and chewy. Their aroma is magical. The lush lime flavor will transport you to the tropics. Enjoy!

-Cyndi

Step by Step: Minnesota State Fair Mojito Lime Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, with the rack in the middle of the oven. Next, zest your lime and set aside.

Mix together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Melt your butter in the microwave. In another bowl, put in the sugar and cream cheese, and pour the warmed, melted butter on top. Whisk to combine, making sure there are no clumps of cream cheese visible.

To this mixture, add the oil, egg, lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything smooth. Gently fold in the flour mixture until a consistent dough is formed. Roll the dough in balls of approximately 2-3 tablespoons. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to brown.

Icing Adds a Sweet Minty Finish

Finely chop the mint for the icing and set aside. Mix the milk and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.  Then add/blend in the corn syrup, vanilla extract and chopped mint. Mix until icing is shiny and smooth. Make sure you let the cookies completely cool before applying icing.

Spread the icing onto the cooled cookies. You may want to let the iced cookies sit before serving to give the icing a chance to harden. The hardened icing is like a candy shell on top of the chewy cookie! Yum! Enjoy!

-Crystal

 

Oatmeal Cookie Sliders

Oatmeal Cookie Sliders: chewy oatmeal cookies sandwich a creamy rich filling in this blue ribbon winning cookie from the Arkansas State Fair.

Oatmeal Cookie Sliders 2

Oatmeal cookies are a classic. The reason why is they are delicious and easy to make. So are these oatmeal cookie sliders.. I love it when winners put a fun spin on an quintessential cookie. A couple other all-time favorites are these “slider-like” sweet treats and these “twisted” peanut butter cookies.

Recipe credit goes to Rhonda Hull, who took first place for them back in 2014. One taste and you will agree: they are a winner! The mouth feel of these cookies are marvelous and you will not want to stop at one.

-Cyndi

 

New Blue Ribbon Group Contests @ State Fair of Texas

Enter Our New Blue Ribbon Group Contests at the 2022 State Fair of Texas

Cash Prizes of $200, $100, $50 Offered in New Cooking & Baking Contests 

Dallas-Fort Worth, September  13, 2022 – Calling all Texas home cooks and hobby bakers! You’re invited to compete in our new Blue Ribbon Group Contests @ State Fair of Texas. Up for grabs is $350 in prizes in each of four contests/categories, plus bonus prizes and additional ways to win. Do you make great game day foods that are total crowd pleasers? How about some homemade low-sugar sweet-treats? If you do, then these new contests are for you!

Tom Thumb “Blue Ribbon Recipe Round Up” (Game Day Themed Recipes/3 Categories) 10/2/2022

The first Texas Blue Ribbon Group contest is the Tom Thumb  “Blue Ribbon Recipe Round-Up” on Sunday, October 2. With a “Game Day Delights” theme, the Blue Ribbon Recipe Round-Up calls for crowd-pleasing appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. The event is essentially three contests in one. We want to see your best-tasting recipes that are perfect for parties! Each category/type has $350 in gift card prizes, including $200 for 1st Place, $100 for 2nd Place, and $50 for 3rd Place. Plus, bonus prizes will celebrate overall baking category winners (among the fair’s total contest line-up) and offer additional ways to win, even if you don’t compete at the fair.

Splenda Magic Baker™ “Low-To-No Sugar Showdown” (Creative Cookies) 10/5/2022

The second Texas Blue Ribbon Group contest is Wednesday, October 5, for the Splenda Magic Baker “Low-To-No Sugar Showdown.” This contest includes a free product giveaway – while supplies last – and calls for CREATIVE COOKIES that are low in sugar or sugar- free! Use any Splenda product, such as Splenda Magic Baker, a new zero-calorie, zero-sugar, plant-based sweetener that tastes and measures just like sugar. The product  is now available from Amazon, Walmart and other grocery stores.

Winner Selections

State Fair of Texas official judges (a varied panel of food professionals, local celebrities, and foodies) will decide each contest’s winners based on evaluating entries with this judging criteria:

  • Unique, innovative, creative recipe (35%)
  • Taste, flavor, aroma (30%)
  • Appearance, color, presentation (25%)
  • Texture, internal appearance (10%)

Extra Ways to Win

Be sure to follow Blue Ribbon Foodies on Instagram and/or Facebook or join our mailing list here for a chance to win one of our $25 gift card giveaways. Whether or not you are competing at the State Fair of Texas, we invite you to take part. We will offer random prizes and perks to our community members and followers throughout the 2022 state fair season, which for us, ends October 22, 2022.

Participation Tips/Guidelines – Blue Ribbon Group Contests @ State Fair of Texas

 All state fair recipe/cooking contest registration and judging goes through the State Fair of Texas Creative Arts Department.

  • Get all the competition details here (Jump to pages 19 & 26, for the Tom Thumb and Splenda Magic Baker contests)
  • Only Texas residents can win at the State Fair of Texas. Advance registration is recommended but not required.
  • When you are ready to register, follow this link (TX Registration Shortcut)

 

Special thanks to our 2022 Texas Contest Partners