Aperol Spritz Cookie is State Fair 1^st Place Winner in Land O’Lakes “Best-Ever Shortbread Contest”

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN – August 27, 2026 – Joanne Holtmeier of Edina has won the 2026 Land O’Lakes “Best-Ever Shortbread Contest” at the Minnesota State Fair. Her Aperol Spritz Shortbread bested 139 other cookies to land in 1st place.

Inspired by her favorite Italian cocktail, Holtmeier’s winning shortbread features the popular Aperol Italian liqueur. It is in both the dough and glaze. Orange zest and butter provide an unforgettable aroma. The high butter-to-flour ratio, granulated sugar and egg in the dough give the cookie a slightly sandy, yet soft and delicate, mouthfeel. You top the cookie with a powdered sugar glaze. A sprinkling of pearlized crystal sanding sugar represents the prosecco and bubbles of Aperol Spritz cocktails. Sweetened dehydrated orange segments are the perfect garnish.

The judges loved the cookie’s on-trend flavor profile, its rich, buttery taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They commended the attention to detail Holtmeier used in beautifully executing the recipe.

Holtmeier wins a $200 prize and adds another blue ribbon to her growing collection. The accomplished baker now has 48 award ribbons from the Minnesota State Fair.

Joanne first competed at the State Fair in 2013, winning her first ribbon two years later. She is a perennial entrant at the State Fair and in the annual Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest. She celebrated her win with two live TV spots, including an appearance on NBC affiliate KARE 11.

Runner-up winners were stand-outs also: Randi Madden of St. Paul for her Sicilian Sunset Shortbread (2nd place, $100 prize) and Jaime Rook of Minneapolis for Speculoos Shortbread (3rd place, $50 prize).

Speculoos Shortbread: This award-winning recipe is from Jaime Rook of Minneapolis. She won 3rd place in the 2026 Land O’Lakes Best-Ever Shortbread Contest with her creation.

Jaime was thrilled with her win. She had competed at the fair for 4 years, entering 3-4 goodies each year. This was her first-ever MN State Fair Creative Activities win.

It’s amazing how delightful the combo of Land O Lakes Butter and Speculoos Cookie Butter is. This cookie is a must make! Find this Speculoos Shortbread recipe below.

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