The Chicago Tribune’s Holiday Cookie Contest is back for its 39th year, and it’s entering the home stretch. While the Tribune’s announcement does not list a Barrington entrant among this year’s finalists, the regional tradition has advanced to its final stage, with winners set to be revealed on Dec. 3, according to Chicago Tribune. For Barrington home bakers and sweet-toothed readers, it’s a reliable snapshot of what Chicagoland is craving during the holidays and a reminder of how recipes travel across kitchens and communities.
What Readers Voted For
More than 1,800 readers cast roughly 3,800 votes to determine which recipes moved on, a level of participation that suggests broad interest across the Chicago area, according to Chicago Tribune. That engagement helps set the table for the final tasting and gives suburban readers a sense of the season’s flavor trends—from buttery classics to spice-forward twists.
Meet the Finalists
The 12 reader-selected finalists span traditions and towns. As reported by Chicago Tribune, they are:
- Mutty’s Holiday Hug Cookies by Carl Ioos of Vernon Hills
- Apricot Squares Cookies by Gail Schneiderman of Wilmette
- Cinnamon Pumpkin Pillow Cookies by Sarah McLoud of Gurnee
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Decorated with Almond Royal Icing by Tracy McDonald of Plano
- Pracny Inspired Nut Crescents by Janet Lapen of Downers Grove
- Egg Nog Crème Brûlée Cookies by Lauren Wagner of Joliet
- Decadent Almond Bars by Janet Malone of Munster, Indiana
- Christmas Holiday Biscotti by Raymond Orsolini of Villa Park
- Chocolate Surprise by Cathy Lenkaitis of Peru
- Sharon’s Dark Chocolate Toffee Bars by Sharon McHugh of Chicago
- Grandma Viola’s Christmas “Jewish Butter Cookies” by Jeff Hale of Chicago
- MMMM Cookies: Mom‘s Mandelbread modified for Marty by Elyse Tish of Glenview
How Judging Works
With the finalists set, Tribune staffers will bake standardized versions of each recipe for the tasting, ensuring judges evaluate on a level playing field, according to Chicago Tribune. This year’s guest panel brings a cross-section of the region’s culinary scene: Justin Lerias of Del Sur, Reema Patel of Sarima Cafe and Asa Balanoff Naiditch of Blame Butter. They’ll sample the cookies and select their top three favorites, with results to be published in print and online on Dec. 3, as reported by Chicago Tribune.
Why It Matters Locally
While the Tribune’s announcement doesn’t include Barrington entrants specifically, the contest’s patterns suggest why it resonates here. Holiday cookie competitions preserve family recipes, carry forward cultural traditions and spotlight the stories bakers bake into every batch—an impact that extends beyond any one neighborhood. Analysis compiled by Barnes and Noble notes that these events celebrate inclusivity by showcasing a wide range of baking heritages and styles, often blending classic techniques with modern twists.
There can also be practical ripple effects. Community contests like this one create visibility for home bakers and, in some cases, provide momentum for small businesses and local suppliers during the crucial holiday season. The popularity of the Tribune’s contest has even supported the publication of cookbooks featuring winning recipes over the years, further amplifying local culinary talent, according to Barnes and Noble. For Barrington readers—from hobby bakers to café owners—those dynamics are a reminder that a single standout cookie can travel far, inspiring menus, gift boxes and family traditions alike.
What’s Missing — and Opportunities
The Tribune’s finalist announcement delivers the essentials—finalists, voting numbers and judges—but leaves some details for later. It doesn’t include full ingredient lists or methods for the finalists’ recipes, specify the judging rubric, or outline how winners will be promoted beyond the Dec. 3 reveal, according to Chicago Tribune. Industry context suggests there’s room to deepen community engagement: publishing finalists’ recipes and origin stories, sharing judging criteria and tasting notes, and following up with profiles can build trust and help translate excitement into tangible support for local bakers and businesses, as highlighted by Barnes and Noble.
What Comes Next
The countdown is on. Tribune staff will finish baking the finalists’ entries, guest judges will taste, and the top three will be announced Dec. 3, according to Chicago Tribune. For Barrington readers, the list already doubles as a holiday baking roadmap: apricot squares for the fruit lovers, almond-forward bars for the nut fans, and spice-laced pillows for anyone ready to lean into the season. Whether you’re swapping tins with neighbors or planning a café case for weekend shoppers, this year’s finalists show how a regional contest can guide traditions—reminding us that the sweetest ideas often start at a home counter and end up shared across the whole community.
