Baking Spirits Bright 2023

The Winner:

About the Competition

What an incredible competition! 19 contestants, emerging from all corners of the Community Loaves region, submitted an incredible array of delicious cookies in the hopes of being this year’s Star Bakers! And, they are all Stars in our book! Our 15 volunteer judges had the overwhelming task of evaluating each one.

The scoring was weighted to favor Taste and Ease. Every entry was truly divine, and I’m so grateful for the enthusiastic, festive, and “all-in” competitive spirit of our 19 contestants. Tough cookie decisions had to be made, there can only be one winner. And this year’s crowning Star Baker goes to Anna Fine of the Kirkland Juanita Hub.

In honor of the holidays, and because we know how much you love to bake, every participating recipe is featured below! Maybe you’ll find yourself scheming for next year. It isn’t too early to begin planning!

The Top Three cookies for 2023:
#1 – Anna Fine, Kirkland – Juanita, Holiday Shortbread Squares
#2 – Cathy Martin, Shoreline – Richmond Beach, Thumbprint Cookies
#3 – Mary Pacher, Port Townsend – Cape George, Rosenmunnar

For Your Baking Pleasure