{"id":10179,"date":"2025-12-02T14:59:46","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T14:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/?p=10179"},"modified":"2025-12-02T16:26:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T16:26:59","slug":"christmas-cookie-bake-off-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/2025\/12\/02\/christmas-cookie-bake-off-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Days of Giving: Christmas Cookie Bake-Off"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cookies-blog-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cookies-blog-1.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cookies-blog-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cookies-blog-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cookies-blog-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cookies-blog-1-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/cookies-blog-1-2048x1024.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>According to The Christmas Song, a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright\u2014but we all know it\u2019s the cookies that make this time of year delicious.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Premiering in 2024 with 48 flavorful entries, our Schellville Christmas Cookie Bake-Off was a sweet way to share favorite recipes while raising funds\u2014and cookie donations\u2014for Jusst Sooup Ministry. To inspire your seasonal baking, we\u2019re featuring the top holiday confections chosen by last year\u2019s celebrity panel of judges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In discerning style, every entry was carefully sampled by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brulebakery.com\/\">Dru Tevis<\/a>, a Food Network holiday baking champ, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/delawarerestaurantfoundation.org\/\">Delaware Restaurant Foundation<\/a> V.P. Meg Gardner, Ryan and Nicole Stevenson of <a href=\"https:\/\/shoresmokeseasonings.com\/\">Shore Smoke Seasonings<\/a>, and Frankie Whittaker of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FrankiesCakePops\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FrankiesCakePops\/\">Frankie&#8217;s Pop Shop<\/a>. Reflecting on the spirit of the event, Tevis remarked, \u201cEnjoying dessert reminds us of our favorite childhood memories, and Christmas cookies capture all the magic that saving room for dessert should always be about.\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since you can never have too many cookies, the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off is returning for a second year of delicious fun. With 100% of the proceeds again benefitting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jusstsooup.org\/\">Jusst Sooup<\/a>, our esteemed panel of judges will be back to taste test every sumptuous, one-of-a-kind treat. <br><a href=\"https:\/\/3.basecamp.com\/3596039\/buckets\/7536242\/boosts\/new?boost%5Bboostable_gid%5D=Z2lkOi8vYmMzL1JlY29yZGluZy85MTUxNzExMzU0\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ab52748e4ce2c7c19ff94002c8c74f1d\" style=\"background-color:#371415;grid-template-columns:auto 20%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Want to get in on the Christmas culinary action? Scan the QR code to fill out the <a href=\"https:\/\/tickets.schellville.com\/events\/schellbrothersfoundation\/1906344\">registration form<\/a> and access all the details. After all, \u201cthere\u2019s no place like home for the holidays\u201d and the aroma of cookies baking is where it all begins.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"233\" height=\"219\" src=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/QR-Cookie-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10181 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Marcia Young earned first place honors in the competition for her Triple Chocolate Cookie.<strong>&nbsp;\u201c<\/strong>My favorite cookie is always going to be the perfect soft chewy texture with a balanced sweet and salty flavor, and this hit all the notes with such good chocolate flavor,\u201d Tevis explained. \u201cIt\u2019s no surprise that this was the top choice for all the judges.\u201d The Stevensons agreed, saying, \u201cThe texture was soft and fudgy, and just when we thought we had it figured out\u2014bam!&nbsp; There was a hidden depth of flavor that made it unforgettable.\u201d Give this recipe a try. You won&#8217;t be disappointed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2055\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tripple-Chocolate-Cookie.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tripple-Chocolate-Cookie.jpg 2055w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tripple-Chocolate-Cookie-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tripple-Chocolate-Cookie-1024x421.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tripple-Chocolate-Cookie-768x315.jpg 768w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tripple-Chocolate-Cookie-1536x631.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tripple-Chocolate-Cookie-2048x841.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2055px) 100vw, 2055px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12e6d25f84930587f3b287c7183aaaa0\" style=\"color:#331616\"><strong>Triple Chocolate Cookies by Marcia Young<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><em><em>Yield: 22 Cookies<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<p><strong>INGREDIENTS<\/strong><br><strong><em>Cookies:<\/em><\/strong><br>\u00bd cup butter, softened to room temperature<br>1 tablespoon vegetable oil<br>\u00bd cup granulated sugar<br>\u00bd cup light brown sugar, packed<br>1 large egg, at room temperature<br>1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br>1 \u00bc cups all-purpose flour<br>\u00bd cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br>1 teaspoon baking soda<br>\u215b teaspoon salt<br>\u00bc cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Chocolate Frosting:<\/em><\/strong><br>\u00be cup butter, softened to room temperature<br>2 cups powdered sugar<br>6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder<br>3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, slightly warm<br>1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br>Pinch of salt<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Decorations:<\/em><\/strong><br>Red and green buttercream frosting<br>Sno-Caps candy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FirstPlace-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10209\" style=\"width:205px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FirstPlace-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FirstPlace-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FirstPlace-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FirstPlace-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FirstPlace-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/FirstPlace-2048x2048.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p><strong>INSTRUCTIONS:<\/strong><br><strong><em>Cookies:<\/em><\/strong><br>In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high setting until fluffy and light in color, about 2\u20133 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat on high until combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. With the mixer set to low, slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Beat on low until combined; then stir in the mini chocolate chips. The cookie dough will be thick and sticky. Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If dough was chilled longer than 3 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make the dough easier to scoop and roll. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls. Arrange balls 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bake cookies for about 10 minutes or until the edges appear set. To achieve a nice round cookie, swirl them inside a 3-inch cookie cutter immediately after removing from the oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cool cookies for 10 minutes on the baking sheet; then transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Frosting:<\/em><\/strong><br>With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream\/milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then increase to high and beat for 1 full minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Decorating:<\/em><\/strong><br>Put a Wilton 8B tip in a piping bag, fill with the frosting, and pipe one large dollop in the center of each cookie. Place a Sno-Caps candy in the center of each dollop. If desired, pipe red and green accents for a festive holiday flair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cover and store frosted cookies at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\">Ready to taste-test all of our winning cookies?<br>Find every recipe inside the winter issue of <a href=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/magazine\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/magazine\/\">At Home with Schell Brothers<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-fb58c98d83e9f4d55ae78980514af466\" style=\"color:#4e4e4e;background-color:#d4d1cd47;grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"858\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MAG-winter2526_blog-858x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-10184 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MAG-winter2526_blog-858x1024.png 858w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MAG-winter2526_blog-251x300.png 251w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MAG-winter2526_blog-768x917.png 768w, https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MAG-winter2526_blog.png 1282w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 858px) 100vw, 858px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0137820da4cc364c30413ffa1ca43081\" style=\"color:#4e4e4e;font-size:16px\"><em><strong>At Home with Schell Brothers<\/strong><\/em>&nbsp;magazine is published bi-annually to share inspiring stories, local flavors, innovative home designs, and more. From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy each page and look forward to upcoming issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1a238919faf84d78081367fd2c88cb88\" style=\"color:#4e4e4e;font-size:16px\">Did you enjoy this article? Be sure to explore the rest of this issue for more captivating content.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/magazine\/\">Read Winter 2026\/2026 Edition<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to The Christmas Song, a turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright\u2014but we all know it\u2019s the cookies that make this time of year delicious.&nbsp; Premiering in 2024 with 48 flavorful entries, our Schellville Christmas Cookie Bake-Off was a sweet way to share favorite recipes while raising funds\u2014and cookie donations\u2014for Jusst [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1371],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/77"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10179"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10179\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10219,"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10179\/revisions\/10219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schellbrothers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}