Cute Cookies Runners-up
Refrigerator Cookies
Second place – Heart’s Desires
Rebecca Wendland, Onalaska, Wisconsin
Rebecca Wendland from Onalaska, Wisconsin, is currently living in Blanyre, Malawi. She came up with these heart-shaped refrigerator cookies as a Valentine’s day treat for the Children’s bible group she teaches. “I rolled the dough from both ends to create a heartwarming snack for my special Valentines,” she said.
Third place – Stars & Stripes
Esti Mendelowitz, Brooklyn, New York
“These are perfect for July 4th, or any time you feel patriotic,” said Esti Mendelowitz, Brooklyn, New York, about her flag cookies.
Cutouts & Shapes
Second place – Bears in the Sun
Kim Slater, Omaha, Nebraska
This family of bear cookies made our judges feel like they just enjoyed a fun-filled day in the sun. Kim Slater of Omaha, Nebraska, created cute swimsuits and stylish shades for these little cookies. Maybe next time, they should use some sunscreen!
Third place – Frosted Snow globes
Christy Herrera, Kentwood, Michigan
A tiny lovable polar bear lives inside this glittery edible snow globe. Christy Herrera, Kentwood, Michigan, used royal icing, pearlized snowflake confetti, nonpareils and edible glitter to create this idyllic holiday scene.
3-Dimensional
Second place – Rolling Rudolph
Amy Recinos, Quakertown, Pennsylvania
This adorable reindeer cookie by Amy Recinos of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, delighted the Taste of Home judges. Made with fondant, royal icing and candies, it is a charming 3-D version of the well-known Christmas story character.
Third place – Mary’s Little Lambs
Mary Lou Thursland, Hauppauge, New York
“I first made these standing lamb cookies as favors for a first birthday party. Shortly after that, I made them as place cards at Easter,” said Mary Lou Thursland of Hauppauge, New York. “Since then they have been a big hit with friends and family and are always requested.” These furry little lambs have several variations. Mary Lou makes little pretzel fences as a background for her sweet flock.
Groups
Second place – Lemon Lover’s Delight
Nancy Didion, Reston, Virginia
This basket of lemon cookies looks so realistic; the judges did a double take. Nancy Didion of Reston, Virginia, designed this delectable group as a gift and included the recipient’s favorite recipe written on the center cookie in edible pen. No detail was left out. She even decorated the lemon-shaped cookies with lemon-flavored royal icing!
Third place – Wizard of Oz
Susan Olsen, Omaha, Nebraska
When Susan Olsen, of Omaha, Nebraska, had trouble assembling cookies with a 3-D cutter kit, she created her own simple design without any confusing interlocking pieces. Dorothy and friends are made using simple sugar cookies, marshmallows, icing and handmade templates.