Each year, when we announce the start of the Minnesota Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest, we hold our breath until the first entries roll in.
We don’t fully exhale until we are certain there are a dozen contenders for judging (it’s good to have options). Once again, we didn’t need to worry — Minnesota bakers do not disappoint.
More than 120 bakers entered the 22nd annual contest, ranging in age from 9 to 90 — further proof that baking transcends generations. We saw recipes with an array of ingredients, including liquor, fruit, leafy greens, wild rice, caramel corn and cereal, and were delighted by the global influences. The stories behind the cookies made us laugh, tugged at our heartstrings, impressed us and educated us. It was a difficult (but delicious) task to choose this year’s winners.
But there was one theme that stood out in all of the entries: Baking brings joy any time of year, but especially around the holidays. Enjoy this year’s batch, and happy baking.

Elf Thumbprints
Makes about 1 ½ dozen cookies.
This year’s winning cookie is from Heather Pfeiffer of Chaska. Note: To fill the thumbprints, the recipe uses cranberry and lime curds, which should be made in advance. Feel free to use the curd flavors of your choice, or buy store-bought curd for quicker results. A center red thumbprint with green fingerprints around it looks festive; add a few drops of green food coloring to the lime curd until it reaches the desired shade. (Get a printable version of the recipe here.)
For the dough:
- ¾ c. salted butter, softened
- ½ c. sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 ½ c. all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling dough
- Cranberry curd (see recipe)
- Lime curd (see recipe)
Directions