Here are the 12 finalists for the Tribune's 2025 Holiday Cookie Contest

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Kayla Samoy | ksamoy@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune
PUBLISHED: October 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM CDT
After days of voting, more than 1,800 readers cast over 3,800 votes to decide the 12 finalists in this years Holiday Cookie Contest. Here are the recipes that received the most votes and are continuing on to the final round.
●Muttys 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
●Sharons Dark Chocolate Toffee Bars by Sharon McHugh of Chicago
●Grandma Violas Christmas Jewish Butter Cookies by Jeff Hale of Chicago
●MMMM Cookies: Moms Mandelbread modified for Marty by Elyse Tish of Glenview
Tribune staffers will be busy baking these recipes this week, and this years guest judges Justin Lerias of Del Sur, Reema Patel of Sarima Cafe and Asa Balanoff Naiditch of Blame Butter will sample all of these treats and crown their top three favorites.
Well announce the winners in print and online Dec. 3.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/29/2025-cookie-contest-finalists/
You'll find all of the recipes with pictures at the link. Enjoy!
❤️ pants
RESIST!! ✊️