West Des Moines 'Cookie of the Year' Determined; It Wasn't Easy

By Ronald Townsend

Special to Patch

 Eight accomplished baker contestants came forward Wednesday afternoon to bake and present their selection for “Cookie of the Year’ honors. 

The annual competition is held for bakers of the Great Cookie Walk of West Des Moines. As normal, the tasty and well-presented entries give the judging team from Hy-Vee bakeries a very challenging task.

This year was no exception. They tasted and graded for over an hour, then tallied up to find the selections were just too close. So, back they went for another taste round.  Struggle as the did, they finally selected the “Cookie of the Year.” It is called Zimtsterne (German Cinnamon Stars), baked by Dr. Christi Taylor.                              

The contest, now in its third year, was created to recognize the exceptional fine bakers that volunteer to bake annually for the Great Cookie Walk that benefits the Youth Justice Initiative of West Des Moines.

This year the event will be held Saturday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m. to noon, at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines. All ”Great Cookie of the Year” contestants, their entry cookies and recipes will be front and center at the occasion.

Come, see and taste. You will understand why the judges were dazzled.