Fort Worth Cookie Contest Delivers Sweet Victory: Almond Snowball Cookies Take the Crown

In a sweet showdown in Fort Worth last week, contestants battled for the title of best cookie, and the judges’ choice turned out to be a classic almond snowball cookie.

The Competition

The event, organized by TCU’s lifelong learning program Silver Frogs in partnership with the retirement community Trinity Terrace, was called The Great Cookie Challenge. Eighteen bakers brought their best cookie creations to the table, hoping to win the top cookie award. The competition was held in a local community hall and drew a lively crowd of friends, family, and community members.

Contestants and Their Creations

Bakers presented a variety of flavors and styles, from classic chocolate chip to more inventive concoctions. Among the entries were cookies named Cuddle Crunchers, Mike’s Family‑Pleasing Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Two Bars Walk Into a Dark Chocolate. Each entry was judged on taste, texture, and creativity.

The Judges and Their Tastes

The judging panel included a man known for tasting a large number of cookies on Christmas Eve, a tradition that has earned him a reputation in the local community. He was joined by other local culinary enthusiasts who had been invited to evaluate the entries.

Santa Claus’s Sweet Verdict

During the ceremony, Santa Claus appeared to celebrate the event. He remarked, “Any cookie is great, but almonds, snowball cookies are my favorite. The first one I had when I was a little Claus, snowballs formed into cookies. Delicious,” said Santa Claus. His comment highlighted the nostalgic appeal of the almond snowball cookie.

Judges’ Choice

The judges ultimately selected the almond snowball cookie as their choice. The decision was unanimous, reflecting the cookie’s balanced flavor and delightful texture. The judges’ preference echoed Santa’s own favorite.

The Winning Cookie

Leslie Flores was announced as the winner of the 2025 Great Cookie Challenge, claiming the title of best cookie of all. Her almond snowball cookie stood out among the competition, earning her the top prize and a place in the local culinary spotlight.

Recipe Spotlight

Leslie’s winning recipe is a variation of the Almond Crescents that her grandmother made for decades. The recipe yields 24 cookies and is praised for its simplicity and rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup blanched slivered almonds, lightly toasted (4 ounces)
• 1 scant cup all‑purpose flour (1 cup minus 1 or 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick softened unsalted butter (4 ounces)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Directions

• Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Spread the blanched almonds on a cookie sheet and toast until golden, about 8 minutes. Let cool, then grind finely in a mini food processor or manual nut grinder.
• Transfer the ground almonds to a medium bowl and whisk in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until creamy, about 4 minutes, using a mixer or by hand.
• Add the nut mixture to the butter mixture on low speed and beat until evenly combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
• Scoop level tablespoons of dough into balls, roll gently, and arrange 1 inch apart. Freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.
• Bake until lightly golden on top and deeply golden on the bottom, about 20–22 minutes.
• Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then roll cookies in sifted powdered sugar until fully covered. Let cool completely, about 1 hour, then re‑roll if needed.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between sheets of waxed paper for up to 2 weeks.

Community Impact

The event celebrated baking as a communal activity and highlighted the creativity of local bakers. It also showcased the partnership between a university program and a retirement community, strengthening ties across generations.

Key Takeaways

• The Great Cookie Challenge brought together 18 bakers in Fort Worth.
• Almond snowball cookies won both the judges’ choice and the overall best cookie award.
• Leslie Flores’s recipe offers a step‑by‑step guide to replicating the winning cookie.

The competition not only rewarded culinary talent but also fostered a sense of community and shared enjoyment of baking. Those who attended left with fresh recipes, new friendships, and a sweet memory of a contest that celebrated the simple joy of cookies.