Bake for keeps.

Fall Cookie Classic — OATMEAL &
CHOCOLATE CHIP
Rules & Guidelines

Who Can Compete

• You must live in the Columbus, OH area

• This competition is for amateur bakers only

  • If you’re a professional baker, sell baked goods, or have formal culinary training, we’d still love to have you — just join us as a taster instead!

• Bakers must be 16 years or older

  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult

Entry Basics

• You must apply to be a Baker.

• $20 non-refundable entry fee, if selected

  • Your entry includes a tasting ticket, allowing you to sample all entries and help select the People’s Choice winner

• One entry per person

• You must make your bake entirely yourself

• Recipes should be your own (family recipes welcome!)

• By entering, you agree that photos and video from the event may be used to celebrate bakers and promote future events
  (Fame is fleeting, but bake pics are forever.)

Category Commitment & Timing (November 8th at Seventh Son Brewing Co.)

By applying, you’re confirming availability for your full category window and required drop-off time:

• Oatmeal Cookie category: Cookie drop off is  between 11:30am and 12:30pm. The event and judging is from 1:00pm-2:30pm. Oatmeal cookies can have any mix-in except chocolate.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie category:  Cookie drop off is between 11:30am and 12:30pm. The event and judging is from 3:30pm-5:00pm.

All bakers must:

• Drop off their bake within the designated window of 11:30AM-12:30PM

• Be present at the event for the duration

• Plan to stay through winner announcements

Guests & Tasting

• Baker registration includes tasting privileges for the baker only

• Guests are welcome but must each purchase their own tasting ticket.

• Bakers are encouraged to mingle, taste, and cheer each other on!

Bake Requirements

• All selected bakers are required to submit 24 cookies and to be present at the event during their category time-frame

• Provide a full ingredients list ahead of time (for allergy awareness)

• Transport bakes in airtight containers (Display and serving will be handled by event staff)

Judging & Feedback

Every baker deserves to know how their bake stacked up. Our judges use a clear rubric, and all competitors receive scores plus brief feedback after the event. Our goal is transparency, encouragement, and helping you grow as a baker.

Judging Rubric

• 30%: Appearance

  • Even shape and size

  • Attractive color

  • Chocolate chips are visible and evenly distributed

• 35%: Texture

  • Not overly dry, tough, or greasy

  • Pleasant mouthfeel

• 35%: Flavor

  • Balanced sweetness and chocolate flavor

  • No overpowering flavors (salt, bitterness, artificial taste, etc)

  • Pleasant aftertaste

In the event of a tie, the judging panel will determine the winner.

Prizes

All winners receive ribbons, plus:

• 1st Place: $50

• 2nd Place: $30

• 3rd Place: $15

• People’s Choice: $50

(Yes — People’s Choice is voted on by tasters, including bakers!)

Baker FAQ

Can I sample other entries?
Yes! Your entry fee includes tasting privileges, so you can try all the bakes. Community and camaraderie are a big part of why we do this.

Do I display my own bake?
Nope — we’ve got it covered.

Can I vote for myself for People’s Choice?
We’d rather you didn’t 😉
Think of it as: “If my bake wasn’t here, who would I vote for?”

How will my application info be used?
We may share first names, fun facts, or bake photos on social media leading up to the event if you are selected and officially register to bake. Last names and contact info will never be shared.

Who are the judges?
Judges will be announced soon! We’re aiming for respected local food folks and bakers. Have a suggestion? Email us.