Yes, the official winner reveal in the fourth virtual edition of Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™ is here! This year’s competition (once again) surpassed my expectations on many metrics: the final prize tally was $20,650 (with a record-breaking $9,600 in cash); both number of registrants and entrants grew by a whopping 39% to levels not seen in many years; registrants came from 19 different countries; and the caliber of entries was perhaps better than ever, each one filled with so much thoughtfulness, skill, and meaning. But what most astonished me was that five (almost half!) of these winners hail from Ukraine and Iran. I stand in awe of these entrants who somehow harnessed reserves of inner strength to push past the unbelievably bleak circumstances of war to participate.

It’s clear from these stats that global competitions like this one play a meaningful role that extends far beyond learning and awarding prizes. They offer a place of respite and beauty to those in need; they connect diverse people through shared passion; and they affirm the positive power of human kindness and connection even in the most troubling times. May cookies continue to bring the world together in their uniquely magical way!

Congrats to all of the entrants whose beautiful expressions of cookie art and the courage to share that art are beyond impressive; thanks to the competition’s 17 sponsors for their incredible generosity; and never-ending gratitude to the judging team for applying so much valuable time and expertise to the evaluation process.

To see all 12 winning entries – along with winners’ bios, notes about their interpretations of theme (“Nature’s Symphony”), and select comments from the judges – please visit the official winner reveal post on my site Cookie Connection, either through the previous link or the one under “KEY COMPETITION LINKS” below. There you will also find the Kerry Vincent Best in Show winner and notes from me about when to expect feedback on entries if you requested it.

But, before you run off to the reveal post, I encourage you to visit the competition sponsors’ sites and to say thank-you by checking out their wonderful products and services. You can find them listed under the “FRIENDS” section of this site! Please also stay tuned for a 2026 competition update before the year’s end.

KEY COMPETITION LINKS: