Blog: cookie challenge

Need one of Julia’s foolproof recipes? Some stunning cookie decorating ideas? Or a quick fix on Julia’s latest news and events? Well then, you’re in the right place! Here, you can stay up-to-the-minute current on everything that’s happening in Julia’s kitchen and studio – and in that always-churning mind of hers! IMPORTANT: Julia is still formatting blog entries prior to 2021 to conform to the new site layout. Please don’t be surprised if some back entries look a little wacky, and please be patient as she edits them over time.
Julia M. Usher

Eighth Watch-Learn-Create Challenge

What cookie or cookie set isn’t made more beautiful by the addition of a bow? And when the bows are as lifelike and dimensional as those made by Cookie Connection’s Watch-Learn-Create Challenge #58 guest, all the better! Find out who she is and how to enter

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

The 2024 Winner Reveal

As Taylor Swift (muse for this year’s competition theme, “Your Eras Tour”) would ask, “Are you ready for it?!” Well, I sure hope so, because the results of the 2024 Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™ are now in! Read on for all of the very exciting details

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #58

Julia’s 58th Cookie Connection Challenge (the eighth in the new-ish Watch-Learn-Create series) has arrived, and it comes with a bow on top – as a figure of speech. It’s true though – it’s a mighty special gift because its kickoff

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #57

This 57th Cookie Connection Challenge (the seventh in the new-ish Watch-Learn-Create series) had a fun twist. Regular challenge host Manu Pezzopane assumed the role of featured guest while past challenge guest Evelin Milanesi stepped in as the special guest host.

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #56

Organized by host Manu Pezzopane, this 56th Cookie Connection Challenge (the sixth in the new-ish Watch-Learn-Create series) focused on how to add elegance to simple cookies with finely piped ruffle borders. And its featured guest was none other than the

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #55

This 55th Cookie Connection Challenge, organized by host Manu Pezzopane, centered around dimensional mixed media cookies and featured the very talented Carmen Urbano of Inspirations by Carmen Urbano. Born in Mexico and currently residing in San Diego, California, USA, Carmen

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #54

Organized by host Manu Pezzopane, this 54th Cookie Connection Challenge featured Anna Oliinyk of Sunday Cookers. Anna is an award-winning cookie artist who earned first place and Best in Show in Julia’s 2022 and 2023 cookie art competitions. In this challenge,

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #53

Wow! This third challenge in Julia’s new Watch-Learn-Create series was a real gem! Hosted by Manu Pezzopane on Julia’s community-based site Cookie Connection, this challenge kicked off like every other with an instructional video by a noted cookie artist that was designed

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #52

Julia couldn’t have been more excited to announce the second featured instructor in her Watch-Learn-Create series! Hosted by Manu Pezzopane on Julia’s community-based site Cookie Connection, these challenges kick off every two months with an instructional video by a noted cookie artist

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Cookie Connection Challenge #51

Earlier in 2022, Cookie Connection’s popular Practice Bakes Perfect challenges got a makeover, and Challenge #51, which opened on July 20, was the first challenge bearing this brand new look. Woo hoo! Hosted by longtime Cookie Connection contributor Manu Pezzopane,

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Practice Bakes Perfect Challenge #50

With the help of three different challenge hosts over the years, Cookie Connection is now celebrating its 50th Practice Bakes Perfect challenge! Woo hoo! Challenge #50 is commemorating that milestone by giving entrants the opportunity to revisit any of the past

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Seventh Watch-Learn-Create Challenge

Don’t get too comfortable! The latest Cookie Connection challenge has an interesting twist. Though one thing remains certain: it provides a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the cookie business

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

2024 Sponsor Offering

It’s incredible sponsor companies that bring the best of prizes to Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™ each year. Last year, prizes approached $18,000, and, this year, the competition aims to do even better for our winners. But I need your help.

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Sixth Watch-Learn-Create Challenge

Vintage-style piped swags, ruffles, and borders are all the rage right now, so I’m thrilled to present this very of-the-moment Cookie Connection decorating challenge this month. I’m even more thrilled to reveal its incredible featured guest – a cookier known and loved the world over

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Ready for It?

My judges and I are certainly ready for the 2024 Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™, and you soon will be too! Here you can see the schedule for this competition season. You might even catch a hint of the theme

Read More »
Julia M. Usher

Fifth Watch-Learn-Create Challenge

“Dimension” and “texture” are two of the biggest buzzwords in cookie decorating these days, and Cookie Connection’s latest cookie decorating challenge will help you turn mere buzzwords into delicious reality

Read More »

Cut to the chase! Quickly filter Julia’s blog content by selecting the most relevant category.

Categories

Categories

RSS

Never miss one of Julia’s posts! Click here for the computer-readable web feed of Julia’s blog.

SEARCH THE SITE

Be the first to hear about my latest events, tutorials, and product announcements by subscribing to my newsletter! 

Schedule willing, I release one each month, roughly mid-month. And, guess what else?! Once you subscribe, you’ll receive a special one-time coupon code for 20% off my online tutorials. The code will be delivered in your subscription confirmation email, so keep your eyes peeled (as it cannot be resent). Thanks in advance for subscribing!

Live sweetly, Julia