Adair County ISU Extension Hosts Second Annual Cookie Baking Contest

Youth Coordinator Caroline Savage announces snickerdoodle-themed competition at the Adair County Fair.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Adair County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is preparing for the Adair County Fair, including the return of a popular cookie baking contest. Youth Coordinator Caroline Savage says the contest, which debuted last year, will feature snickerdoodle cookies this time around. Contestants will have one hour to bake and present a half dozen cookies, which will be judged on appearance, taste, and texture.

Why it matters

The cookie baking contest is a fun way to engage the local community, especially youth, in the Adair County Fair. It encourages creativity and baking skills, while also providing an opportunity for friendly competition and showcasing the talents of local residents.

The details

Contestants in the Adair County ISU Extension cookie baking contest will be tasked with baking a half dozen snickerdoodle cookies within a one-hour time frame. The cookies will be judged on their appearance, taste, and texture, with Savage noting that there are many variations of the classic snickerdoodle recipe that contestants can explore, including versions with pumpkin, caramel, apple, or chocolate chips.

  • The Adair County Fair is scheduled for August 2026.
  • The cookie baking contest will take place during the fair.

The players

Caroline Savage

The Youth Coordinator for the Adair County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, who is overseeing the cookie baking contest.

Adair County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

The local extension office that is organizing the cookie baking contest as part of the Adair County Fair.

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What they’re saying

“We have decided to continue with that this year and release the type of cookie that we're gonna have for that contest. So get out your cookbooks and find the best recipe you have for snickerdoodles. This contest, the goal is to be able to bake and present a half dozen cookies to the judge. You have one hour time and that includes the mixing and baking. The cookies are judged by appearance, taste, and texture. So get creative, there's lots of variations.”

— Caroline Savage, Youth Coordinator (Raccoon Valley Radio)

What’s next

The Adair County Fair, including the cookie baking contest, is scheduled for August 2026.

The takeaway

The Adair County ISU Extension's cookie baking contest is a fun and engaging way for the local community, especially youth, to showcase their baking skills and creativity at the annual county fair.