Cookie Competition Checklist

A cookie competition runs smoothly when the judging process is clear before the first tray arrives. Set the rules and categories early, then allow time for registrations, dietary information, prizes, labels, and jury arrangements. On the day, keep participant registration separate from cookie collection and give the jury a consistent tasting setup. This checklist puts the work in order, including the small details that are easy to leave until the last hour.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set competition rules
2 people
Approach jury members
Reserve venue
Send invitations
2 people
Open registration form
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Organize competition categories
2 people
Confirm participant list
Print jury criteria
Purchase prizes and certificates
Do the shopping
2 people
Prepare cookie labels
2 people
Assign jury tables
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up the competition tables
3 people
Set up the coffee and tea station
2 people
Set up the reception table
2 people
Register participants
2 people
Collect and label cookies
3 people
Opening and introduction
Prepare cookie portions
3 people
Have the jury taste
4 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Assist public tasting
3 people
Collect ballot papers
2 people
Count votes
2 people
Announce the winners
Present prizes
2 people
Pack leftovers
3 people

Aftercare

Wash dishes
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the kitchen and floor
3 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Send thank-you message to participants

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Tableclothqty 8

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Small platesqty 60
Dessert forksqty 60
Teaspoonsqty 30
Serving traysqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 4
Measuring spoonsqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Ballot slipsqty 60
Pen setqty 3

Decorations

Race numbersqty 40
Name badgesqty 50
Table décorqty 8
Prizesqty 3
Certificatesqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules and competition categories before opening registration. State the entry deadline, judging criteria, number of cookies required, and how dietary requirements should be reported.
Approach jury members and reserve the venue at least 4–6 weeks before the competition. You will need enough tables for judging, participant registration, cookie collection, and refreshments.
Close registrations several days before the event so you can confirm the participant list, prepare name badges and race numbers, print jury criteria, and assign judging tables without rushing.
Prepare labels, ballot slips, certificates, prizes, and pens before event day. A labelled tray or cookie entry that arrives without the participant’s details can delay the entire tasting round.
Allow at least 60–90 minutes for setup before participants arrive. Test coffee machines and kettles, place coolers and extension cords safely, and prepare the tasting portions before the jury begins.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a cookie competition?: Start planning 4–6 weeks ahead so you have time to reserve the venue, recruit jury members, set categories, and send invitations. Close registration several days before the event to prepare labels and judging materials.
How many cookies should each participant bring?: Set the required quantity in the competition rules before registration opens. Plan enough pieces for the jury, tasting portions, and a small reserve; for a five-person jury, 8–10 cookies per entry usually gives you room to portion and replace damaged pieces.
How long does it take to set up a cookie competition?: Allow 60–90 minutes for tables, chairs, competition stations, registration, refreshments, labels, and jury materials. Add another 15–20 minutes if coffee machines, kettles, coolers, or extension cords need testing.
When should the jury taste the cookies?: Have the jury taste only after every entry is collected, labelled, and divided into consistent portions. Reserve at least 30–45 minutes for judging, depending on the number of categories and entries.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.