Chocolate Chip Cookie Bake-Off
Do you have a secret chocolate chip cookie recipe that you think could win our bake-off?
ChocoFest 2026
Alberta's Premier Chocolate Tasting Festival
April 24 & 25, 2026
Edmonton Alberta Region
Millennium Place, Sherwood Park
Registration Opens March 10 to April 20, 2026
Categories to Enter
Kids 8-12 years
An opportunity for kids to bake cookies and learn the joy of chocolate chips!
Teens 13 - 18 years
Let's see what our amazing teens can whip up in the kitchen!
Adults
Have a special family recipe or your favourite go-to? Enter it to win prizes.
Support the Food Bank
New this year! Your cookies will help support the Strathcona Food Bank. The public will be able to buy your plate of cookies and all proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the food bank.
Cookies will be judged on the following criteria
- Taste: 40% - Flavour, texture, and overall deliciousness of the cookies
- Texture: 25% - Chewiness, crispiness, and mouthfeel of the cookies
- Appearance: 20% - Presentation, color, and uniformity of the cookies
- Creativity: 15% - Originality and innovation in the use of chocolate chips and other ingredients
Judges decisions are final.
Kenneth Wiese
Head Judge
Kenneth is a professionally trained chef with a Journeyman Certificate and Red Seal designation. He studied at NAIT in Edmonton and earned a diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in London, UK. Kenneth has worked in top hospitality venues including The Westin Edmonton, Banff Springs Hotel, and internationally in Shanghai and London. A lifelong chocolate enthusiast with global culinary experience, he brings both expertise and passion to the ChocoFest judging panel.
Elysa Kuffert
Cookie Boutique Owner
Elysa is the owner of Krammed Kookies, a boutique cookie brand known for its bold, indulgent flavours and elevated cookie experience. Since launching in 2019, she has built a reputation for exceptional quality and innovation, continually refining her recipes to create cookies that are truly worth every bite. With a strong focus on flavour, texture, and presentation, Elysa brings a discerning palate and expert eye to the ChocoFest judging panel.
See Krammed Kookies at ChocoFest booth 304
Kevin Conniff
Celebrity Judge
Kevin is a classically trained pastry chef with over 25 years of experience. He currently serves as a Pastry Chef Instructor at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). In 2023, he was featured on the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship, Season 10, where he was the only Canadian contestant and finished as runner-up, showcasing his exceptional skill and creativity. With his extensive experience, trained palate, and strong understanding of technique, flavour, and presentation, Kevin brings expert insight and a high standard of excellence to the judging panel.
Meet Kevin at his ChocoFest Booth 109 Sweetbella
Milan Sharma
Cookie Connoisseur
As an avid baker with training from a top bakery, Milan brings both experience and enthusiasm to the judging table. Having judged cookie competitions before, she never lost sight of the joy that sweet treats bring. Her passion for baking started early, though not without a few memorable mishaps—like the time she tried to “fix” underbaked muffins by flipping them upside down, convinced the bottoms just needed more time. (Spoiler: they didn’t.) Since then, her love for experimentation—and a good cookie—has only grown.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bake-off is open to kids (ages 8-12), teens (ages 13-18), and adults (ages 19+)
Bake your cookies at home and bring them to ChocoFest on a white paper plate.
All cookies must be homemade from scratch using chocolate chips as the main ingredient. Cookies should be round, 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and contestants must submit at least fifteen (15) cookies.
Yes! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or any other ingredients, as long as the primary focus remains on chocolate chips. Please note on your entry label if your cookies are gluten-free, sugar-free, lactose-free, vegan, or nut-free.
Registration opens online from March 10 to April 20, 2026. The registration fee is $10, payable at the time of registration.
Each category is limited to 20 entrants, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!
Yes, multiple members from the same household can enter the bake-off, as long as each contestant registers separately and adheres to the contest rules.
Attach a label to your tray/plate with your name, age category, and recipe. Please include your name. Be sure to note any dietary information like gluten-free or vegan.
Cookies must be presented on a 10″ white paper plate with no decorations or embellishments not associated with the cookies. Please cover the plate with clear plastic wrap and label it as instructed.
No, all trays and plates must be disposable and will not be returned.
Cookies must be dropped off on Saturday, April 25, 2026, between 10:00 am and 11:00 am at the table near to the left of the entrance to ChocoFest at Millennium Place. Doors to ChocoFest open at 11 am. See Location
Cookies will be judged on taste (40%), texture (25%), appearance (20%), and creativity (15%). Judges’ decisions are final.
Each participant can only enter one category.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept any entries submitted after 11:00am on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Please make sure to arrive within the designated drop-off time.
Please be mindful of common allergens and list all ingredients used on your label. We recommend avoiding nuts for the safety of all participants.
Winning cookies will be displayed at 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026. You do not have to be present to win.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants in each age category. Prizes may include gift cards, baking supplies, cookbooks, or other relevant items.
Yes, participants are required to sign a photo and general release form, allowing us to use photos, videos or recipes in our marketing or future cookbooks. This helps us promote the event and showcase the wonderful baking skills of our contestants.
Judging happens behind the scenes on Saturday April 25.
Cookies will be displayed and the public will be able to buy the plates of cookies. All proceeds will be donated to the Strathcona Food Bank.
Winners will be notified by text or email at 12:30pm on Saturday and winners can pick up their prizes from the festival office between 12:30 and 5:00pm that same day.