This the time of the year when cookies make their appearance most often. There is no age limit to who likes cookies. People in the United States purchase more than two billion cookies per year; 95% of American households eat cookies year-round. Surely the popularity of cookies during the holiday season helps to boost these numbers.

Recently, under the direction of Lisa Thomas, Gloucester Library sponsored its first Yum Yum Cookie Baking contest. Lisa offered several categories for all ages. Those who registered to participate had three categories they could enter: chocolate chip (the most popular cookie in America), decorated, and baker’s choice. Baking was done at home and taken to the library for judging. Forty-nine bakers entered, and Lisa has already made plans for the 2024 contest. Categories will be gingerbread and baker’s choice. You cookie bakers have a year to practice.

Here are some tips for next year’s cookie bakers.

Chill the dough. Chilling in the refrigerator de...