#United States #Portland #Ranger Chocolate #Portland Festival #Chocolate Chip Cookie

Calling All Bakers: The Inaugural Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition

The highly anticipated Portland Craft Chocolate Festival, hosted by Ranger Chocolate Company, is expanding its celebration of all things chocolate this year by introducing a delightful competition centered on the iconic chocolate chip cookie. Titled "C4: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition," this inaugural event will take place on October 3, 2026, promising bakers of all backgrounds a platform to display their culinary talents.

A Sweet Invitation to All Bakers

From youth bakers to seasoned professionals, the competition is open to participants across three categories:

• - Youth (Ages 12 and younger)
• - Home Bakers
• - Professional Bakers

Each participant will have the opportunity to submit one dozen of their finest chocolate chip cookies for judging, completely free of charge. The deadline for online registration is September 15, 2026. The excitement builds as bakers prepare to impress a panel of judges that includes not only baking experts but also notable community leaders.

George Domurot, the founder and CEO of Ranger Chocolate Co. and the festival's originator, expressed his enthusiasm for this new competition: “One of my all-time favorite treats is the chocolate chip cookie. It was one of the first recipes I learned as a kid, and it remains a dish that brings friends and family together.”

Judging Day: A Celebration of Talent and Community

The climax of the competition will occur on the afternoon of October 3. The elite judging panel will include not only Domurot but also accomplished local figures such as Dillon DeBauche of Little T American Baker, Kaitlin Hansen from The Meadow, and Jesse Schumann of Sea Wolf, along with the Mayor of Portland, Keith Wilson. During this pivotal moment, winners will be announced in each division, receiving recognition and accolades for their baking prowess.

Gold medalists will receive trophies, curated gift boxes filled with delightful products from local artisans, and the much-coveted bragging rights as the best cookie bakers in Portland. Silver and bronze winners will also take home trophies and delightful surprise treats, making this an exciting event for everyone involved.

Expanding the Festival Experience

The chocolate chip cookie competition is just one of the many new attractions at the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival, which will take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, at the Olympic Mills Building in Portland. This year's festival promises an expanded lineup featuring numerous craft chocolate makers and artisan food producers. Participants can look forward to curated tastings, engaging educational panels, interactive workshops, and exclusive events like the VIP Meet the Makers experience.

With an emphasis on small-batch chocolate and sustainable sourcing, the festival aims to celebrate creativity, community, and the exciting future of chocolate. Tickets and additional festival information can be found at pdxccf.com.

About the Festival

Founded by George Domurot, the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival serves as an annual celebration that brings together bean-to-bar chocolate makers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts. Its goal is to foster a vibrant community focused on sustainable sourcing while encouraging knowledge sharing and connection building among participants.

For anyone interested in joining this delicious competition or attending the festival, further details can be accessed through the competition guidelines available online. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this sweet celebration in Portland!