Inaugural Christmas Cookie exchange brings community together

By Camille DeVaul · Tue Dec 23 2025

Just Baked and The Ava Hotel host first-ever community cookie exchange, featuring local bakers, family recipes, and festive awards

NORTH COUNTY — A new holiday tradition made its debut in downtown Paso Robles this month as local bakers gathered for the inaugural Christmas Cookie Exchange. Hosted by Just Baked in partnership with The Ava Hotel, the first-ever Cookie Exchange was held Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Ava Hotel. The event invited participants to bring their favorite holiday cookie recipes, exchange baked goods, and compete in several judged categories.

The concept was created by Just Baked owner Libby Ryan, who said the event was inspired by childhood memories of baking Christmas cookies with her mother.

"My mom and I used to bake cookies at Christmas when I was little, and I was just looking to bring a bit of nostalgia back into a fun community event that I hope we will continue for years to come," Ryan told Paso Robles Press. "I sell cookies to the people in this county every day — I wanted them to have a chance to bake and show off, and my goodness did they."

Photos by Derek Luff/ATN

Participants signed up in advance, each committing to one cookie recipe and preparing six dozen cookies. After judging concluded, attendees filled a take-home box with four dozen cookies of their choosing, allowing each participant to leave with a wide assortment of holiday treats. About 50 people entered their cookies into the exchange.

Cookies ranged from classic family recipes to more inventive seasonal creations. Judges and attendees awarded prizes in multiple categories. Bill Saylor received the award for Most Creative cookie, while Jen Blackburn earned honors for Best Looking cookie. Ashlan Cutler was recognized for Best Tasting cookie.

The Paso Robles Press Judges’ Award was given to Reba’s Candy Cane Cookies with Chocolate Mint, which stood out among the competition for its festive flavor combination.

In addition to the cookie exchange, the event featured music provided by Epic Entertainment and a holiday-themed photo booth. Guests were offered small bites throughout the evening, and The Ava Hotel hosted a cash bar with seasonal beverages available for purchase.

The Ava Hotel General Manager Matt Kleefisch said the hotel’s involvement stemmed from a collaborative connection with Ryan and a shared interest in supporting local events.

"The Ava Hotel became the venue through a great example of local collaboration. Libby, the owner of Just Baked, walked into the hotel and asked to speak with our sales team, one of the many benefits of being part of a close-knit downtown community," Kleefisch said. "She immediately connected with the vibe of the property, our central location, and the overall style of the hotel. The event felt like a natural fit for Ava, and we were excited to be involved in something that supports a local business and brings the community together."

Kleefisch said the sense of community was the highlight of the evening.

"Between the homemade family recipes, the spirit of sharing, and the genuine sense of community, you could absolutely feel the holiday cheer throughout the space," he said. "It was the kind of gathering that reflects what makes Paso Robles so special for locals and visitors alike."

The Ava Hotel served as the venue and assisted in planning the event, though Kleefisch emphasized that the bakers and attendees were the focal point of the evening. He added that after seeing the enthusiasm and creativity, the hotel’s culinary team may consider participating in future exchanges.

Ryan said she hopes the Cookie Exchange will continue in coming years and become a recurring holiday event in Paso Robles. Additional dessert-focused community events are also planned, including a “Cake Picnic” following the holiday season.