The days are getting shorter — and so is the time you have to submit your entry for the 18th annual Star Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest. The deadline is one week from today.

What we're looking for: Cookies that are new to most bakers, whether you've created your own, redone a family specialty or been inspired by recipes elsewhere. Please credit any source and tell us the story behind your cookie or baking experience. Avoid classics such as spritz or cutouts — most bakers already have their favorites.

Recipes of the winner and four finalists will appear in the Star Tribune in early December and will become part of our online archive (startribune.com/cookies). The grand prize is a $200 gift certificate to a kitchen specialty store.

Deadline: Send your recipe, your name, daytime phone number, e-mail address and street address so the entry arrives by noon on Oct. 8.

At that time, we immediately go through the recipes to pick out the cookies to test. Do not wait until the last minute to mail your entry or it may arrive after our choices have been made. Photos help us picture your cookies as we page through the many entries. We cannot accept late entries.

Send to: With just a week to go, it's probably best to send e-mail recipes to taste@startribune.com (and be sure to indicate "Cookie Contest" in the subject field). If you prefer mail, don't dawdle! Address the envelope to Holiday Cookie Contest, Star Tribune, 650 3rd Av. S., Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55488.