Cookies! Free!

Now that we have your attention, program this date into your calendar: Thursday, Dec. 1, starting at 11 a.m.

That's when we'll be celebrating the results of our 14th annual Taste Holiday Cookie Contest, with a free cookie-fest at Star Tribune headquarters in downtown Minneapolis, featuring our winning recipe and four finalists.

For the second year, we've partnered with Rush City Bakery to handle the baking duties (that's an image from our 2015 party, above). Cast members from Chanhassen Dinner Theatre's production of "Camelot" will sing holiday tunes, and we'll be collecting cash and non-perishable food items for Second Harvest Heartland. Oh, and you'll be able to vote for your favorite cookie in our People's Choice poll.

Where: It all takes place at Star Tribune headquarters, 650 3rd Av. S., Mpls., in the public atrium between the Star Tribune Building and the Capella Tower.

When: Starting at 11 a.m. and continuing while the treats last.

RSVP: Let us know you're coming by signing up on Facebook.

Can't make the event? Watch for the winning recipes in Taste on Dec. 1, and find them in our handy online archive.