Rumson, Fair Haven, Sea Bright

Feb 08, 2023

Girl Scouts Present Popular Annual Event, TopCookie Contest

By Lori Draz

Competing chef came together on Jan. 12 to choose a Girl Scout cookie which will inspire their original creations in the TopCookie competition.

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore have launched the 2023 Cookie Season as well as the fourth annual TopCookie Dessert Competition to be held Wednesday, March 8 at Asbury Lanes. This delicious competition is a perfect combination of the talents of some of the area’s top chefs and those irresistible, iconic treats – Girl Scout cookies. Each competing chef came together on Jan. 12 to pull the name of a cookie which will inspire their original creations. Then on March 8, those chefs will present to a panel of celebrity judges, including world-renowned Chef David Burke and one appreciative Lori Draz who is honored to be returning to this esteemed panel and represent The Journal. Readers, you have my commitment to be thinking of you as I sample and savor each sweet selection!

“I am always impressed and inspired by what these chefs create,” Burke said. “It is always a tough competition, and this year is going to be a really good contest.” 

Burke and his team from the Dixie Lee Bakery were so enthusiastic that, while not competing, they will be creating a one-of-a-kind dessert made with the new Raspberry Rally for guests at the TopCookie event. This new cookie is the sister cookie to the popular Thin Mint, but this one is infused with raspberry flavor instead of mint and dipped in the same delicious chocolate coating. 

Girl Scouts CEO Heather Coburn shared the importance of the Girl Scout cookie program. “Who doesn’t love a box or two or more of Girl Scout cookies? But more than being delicious, Girl Scout cookies are a part of the American experience. They are a symbol that represents the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world.” 

The TopCookie competitors are Apple Street Kitchen (Do-Si-Dos), Coney Waffle (Tagalongs), Dune Donuts and Bagels (Trefoils), La La’s Gourmet Cookies (Thin Mints) and The Loaded Spoon (Girl Scout S’mores).

The TopCookie judges will be Burke, a James Beard Award winner, restaurateur and cookbook author; Carla Bushey, cookbook author and co-owner and co-founder of Oak Hill Farms; and Draz, special features director, entertainment and food writer for The Journal. The event will be emceed by Kimberly Kravitz, Emmy-Award winning broadcaster as well as Jennevieve, a Girl Scout Senior. 

The event is always a sell-out, so visit GSFun.org to get yours. Restaurants are encouraging their fans to vote for them for the People’s Choice Awards at GSFun.org/TopCookie. 

Coburn also mentioned that the Girls Scouts will also be accepting online orders this year. Whether you order or buy them in person, the program is important to all the girls who appreciate your support. 

“From earning prizes, to saving for a Girl Scout-led trip or contributing to their troop goals, these girls are driven, and they achieve,” Coburn said. “We are proud of so many of our girls who do amazing things to make the world a better place – and it all starts with a box of Girl Scout Cookies.” 

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves nearly 10,000 girls ages 5 to 18 in Monmouth and Ocean counties. For information on how to join, volunteer, partner or donate, visit GSFun.org or call 800-785-2090.