The Great Plymouth Cookie Vote

What if plymouth had its own official cookie? with your help, it will!

Two librarians pose with a copy of The Cookie Vote outside with a brick wall behind them. A watercolor cookie holding a flag that says "Vote" smiles beside them.

To celebrate America’s 250th year and promote civic engagement in the community, the library is launching The Great Plymouth Cookie Vote, inspired by the children’s book, The Cookie Vote by Daniel Bernstrom and Margaret McNamara.

Beginning August 1, patrons can submit their best, most creative cookie recipe to the library for a chance to be a candidate in the cookie vote. Throughout August, campaign season will ramp up as community members get a glimpse of the 10 nominees and the recipes they have to offer. September will be dedicated to social media updates and in-person programming focused on topics like elections and voter education. Come October, you’ll have the opportunity to taste test and ultimately vote for the official cookie of Plymouth.

Made with Penn Theatre popcorn, Meridian coffee, and other local ingredients, this cookie is sure to start a Fall Fest Celebration for your taste buds.

Featuring ingredients that are considerate of those with dietary restrictions and allergies, and cherries that represent the best that Michigan has to offer.

Uses the classic 3:2:1 shortbread ratio, with a tart cherry at the center as a small nod to Michigan and the mill that inspired its name.

Made with butterscotch, brown sugar, and sugar crystals to evoke the cozy feelings of Winter in Plymouth.

Made with Kemnitz Fine Candies’ Chocolate Covered Toffee Bars, featuring input and love from the bakers’ Plymouth neighbors.

Inspired by the communal campfire treat, featuring graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Often served as a thank-you to Plymouth-Canton teachers.

An homage to Plymouth’s cider-mill season, with a delicious apple flavor and pine nuts as a nod to the old‑growth pine trees that are in the City of Plymouth Seal.

Made with popcorn and soda, as a tribute to movie theater treats served at the historic Penn Theatre.

A nod to Plymouth’s local ice cream shops, a classic Detroit creation, and summer desserts best enjoyed in downtown Plymouth.

Featuring colors that represent our Detroit football team and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, whose hometown is none other than Plymouth, Michigan!

Great Plymouth Cookie Vote Book Recommendations

Great Plymouth Cookie Vote Book List, including titles like:

The Cookie Vote by Daniel Bernstrom

Cookie Club: 80 Creative Cookies to Make, Swap, and Share by Mallory Oniki

Strength in Numbers: How Polls Work and Why We Need Them by G. Elliot Morris

Sticking to the Facts: 10 Ways to Fight Misinformation by Gregor Craigie

Cookies: The Best Recipes for the Perfect Anytime Treat by Vaughn Vreeland

Give Us the Vote!: Over Two Hundred Years of Fighting for the Ballot by Susan Goldman Rubin

Habits of a Peacemaker: 10 Habits to Change Our Potentially Toxic Conversations Into Healthy Dialogues by Steven T. Collis

A Kids Book About Civic Engagement by Melissa Grass

Cookies!: Cook in a Book by Lotta Nieminen

The Best-Ever Cookie Book by Good Housekeeping

The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan Hennessey

Cookie Vote Programs & Events

Click on each event below for additional details.

The Cookie Vote Kickoff Booth | August 1, 2026

Cookie Recipes Submission Window | August 1 – August 15, 2026

Announcement of Candidates | Week of August 17, 2026

Cookie Vote Storytime | September 2, 2026

Book Clubs (Adults & Kids) | September 14, 2026

School House Rock Watch Party | September 20, 2026

League of Women Voters Misinformation Presentation | September 24, 2026

Election Crafternoon | October 4, 2026

Cookie Vote Election Day | October 10, 2026

Board Meeting & Official Announcement | October 20, 2026

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do I have to live in Plymouth to submit a cookie?

No, any regular PDL patron can submit a cookie recipe, regardless of their home address.

Does it have to be my own recipe?

No, but you have to provide attribution if the recipe is from someone else.

How many entries are allowed per household?

Please limit submissions to one per household.

Can kids submit?

Yes, The Great Plymouth Cookie Vote is for all ages.

If my submission is selected, what are my responsibilities?

If your recipe is chosen, you’ll need to bring baked cookies to our Election Day program (October 10), and a give a short speech (around 2 minutes or shorter) about your recipe and why you think it should be the Official Cookie of Plymouth. Selected candidates will be emailed full details of what to bring and what to expect.

How are the candidates selected?

Library staff will internally select a slate of 10 cookie candidates in August. Come October, the public will have the opportunity to partake in a popular vote on Election Day.

How will you handle allergens?

All cookies on election day will be labeled with full ingredient info. If you have severe allergies, we recommend putting your health and safety first.

How do I vote on Election Day?

Come to the library on October 10 to cast your vote for the Official Cookie of Plymouth.

What do I get if I win?

Glory and legacy to henceforth be known as the baker of the Official Cookie of Plymouth.

If you have additional questions, please email info@plymouthlibrary.org, and we will be happy to answer them. Happy Baking!