Ep 1. Holiday Cookie Madness

In the first episode of Holiday Baking Championship season 1, titled "Holiday Cookie Madness," nine talented bakers gathered in the kitchen to compete for the title of Holiday Baking Champion. Hosted by Bobby Deen, this baking competition show featured a panel of judges including Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Lorraine Pascale.

The episode began with the bakers receiving their first challenge- to create a decorative holiday cookie. The bakers had one hour to create and bake their cookies, with the judges looking for both taste and presentation. Some of the bakers showcased their artistic talents by piping intricate designs onto their cookies, while others opted for a simpler approach. The judges tasted each cookie and provided feedback, ultimately choosing the best and worst three.

For the second challenge, the bakers had to create a 3D cookie structure that represented a Christmas tradition. The judges emphasized that the structures had to be both structurally sound and visually appealing, with creative elements and attention to detail. The bakers worked frantically on their structures, with some experiencing more difficulties than others. As the time ran out, the judges went around examining each creation, providing feedback and critiquing the execution.

The final challenge of the episode was a dessert made from two unexpected holiday ingredients. The bakers had to incorporate two randomly selected ingredients into their dessert, and had one hour to complete the task. The judges were looking for a unique and cohesive flavor, with perfect execution and presentation.

Throughout the episode, tensions ran high as the bakers competed against each other for the top spot. Some bakers had successful rounds, while others struggled to impress the judges. The judges provided both positive and negative feedback, but ultimately some bakers were sent home while others earned the chance to move onto the next round.

"Holiday Cookie Madness" kicked off the first season of the Holiday Baking Championship with a sweet start, showcasing the baking talents of nine competitors and the impressive judging skills of Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Lorraine Pascale. The episode set the stage for the rest of the season, hinting at the high quality of baking skills and challenges to come. The episode was a perfect starter to this baking competition show, and left audiences eager for more.