Who are the Judges on 'Christmas Cookie Challenge'? Meet the Cookie Critics!

The Gist:

• Christmas Cookie Challenge Season 7 airs on Nov. 2, 2023.
• Christmas Cookie Challenge is said to be filmed at the Quixote Studio, which is believed to be located outside of New Orleans.
• Chef Eddie Jackson has resumed his role as host of the show, and Ree Drummond will continue to serve as lead judge in Season 7.

The holidays are upon us, which means the return of our beloved themed Food Network competition shows, not least of which involves our favorite sugary confection: cookies. And who doesn't love a delicious Christmas-themed cookie around the holidays?

The Christmas Cookie Challenge is back — which means viewers will watch as five bakers compete in each episode to prove their holiday cookie-making skills for a shot at the $10,000 grand prize.

If you're a fan of Christmas Cookie Challenge or are simply tuning in this year for some baking inspiration, you might wondering who will be judging this year's competition. Let's meet our judges!

Chef Eddie Jackson is reprising his role as host, but who are the judges on the Christmas Cookie Challenge who are tasked with determining the fate of five bakers as they navigate a series of Christmas-themed cookie challenges?

Ree has been judging the annual Christmas Cookie Challenge ever since it started back in 2017. She has taught us over the years that holiday cookies are more than just desserts — they are gifts and memories.

When Ree isn't leading her cohort of judges on the baking show, she's the host of her own Food Network show, The Pioneer Woman. In her series, the former city girl who now lives on an Oklahoma ranch invites viewers to share in her home cooking.

Meanwhile, on Instagram, Ree describes herself as the "wife of a cowboy," "mother of four," and "lover of butter." Follow her for a look at her tasty creations, which range from sweet to savory — but always include a generous amount of butter, from what we can tell.

Ree will have some help when it comes to deciding who has the best cookies to leave for Santa Claus.

Joining Ree as judges this season are Kimberly Bailey, James Briscione, Damiano Carrara, Dan Langan, Jamika Pessoa, Jordan Pilarski, Aarti Sequeira, and Joy Wilson.

Many of the judges will be familiar to Food Network fans. Dan Langan was a finalist on Season 2 of the Spring Baking Championship and has his own Food Network digital series, Dan Can Bake It.

Meanwhile, James Briscione is a four-time Food Network champion with multiple wins on Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay. Jamika Pessoa was a Next Food Network Star finalist.

Watch the Christmas Cookie Challenge Thursday nights at 8 p.m. EST on the Food Network.