Holiday cookie bake-off

Beth Corman Lee was a finalist for her rose, cardamom and pistachio snowballs.

Rose, cardamom and pistachio snowballs by Beth Corman Lee.

Jessica Levy, holding her Linzer cookies.

Linzer cookies by Jessica Levy.

Fiona Marshall, with salted caramel snickerdoodles.

Salted caramel snickerdoodles cookies by Fiona Marshall.

Deborah Pappalau, holding Mexican chocolate Christmas cookies.

Mexican chocolate Christmas cookies by Deborah Pappalau.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Four of the top five contestants from the 6th Los Angeles Times Holiday Cookie Bake-Off. Lt to Rt: Deborah Pappalau, Fiona Marshall, Beth Corman Lee and Jessica Levy holding their cookies.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times )

Holiday kids cookies by Suki Wada.

Holiday kids cookies by Suki Wada.   (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)