Barksdale’s State Fair Cookie Kitchen

Barksdale's cookies have become synonymous with the Iowa State Fair. Each year, thousands of families get in line to get their cup or bucket of warm, fresh chocolate chip cookies. In 2019, Joe Barksdale gifted Barksdale's cookies to the people of Iowa, by entrusting the business to the Iowa State Fair.

In 2020, the Barksdale’s State Fair Cookie Kitchen was constructed. This 4,800 sq. ft. building is the main facility for baking these deliciously famous cookies. Fairgoers can peek inside through large windows to see cookies baking and purchase a fresh cup or bucket.