CERRO GORDO 4-H LEADER Gail Castillo opens a bag of flour while talking to county 4-H’ers about the basics of making sugar cookies during a holiday cookie workshop on Dec. 23 in Mason City.

MASON CITY – While there was no school because of Christmas vacation, class was in session at the 4-H Learning Center at the North Iowa Event Center west of Mason City on Dec. 23.

Seven 4-H members from grades one through seven spent the day learning about the importance of each step in making a sugar cookie.

Led by 4-H regional program specialist Gail Castillo, a girl and six boys spent the morning making their butter and watching a demonstration on caramelizing.

By late morning, just before lunch was served they were sifting flour.

When the session ended that afternoon, they were able to take home their finished sugar cookies.

Megan Hitzhusen, Cerro Gordo County 4-H youth coordinator, assisted in the learning event titled the 4-H Clover Christmas Cookie Factory.