From the "Cookie Monster is not a toy story character" files:

Every Linux distribution (and open source project) has an ongoing challenge to resolve bugs. Fixing bugs becomes increasingly important at release time - which is where Debian is now at with the upcoming "lenny" release. Debian is gearing up for a bug sprint to fix remaining bugs (about 100 key ones) and is offering a unique incentive to developers - free cookies.

"The one who Fixes a RC bug that is more than 3 months old by writing a patch shall become a WINNER. WINNERs and release managers will be eligible to receive home-made cookies from volunteers and from those who are not able to fix their RC bug in 5 days," Josselin Mouette wrote in an email to Debian developers.

I think it's a great idea. Sure free beer and the admiration/respect of peers is good thing too but home made cookies? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.