WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- American Family Field's parking lots were packed Saturday morning as hundreds of cars waited in line to receive the annual cookie book.

The tasty tradition goes back 98 years -- and this year, more than 350 recipes were submitted by We Energies customers across Wisconsin.

However, officials were only able to select nearly 40 recipes for the book, which is themed this year as "baking spirits bright."

"They also included tips about baking so stuff like make sure you sift the flour, have a clean kitchen before you start, and my favorite is just have fun," said Amy Jahns, a We Energies spokesperson. "We just love doing this for our customers and it's a free cookie book; we want to give this gift to our customers every year."

While the distribution event began at 9 a.m., Jahns said there were people waiting around 5 a.m.

"To get up several hours before the event even starts so they can make sure they have their cookie book in hand for their holiday season again just speaks to that tradition and just makes everyone so happy every year," Jahns said. 

Steven Janiszewski, who was singing Christmas carols from his car as he waited in line, said he is a regular.

"I get it every year," Janiszewski told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White.

And for Kathy Kleman of Hales Corners, this year's book is extra special.

"I'm on page 15, it's a peanut-tipped shortbread and it's my recipe, an original recipe and I hope everyone enjoys it for the holidays," Kleman said. "It means the world to me to be honest with you, so excited just to be part of history."

It's the first time she's submitted a recipe -- but the book has been in her family for generations.

"I can remember from 1939 my grandmother had that cookbook in her drawer," Kleman recalled. "My grandmother used, my mom used, they've been in the family for years... all my presents every year are actually trays of cookies that go to all my friends."

If you missed Saturday's distribution event, here is a full list of all of the upcoming ones.

You can also download the book online.