Freshly baked cookies are a staple of Christmas and the holiday season, and for good reason. Just the smell of cookies in the oven can put you in the holiday spirit. Whether you make fancy crinkle cookies, peanut butter and chocolate buckeyes, or basic sugar cookies, Christmas traditions demand enough variety of cookies for everyone to have something they like.
In the name of Christmas cheer, we researched the favorite Christmas cookie in every state. So, we put our Today’s Homeowner elves to work. We surveyed more than 4,500 Americans on their Christmas cookie preferences, and here’s what we found.
Our Survey Results
According to our survey, nothing beats a classic. While the winners were not unique to Christmastime, chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies with frosting were crowd favorites during the holidays.
Judging by state, sugar cookies with frosting were America’s favorite Christmas cookie, winning 21 of 50 states.
Chocolate chip cookies weren’t far behind the sugar cookies, taking home the top prize in 18 states — impressive for such a basic recipe. Other cookies that made the top of at least one state list were:
- Gingerbread cookies (six state wins)
- Snickerdoodles (three)
- Gingersnaps cookies (two)
- Shortbread cookies (one)
Even though gingerbread cookies may be more of a quintessential Christmastime cookie, they couldn’t beat out the two palate favorites, chocolate chip and sugar cookies.
Read more: What Age Did You Stop Believing in Santa by State
Check out results for the country as a whole in the graphic above. Interestingly, the overall results closely follow the individual state results, which is not always true. Sugar cookies with frosting were a favorite of 21.9% of cookie eaters, followed closely by chocolate chip cookies (21.6%).
Read more: The Most Popular Christmas Movie in Every State
We can’t forget cookies that didn’t win a state competition but that deserve a spot on a holiday dessert table. Roughly 2.4% of people surveyed said their favorite Christmas cookie is a seasonal Oreo cookie. Trader Joe’s Peppermint Joe Joe’s received 1.6% of votes, an unexpectedly low result given how popular the cookie has trended recently (along with all the seasonal eats at Trader Joe’s).
If you plan on baking this Christmas and want to ensure you don’t have a broken oven during the holidays, consider getting a home warranty from one of our best home warranty company recommendations.
So, Is There a Best Christmas Cookie?
When it comes to the official “best” Christmas cookie, there’s no universally correct answer. Favorites vary widely by state and individual family Christmas traditions. Classic options like chocolate chip and frosted sugar cookies earn the top spot in many states for good reason. They have a universal appeal and remind us of our holidays past.
However, regional U.S. differences show many different “best” Christmas cookies out there. Pecan sandies, gingerbread, lemon crinkles, sea salt toffee . . . the list goes on.
Part of the fun of the holidays (aside from opening presents, setting up Christmas lights, and enjoying the festive music) is trying new Christmas cookie recipes every year and picking new favorites. You may even create a new family tradition in the process.
Christmas cookie preferences also evolve as we experience new flavors. Still, one thing is certain: enjoying these sweet treats with loved ones during the holiday season will remain a cherished tradition.
So, from our team at Today’s Homeowner to you, have a wonderful holiday filled with lots of cookies and joy!
FAQs About Christmas Cookies
What are the most popular Christmas cookies?
Our survey found frosted sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies to be the most popular Christmas cookies in the country. They were the fan favorites in 39 states.
What Christmas cookies are unique to certain regions?
Examples of Christmas cookies that are unique to certain regions are gingersnaps in the Midwest, snickerdoodles in southern states like Tennessee, and shortbread cookies in New England.
Why do people love Christmas cookies?
People love Christmas cookies because of tradition and because they represent family, childhood memories, and the season’s feelings of warmth and generosity. Baking and decorating Christmas cookies brings people together for quality time, regardless of whether you make them with friends, family, or members of a church or civic group.
How long do Christmas cookies last?
Christmas cookies will last one to two weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. You can freeze cookie dough or baked cookies for several months. If you freeze already baked cookies, thaw them overnight before serving.
What are some creative ways to decorate Christmas cookies?
Creative ways to decorate Christmas include using frosting, sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, crushed peppermint, powdered sugar, colored sugar, coconut, and other sugary treats to create festive designs. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to make fun cookie shapes of Christmas trees (especially with gingerbread cookies), wreaths, candy canes, Santa hats, etc. Kids of all ages enjoy decorating cookies.
Methodology
We surveyed 4,580 Americans in mid-November 2019 and asked them to select their favorite Christmas cookie. Respondents were not limited to specific demographics. We estimate the margin of error at 1%.
