America’s Favorite Christmas Cookies in 2024: A State-by-State Map

Cookies and Christmas go hand in hand. For millions of families, baking cookies is a cherished tradition that brings warmth and joy. Nearly 61% of U.S. consumers prepare or cook for the holidays, and 79% purchase food to celebrate. As December 25 approaches, every home is immersing itself in this Perfect Christmas cookie recipe.

But as the data shows, there is no such thing as a perfect cookie recipe. America’s cookie preference (as highlighted by Google Trends data) shows that each US state has its own tastes.

Cookie cutters

Google Trends data shows what people are searching for online. This particular data does not show the most popular cookies for each state, but rather which cookies were searched more frequently in a specific state than in the country as a whole.

One notable trend is the popularity of Italian Christmas cookies. These sugary, frosting-covered treats won first place in seven states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but not New York. Although this is a drop from last year’s 13 states, they remain fan favorites, especially in Italian-American households. These cookies are often flavored with anise or almond and decorated with colorful sprinkles. This year, New Yorkers seem to prefer Greek cookies over Italian ones.

Residents of Washington and New Hampshire have shown a preference for gingerbread cookies, a timeless classic. In states like Alaska, Vermont, and Wisconsin, sugar cookies remain a staple. Meanwhile, chocolate chip cookies — a year-round favorite — shine during the holidays, especially in states like North Dakota. There’s something about gooey, chocolatey goodness that resonates even at Christmas. So we let them pass for a Christmas cookie.

But some are downright surprising.

Surprise cookies

Besides the classics, some entries were downright surprising.

Three states (Minnesota, Nebraska and Michigan) show a preference for Christmas wreath-shaped cookies. These cookies combine marshmallows, cornflakes, and a generous splash of green food coloring to look like miniature evergreen wreaths. They are often decorated with small red berries or other decorations.

Meanwhile, North Dakota seems to love Grinch cookies. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday antagonist, Grinch Cookies are the epitome of festive whimsy. These cookies are unmistakable with their bright green hue and sometimes feature a red candy heart in the center – a nod to the Grinch’s heart that grows three sizes.

Christmas Crack cookies – a name that is sure to raise eyebrows – are not a traditional cookie at all. It’s a layered creation made with saltine crackers, melted butter, brown sugar and chocolate. Once refrigerated and broken into pieces, the cookie offers a mix of sweet, salty and crunchy flavors and crunches when you break or bite into it.

America, you have a weird taste in cookies.

Cookies that stand out by state

Here are the most searched cookies by state over the past week:

Alabama: Oatmeal Peanut Butter

Alaska: Sugar cookies

Arizona: Raspberry imprint

Arkansas: Danish Butter

California: Yule log

Colorado: Christmas Cake Mix

Connecticut: Italian Christmas cookies

Delaware: Italian Christmas cookies

District of Columbia: Christmas cracked cookies

Florida: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Georgia: Brownie cookies

Hawaii: Chocolate Peppermint

Idaho: Sugar cookies

Illinois: Christmas sink

Indiana: Shortbread cookies

Iowa: Chocolate crinkle

Kansas: Peanut butter with kisses

Kentucky: Peanut butter with kisses

Louisiana: Yule log

Maine: Gingerbread cookies

Maryland: Christmas cracked cookies

Massachusetts: Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Michigan: Christmas wreath

Minnesota: Christmas wreath

Mississippi: Christmas tree cookies

Missouri: Kitchen sink

Montana: Chocolate chip

Nebraska: Christmas wreath

Nevada: Christmas Kitchen Sink

New Hampshire: Gingerbread

New Jersey: Italian Christmas cookies

New Mexico: Italian Christmas

New York: Greek Christmas

North Carolina: chocolate cookies

North Dakota: Grumpy Cookies

Ohio: Peanut Butter Flowers

Oklahoma: Kitchen Sink Cookies

Oregon: Gingerbread cookies

Pennsylvania: Italian Christmas cookies

Rhode Island: Italian Christmas cookies

South Carolina: Peanut Butter Fingerprint

South Dakota: Cranberry Pistachio

Tennessee: Yule log

Texas: Snowball

Utah: Pistachio

Vermont: Sugar

Virginia: Molasses Cookies

Washington: Snowball cookies

West Virginia: Snowball

Wisconsin: Sugar cookies

Wyoming: Italian Christmas cookies