Holiday Cookies by State
By Chris Petry
Last month, we reviewed Google’s state by state breakdown of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes. For the Winter Holiday season, we thought we’d see what search analytics revealed about the most popular Christmas side dishes. Well, turns out that data’s not quite in yet. However, they did analyze the most popular Christmas Cookie search for each state. Which, in some ways, is probably even more interesting. Let’s have a look, shall we?
Alabama- Residents of the yellowhammer state will be bringing Oatmeal Peanut Butter cookies to the office cookie exchange, it seems. Now, I’ve had many an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie but adding peanut butter? That’s genius. Assuming you’re not allergic. If you are, I’ll happily trade you for your share.
Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, & Vermont- If you live in Alaska, Idaho, Michigan or Vermont, prepare yourselves for the influx of good old fashioned sugar cookies coming your way. What I find most surprising here is that Vermont didn’t opt for a maple glaze to both elevate the rather ubiquitous confectionary treat and to remind everyone of their reputation as the nation’s leading maple syrup producers.
Arizona- Arizonians will be leaving raspberry thumbprints out for Santa this year. Hope ol’ Saint Nick saves some for the rest of us!
Arkansas- The fine folks of Arkansas, home of the Fouke Monster and the nation’s coolest football team souvenir hats, will be baking up some Danish Butter cookies this season. Now that’s what you call classic.
California, Louisiana & Tennessee- Cookie lovers in the Golden State, the Pelican State and the Volunteer State have all decided to go a little fancier than their neighbors, opting for Buche de Noel style cookies. I had no idea what these were. A quick Google search reveals that Buch de Noel is just yule log. That is no cookie people. With a little further reading, I found that Buch de Noel cookies are rolled chocolate rugelach cookies, made to imitate the appearance of mini-Yule logs. Okay, I’m sold.
Colorado- Christmas cookie enthusiasts in the state of Colorado are feeling cake this year. Only they want the cake mix IN their cookies. Wow, that does sound heavenly. Cake Mix cookies it is!
Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island & Wyoming- Seven states will be sharing Italian-style cookies this holiday season. Which, while fairly simple to make, can be quite the showstopper.
Florida- Like nearby Alabama, Florida likes a little oatmeal in their holiday cookies. Only they keep it more traditional with Oatmeal Raisin.
Georgia- Okay Georgia. I’m going to say this just once. Brownies may be delicious but they are NOT cookies. You rebels. Anyway, if you’re expecting Christmas cookies in the Peach state this year, you’re getting brownies instead.
Hawaii & Massachusetts- Whether you’re lying in the sun on a Hawaiian beach or cozying up by the fire on a cold snowy Massachusetts eve, you can expect Chocolate Peppermint cookies this holiday season.
Illinois, Missouri, Nevada & Oklahoma- Illinois, Missouri, Nevada and Oklahoma apparently want it all. That’s why they’ll be snacking on Kitchen Sink cookies this year.
Indiana- Indiana’s keeping It short with a little Shortbread this season.
Iowa and North Carolina- Iowa and North Carolina will be keeping it chocolatey. Iowa will also be adding crinkles. That’s right, Iowans are searching for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies this year. North Carolina says, “Hold the crinkles.”
Kansas & Kentucky- Kansas and Kentucky keep it simple. Which is to say peanut butter with Hershey’s Kisses.
Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon- These three lowkey states are keeping it lowkey and seasonal. Gingerbread it is.
Maryland and D.C.- Maryland and D.C. will be enjoying what they call “Christmas Crack” cookies. I had to look this one up. Apparently, it’s crackers, toffee and chocolate. I’m intrigued.
Michigan, Minnesota & Nebraska- Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska will be enjoying Christmas Wreathe cookies, another one I wasn’t familiar with but will be trying shortly.
Mississippi- Not content to rest on their laurels or lets Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska steal their Christmas thunder, the fine people of Mississippi will be having Christmas Tree cookies.
Montana- Oh, Montana how I love thee. Sometimes it’s best to keep it simple and that’s why Montana homes will have no shortage of Chocolate Chip cookies this X-Mas
New York- New Yorkers are feeling a little adventurous. They’ll be dessert-ing on Greek Christmas Cookies this year.
North Dakota- How cheeky of you North Dakota. Grinch cookies? I like your style.
Ohio- Peanut lovers rejoice, Ohio joins your ranks. They’ll be doing good old fashioned peanut butter blossoms, Hershey’s Kisses and all.
South Carolina- More peanut lovers! South Carolina has been searching for the best recipes for peanut butter thumbprint cookies.
South Dakota- One of the more adventurous states it seems, South Dakota’s going for Cranberry Pistachio cookies this year. I don’t know guys…
Texas- Texans don’t often get a lot of snow. Maybe that’s why they’re clamoring for Snowman Cookies this year.
Utah- Like South Dakota, Utah is feeling the pistachio. Just, without the cranberry.
Virginia- Virginia just wants a sugar cookie without sugar. In comes the molasses. Yes, Molasses cookies are the top pick for Virginians this year. Molasses does have its own unique flavor. Consider my curiosity piqued.
Washington & West Virginia- Washington and West Virginia will be enjoying Snowball Cookies this year. I’ll tell you how that goes when I visit my folks.
Nothing makes your home smell more hospitable than fresh baked cookies. Christmas cookie open house anyone?
