The scent of freshly baked cookies is a familiar holiday cue, but which cookie takes center stage varies from one state to another. WordUnscrambler.pro, an online hub for wordsmiths and Scrabble lovers, combed through Google Trends data from Dec. 1 to Dec. 9 to uncover the most searched Christmas cookie in every state.
State-by-State Cookie Trends
- Alabama – M&M cookies
- Alaska – Italian cookies
- Arizona – Hershey kiss cookies
- Arkansas – Sugar cookies
- California – Greek cookies
- Colorado – Butter spritz cookies
- Connecticut – Peppermint cookies
- Delaware – No-bake cookies
- Florida – Pinwheel cookies
- Georgia – Candy cane cookies
- Hawaii – Gingerbread cookies
- Idaho – Peppermint chocolate cookies
- Illinois – Chocolate cookies
- Indiana – Gluten‑free cookies
- Iowa – M&M cookies
- Kansas – Snickerdoodle cookies
- Kentucky – Chocolate crinkle cookies
- Louisiana – Italian cookies
- Maine – Christmas crack cookies
- Maryland – Kitchen sink Christmas cookies
- Massachusetts – Christmas sprinkle cookies
- Michigan – Chocolate crinkle cookies
- Minnesota – Peanut butter kiss cookies
- Mississippi – Shortbread Christmas cookies
- Missouri – Kitchen sink Christmas cookies
- Montana – Christmas crack cookies
- Nebraska – Christmas monster cookies
- Nevada – Snowball cookies
- New Hampshire – Gluten‑free Christmas cookies
- New Jersey – Snickerdoodle cookies
- New Mexico – Snowball cookies
- New York – Linzer tart cookies
- North Carolina – Snickerdoodle cookies
- North Dakota – Christmas crack cookies
- Ohio – Candy cane cookies
- Oklahoma – Christmas kitchen sink cookies
- Oregon – Pinwheel cookies
- Pennsylvania – Hershey kiss cookies
- Rhode Island – Grinch cookies
- South Carolina – Christmas kitchen sink cookies
- South Dakota – Butter spritz cookies
- Tennessee – M&M Christmas cookies
- Texas – Haystack cookies
- Utah – Christmas sugar cookies
- Vermont – German Christmas cookies
- Virginia – Shortbread Christmas cookies
- Washington – Butterscotch cookies
- West Virginia – Pillsbury Christmas cookies
- Wisconsin – No‑bake Christmas cookies
- Wyoming – Christmas crinkle cookies
The data reveal intriguing patterns. M&M cookies lead Alabama, Iowa, and Tennessee, while Italian cookies dominate Alaska and Louisiana. “Kitchen sink Christmas cookies” appear in Maryland, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, indicating a love for eclectic mixes in those regions. “Christmas crack cookies” surface in Maine, Montana, and North Dakota, and “Gluten‑free Christmas cookies” show up in Indiana and New Hampshire. “Snowball cookies” are favored in Nevada and New Mexico, and “Linzer tart cookies” stand out in New York. “German Christmas cookies” are the top pick in Vermont, and “Haystack cookies” are the choice in Texas. “Christmas sugar cookies” are the most searched in Utah, while “Chocolate crinkle cookies” appear in Kentucky, Michigan, and Wyoming.
National Cookie Trends
- Christmas gingerbread cookies – 218,400 searches
- Italian Christmas cookies – 204,000 searches
- Christmas sugar cookies – 117,600 searches
- Shortbread Christmas cookies – 79,200 searches
- Christmas butter cookies – 78,000 searches
- Pillsbury Christmas cookies – 68,000 searches
- Chocolate Christmas cookies – 66,000 searches
- Gluten‑free Christmas cookies – 54,000 searches
- German Christmas cookies – 52,000 searches
- M&M Christmas cookies – 51,600 searches
On a nationwide scale, gingerbread tops the list, followed by Italian and sugar cookies. The search volume for “Easy Christmas cookies” reached 164,400, underscoring a desire for simple recipes across the country.
Methodology and Sources
WordUnscrambler.pro’s analysis relied on Google Trends data collected between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9. The site’s word‑unscrambling experts, assisted by marketing and SEO firm Ahrefs, filtered and ranked the searches to produce the state‑specific and national lists.
Quotes from the Site
“Baking cookies remains one of the most beloved holiday traditions. Every year tastes evolve and new cookie trends emerge. Regional favorites vary widely state by state. Christmas cookies are more than just dessert. They tell stories about family traditions,” a spokesperson for the site said in a statement sent to News 2.
“Baking brings people together across generations. Sharing something sweet during the holidays creates joy,” the site representative said. “Looking at America as a whole we found that searches for ‘Easy Christmas cookies’ amounts to [164,400]. It seems that even people who are not master chefs want to enjoy the holiday season by baking.”
Key Takeaways
- State preferences for Christmas cookies are highly diverse, with some states favoring classic flavors while others lean toward unique mixes.
- Nationwide, gingerbread and Italian cookies dominate search interest, reflecting enduring holiday staples.
- The high search volume for easy recipes indicates a broad desire to bake at home, even among those who are not professional cooks.
The findings paint a flavorful picture of how American holiday baking traditions vary across the country. Whether it’s a state’s love for M&M cookies or a national craving for gingerbread, the data show that the kitchen remains a central gathering place during the festive season.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
