As we prepare for holiday parties, cookie swaps, and holiday bake sales, many of us are probably questioning what Christmas cookies to whip up. There’s nothing like spreading holiday cheer with homemade cookies. So, what cookies do people actually like? There are some strong opinions about the best and worst cookies so you’ll need to read on if want to win favor at your holiday event.
1. Frosted Sugar Cookies
A Monmouth University poll found that frosted sugar cookies are the most popular Christmas Cookie in America with 32% of respondents choosing the classic as their favorite. Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Oregon all rank the sugar cookie as their state’s favorite as well. While sugar cookies might be the most festive when decorated, are they the best tasting?
2. Gingerbread Cookies
The same Monmouth University Poll found that Gingerbread cookies are America’s second favorite cookie. We think that their taste is much better than sugar cookies, but that’s just our opinion. Plus, they are just as festive as sugar cookies. Who doesn’t like to decorate gingerbread and make gingerbread houses?
3. Chocolate Chip Cookies
America has spoken and third on the list is the classic chocolate chip cookie. Did you know that half of the cookies Americans bake at home are chocolate chip? You can’t beat the gooeyness of a warm chocolate chip cookie. It’s even the state cookie of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Are they really a Christmas classic though?
4. Snickerdoodle Cookies
According to American Cookie cookbook author Ann Byrn, the snickerdoodle cookie was brought to the United States by Dutch-German immigrants. They also are popular in Amish and Mennonite baking. One thing is for certain, they are a favorite Christmas cookie among Americans. Maybe it’s their soft texture or their warm spices, but they are on many cookie plates during the holidays.
5. Italian Cookies
If you grew up in an Italian family, you’re well aware of Italian cookies for just about every holiday. Ricotta cheese cookies are extremely popular for their moist consistency. They are a favorite in the Northeast. Of course, there are many varieties of Italian cookies that Nona makes like Italian horn cookies, rainbow cookies, and Pizelle. Our least favorite is anything that has anise in it. That is just too much of an acquired taste.
6. Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are one of our favorites, but not everyone has the same opinion. Six states rank the peanut butter blossom as their favorite cookie, but the results are mixed. We love the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Did you know that the recipe was created for the 9th Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1957 and it didn’t win?
7. Shortbread Cookies
We love shortbread cookies in the morning with tea but aren’t sure it deserves a spot on a Christmas cookie plate. If you’ve ever had a dry shortbread cookie, you know that it’s more like sand than a cookie. It is a Christmas tradition in Scotland. Scottish shortbread cookies are typically thicker than other varieties.
8. Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are just bland and boring. The cookie press does make them a cute shape, but they are always a disappointment. Don’t underwhelm your guests with this sub-par Christmas cookie.
9. Mexican Wedding Cookies
The texture of Mexican Wedding Cookies is often too crumbly. There’s too much messy powdered sugar and the nut-filled center is just okay. Only Indiana says that it’s their favorite Christmas cookie.
10. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Only Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and Washington rank chocolate crinkle cookies as their favorite. As a nation, we don’t love them. The positive is that they are very easy to make, especially if you use the Betty Crocker cake mix version of the recipe. We don’t really think that they look very festive though. Plus, who wants powdered sugar all over their Christmas sweater?
11. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
There’s no sugar coating it, oatmeal raisin cookies aren’t a great cookie any time of the year albeit Christmas. There are so many better options out there so why would you settle for a glorified bowl of oatmeal? We’ll take sweets not fruit in our cookies, please.
Christmas Cookie Nostalgia
Of course, our favorite Christmas cookies are often tied to fond Christmas memories with our loved ones. Maybe your favorite cookie is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. What’s your favorite cookie to bake or eat this time of year?