Tis the season for baking, and if there’s one thing that steals the spotlight on every American kitchen counter during Christmas, it’s the traditional Christmas cookies. No frills, no fuss— just delicious cookies that have become a national holiday staple.
It’s just not Christmas without cookies!
Families come together to bake more this time of year than any other. According to PR Newswire, 93% of Americans bake cookies during the holiday season, and 61% bake three or more batches between Thanksgiving and New Years.
93% of Americans bake cookies during the holiday season, and 61% bake three or more batches between Thanksgiving and New Year.
Which Christmas Cookie is America’s Favorite?
We polled over 2700 people around the country to discover America’s favorite additions to a Christmas cookie plate. Some of the results might surprise you!
(You can take the survey here.)
The Top 5 Cookies:
#1 Iced Sugar Cookie
The Iced Sugar Cookie takes the top spot, stealing the show as the most favorite Christmas cookie with classic sweetness and festive decorations. Simple, delicious, and a canvas for creativity- it’s the “go-to” for holiday bakers.
#2 Snowball Cookie
Coming in at number two are Snowball cookies (sometimes known as Mexican Wedding Cookies and Russian Tea Cakes). These little rounds of nutty goodness, covered in powdered sugar, bring a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Thank you Katie for this wonderful recipe!
#3 Peanut Butter Cookie
Versatile Peanut Butter Cookies deserve to be in the top three- simple, satisfying, and loved by both kids and adults. Change the chocolate on top, and these Peanut Butter Blossoms can easily be altered for any holiday!
#4 Snickerdoodle Cookie
Snickerdoodles claim the fourth spot, offering a chewy delight with their cinnamon-sugar coating. They bring a comforting warmth to the holiday cookie lineup.
#5 Gingerbread Cookie
Rounding out the top five is the classic Gingerbread Cookie, bringing a spicy kick to the cookie jar. Whether shaped like people, trees, or stockings, these roll-out cookies are one of the most popular Christmas cookies.
More Christmas Themed Cookies:
For those seeking a festive twist, some extra Christmas cookie recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and shapes and offer a touch of magic to holiday baking.
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie– A gooey, chocolatey experience.
Reindeer Cookie– An adorable variation on a peanut butter cookie and fun to make with kids.
Christmas Cornflake Wreaths– A fun and festive twist on a classic rice krispie treat.
Turtle Cookies– Pecan and caramel goodness showcasing classic Christmas flavors.
Spritz Cookie– Butter cookies shaped in a press.
(Recipe and photo from: Sugar Spun Run)
Grinch Heart Cookies – A fun variation on the traditional sugar cookie.
(Recipe and photo from: The Girl Who Ate Everything)
Red Velvet Cookies– Beautiful, festive cookies with a silky cream cheese filling.
Honorable Mentions:
Beyond the top five, these honorable mentions showcase a variety of Christmas cookie ideas showcasing different flavors and textures.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookie– fudgey, crinkled, and super chocolatey!
(Recipe and photo from: Small Town Woman)
Shortbread Cookie– simple, buttery, and always satisfying.
(Recipe and photo from: Christina’s Cucina)
Molasses Cookie– rich, chewy, and filled with warm spices.
Chocolate Chip Cookie– the classic crowd-pleaser.
Thumbprint Cookie– A dressed up shortbread cookie with homemade jam.
(Recipe and photo from Sugar Spun Run)
Monster Cookie– The winner for the most ingredients in one cookie and always a hit.
Chocolate Mint Cookie– Thick and chewy, with gooey chocolate from melted Andes mints.
M&M Cookie– A classic that deserves a place in every recipe box.
Jumbo Chocolate Cookies– jumbo, double chocolate cookies for the true chocolate lover.
Whether it’s the comforting warmth of a Snickerdoodle or the melt-in-your-mouth texture of a Snowball, Christmas cookies embody the spirit of the holidays. We share these sweet treats with neighbors, mail carriers, teachers, friends, and, of course, Santa himself. Cookies generate a spirit of togetherness and kindness that can’t be found anywhere else.
As the holiday season unfolds and the aroma of freshly baked cookies continues to weave its magic, let’s bake up memories that linger long after the last crumbs have disappeared.
After all, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without cookies!
