It’s that time of year…the Christmas holiday season! Many people are already starting to plan their Christmas dinner menus, but what about the desserts?! As we all know Christmas Cookies are such a staple and are basically blank canvases.
We are going to analyze the top cookie recipe by state and take a look at all 50. As opposed to our usual 50 states analysis of different foods, this one will be short and sweet, slightly more subdued.
Here are all 50 states’ top Christmas cookies recipes! Where’s your home state?
Starting out with Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, and California, here are the top cookies for those four states!
1. Alabama
Best X-Mas Cookie: Tender Pecan Logs & Turtlebacks
I’ve never heard of Tender Pecan Logs before, but boy do they look good. From pictures, they kinda look like longer versions of a classic Snowball cookie: tons of powdered sugar over a super sweet classic sugar cookie. Their nuttiness goes perfect dunked into coffee, tea, or both!
I’ve also never heard of Turtlebacks before, but apparently Traeger’s Bakery out in Demopolis, Alabama made them famous. They’re crispy on the outside and super soft and tender on the inside. They’re warm full of super cinnamon-y and caramel flavors!
2. Alaska
Best X-Mas Cookie: Chocolate Linzers
These are a classic ‘sandwich’ cookie that has that peek-a-boo sort of look to it. There is usually some sort of filling in it, but Alaska’s favorite seems to be using chocolate, while some recipes also include raspberry jam alongside the chocolate as well. Whatever you put in the middle of these cookies is sure to be delicious and satisfy your dinner guests’ sweet tooths nonetheless!
3. Arizona
Best X-Mas Cookie: Snowballs
A typical Snowball cookie is made with tons of powdered sugar (as you already know), some sort of nut(s), flour, and of course, butter. Some places in Arizona refer to Snowballs as Mexican Wedding Cookies or even Polvorones. Depending on your preference, you can use whatever nut you’d like or choose to omit them completely!
4. Arkansas
Best X-Mas Cookie: Peanut Butter Christmas ‘Mice’
This is a super cute and innovative way to make those classic PB cookies with a Hershey’s Kiss in the middle of them. Instead, shape the PB cookie into the mouse’s body. Use chocolate chips for they eyes, and then mini brown only M&M’s for the mouse’s nose. Using peanuts for the ears is also a cute idea, and if you wanna add a tail, some black licorice will work just fine too!
5. California
Best X-Mas Cookie: Biscotti
I don’t normally associate a whole lot of Christmas-y sort of things with California in general, but apparently those California dwellers are huge fans of Biscotti cookies. They are an Italian classic and are traditionally flavored with anise. No, it doesn’t mean that they’re all anise-y, but if you’re looking for something traditional, then stop looking. Dip them in chocolate and thank me later!
6. Colorado
Best X-Mas Cookie: Classic Spritz Cookies
When looking up popular Christmas cookies in Colorado, the ever-so-classic Spritz Cookies came up several times. I’ve seen them in the shapes of Christmas trees, holiday wreaths, gingerbread men. Literally any Christmas shape you can think of, a Spritz cookie can be made into. Clasically, Spritz’ are made of four simple ingredients: butter, flour, egg yolks, and sugar. Sounds yummy!
7. Connecticut
Best X-Mas Cookie: Snickerdoodle
This is actually Connecticut’s official state cookie (didn’t even know that these existed TBH). We just had to include it here on this list. It’s so warm and inviting and just when I thought that they couldn’t get any better and more delicious, I saw a recipe that adds brown butter to them. What could be better than that?! Cinnamon and brown butter? Consider me there!
8. Delaware
Best X-Mas Cookie: Eggnog Cookies
I was super surprised to see something so flavor-specific on this list, especially in Delaware (if you’re from there, tell me if eggnog is super popular over there). This is the most perfect way to use up that extra eggnog that doesn’t get drank when you buy that giant bottle to take shots, but end up not using most of it. Eggnog is so underrated in my personal opinion! Thoughts?!
9. Florida
Best X-Mas Cookie: Key Lime Pie Sandwich Cookies
Key Limes are so specific to Florida; I feel like they’re almost always in season. But since this is a cookie list and not a pie list, we just had to switch it up just a tad. Imagine this: a classic mini sugar cookie with some super sour and tangy key lime cream in the middle of yet another classic mini sugar cookie. These soft wonders will bring the serious dessert flavor to your holiday tables!
10. Georgia
Best X-Mas Cookie: Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
If you didn’t know this already, here’s a super fun fact about Georgia: they produce right around 49% of the US’ peanuts! Because of that, let’s skip the peaches this time and head straight to the peanut butter. If you like double the PB flavor then do a peanut butter cookie base and stuff it with some additional peanut butter. Anything sound better to you? I think not!
11. Hawaii
Best X-Mas Cookie: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
White chocolate and macadamia nuts are such a classic combo that you’d be considered crazy if you haven’t at least tried them together at some point. These cookies are typically served nice and soft, and they’re even better warm and super fresh right out of the oven. Given that Hawaii is super famous for their deliciously local macadamia nuts, this cookie just had a place right here!
12. Idaho
Best X-Mas Cookie: Chocolate Covered Potato Chip Cookies
Idaho is known for potatoes, and if you didn’t know that already then go and look it up. This was nowhere on a list of classic cookies per 50 states of the US. I’ve had chocolate covered potato chips (Lay’s came out with some holiday ones and d*** are they great). These are super salty, super sweet, and oh-so delicious; if you haven’t tried this delish combo yet, go do it right now!
13. Illinois
Best X-Mas Cookie: Homemade Peppermint Patties & Holiday Cornflake Cookies
Starting out with the Homemade Peppermint Patties, this is basically a way to make your own version of Yorks. Peppermint is such a classic flavor around the holidays that it’s just so dang hard to pass up making something with that sort of flavor inside of it. Dark, milk, or white chocolate!
Next up are the Holiday Cornflake Cookies! What could be better than a rolled up version of butter, cornflakes, and sugar, am I right?! You can make these in any sort of holiday shape, and for any holiday anytime during the year as well! Enjoy these and get all buttered up y’all!
14. Indiana
Best X-Mas Cookie: Church Window Cookies
Personally, I’ve never heard of these types of cookies before. They not only look delicious, but they will also be a hit with the kids of the fam as well. These are basically a normal cookie dough (whatever flavor you choose), and to make the stained glass ‘church windows’, you use multi-colored marshmallows! This is not only kid-friendly for their tastes, but also super fun to bake!
15. Iowa
Best X-Mas Cookie: Swedish Kringla
These are something completely and totally new to me. They are super fluffy and sweet, and from multiple different pictures and recipes that I’ve done my research on, they look ‘undressed’ or ‘unfrosted’. However, I do believe that they would still be just as equally delicious with some sort of frosting or light lemon-lime sort of glaze. Whatever way to bake them, make them great!
16. Kansas
Best X-Mas Cookie: Peppernuts (A.K.A. Pfeffernüsse) & Sparkly Meringue Snowmen
First up, Peppernuts! These, if you couldn’t tell already by their ‘A.K.A. name’, are a traditional German cookie, and here’s how to make them/what ingredients to use, according to Baker Bettie: anise extract, cinnamon, ginger, white pepper, and cardamom, among other baking ingredients!
Second up, Sparkly Meringue Snowmen! These are delightfully light and crispy. The classic meringues are piped in three delightful-looking circles, shaping the snowman itself. Use some edible glitter or some sort of glaze to give them their delicious and super sparkly glaze!
17. Kentucky
Best X-Mas Cookie: No-Bake Chocolate Bourbon Truffles
Bourbon is a huge part of the annual Kentucky Derby that’s held there, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s the only time that the Kentucky-loved bourbon can be celebrated. In the hurry, don’t have time to bake, but wanna impress your guests? Make some homemade truffles, that (you can fight me on it if you’d like) are a cross between chocolate and a cookie!
18. Louisiana
Best X-Mas Cookie: Palmiers
There is such a heavy French influence out in Louisiana, especially in the ever-so popular touristy city of New Orleans. Let’s highlight a super delicious and super French cookie recipe of the Palmier! It’s a super light and flaky cookie that almost feels like you’re just eating buttery and sugary pie of philo dough. Local grocery stores even sell versions of them for an easier clean!
19. Maine
Best X-Mas Cookie: Ginger Cranberry Pinwheels
This is definitely one of those Christmas cookies recipes that once they’re officially done, they look like this super duper complicated recipe that took you days to make, when in reality it only took an hour or less (don’t ya just love that feeling). It’s a bright and fun way to tie together some classic holiday flavors with some super pretty cookies as well! Enjoy and eat up!
20. Maryland
Best X-Mas Cookie: Berger Cookies
No not burger cookies, but Berger Cookies! Before researching these, I had absolutely no idea what these were. Here’s what they consist of/what ingredients to be sure to use should you choose to make them: thick chocolate frosting and imperfectly shaped shortbread cookies base. These were made famous by DeBaufre Bakeries out in Baltimore, Maryland!
21. Massachusetts
Best X-Mas Cookie: Italian Pignoli Cookies
This is quite the traditional Italian cookie that is always on my table around the holidays. A lot of Italian desserts aren’t quite as sweet as American treats, so if you’re sweet tooth isn’t quite as strong this year, this will sure be your thing. It’s basically a hard on the outside, soft on the inside almond paste-based cookie that is studded on the top with some golden brown pine nuts!
22. Michigan
Best X-Mas Cookie: Chocolate Cherry Cookies
If you didn’t already know this, Michigan is pretty famous for their cherries and cherry blossom festivals! In my own personal opinion, the combo of chocolate and cherries is superior to a lot of other ones of some pretty delicious sweet treats. This is a super yummy way to use up some marachino cherries and chop up those leftover chocolate (dark, milk, or white) bars as well!
23. Minnesota
Best X-Mas Cookie: Speculoos (A.K.A. Speculaas)
Brought over by Dutch and Belgian immigrants, this cookie is basically based off of what we all know and love in today’s times as cookie butter (this intrigued me in already). It’s a major Christmas tradition for those that brought this cookie into MN, and here’s what it consists of: sometimes dark brown sugar, sometimes roasted soybeans, always Biscoff-based!
24. Mississippi
Best X-Mas Cookie: Mississippi Mud Pie Cookies
I’ve always heard of Mississippi Mud Pie, but I’ve never tried it (at least I don’t think that I have). It’s a chocolate-based dessert with brownie layers, chocolate custard, chocolate crust (or vanilla if that’s what you prefer of course), usually served with ice cream. All of these ingredients and elements can literally go well with any sort of dessert, so why not put them into a cookie!
25. Missouri
Best X-Mas Cookie: Gingerbread Sandwich Trees
This particular recipe is literally the perfect way to de-boringize a traditional gingerbread cookie. While they are super cute to make them into tiny little gingerpeople, why not try cutting them into some super cute Christmas tree shapes?! For the ornament element of it all, use some delicious and even cuter Mini M&M’s. For the cream part of the sandwich cookie, use or make frosting!
26. Montana
Best X-Mas Cookie: Date Swirl Cookies
This particular type of cookie, although I’ve personally never heard of it, came up on more than one list of the top cookies of the US for the specific state of Montana. It seems to be made with some deliciously soft and super sweet dates and some sort of nut (not sure which kind, but I’m sure your favorite will do just fine). Use a traditional shortbread or sugar cookie dough to tie this all together!
27. Nebraska
Best X-Mas Cookie: Butter Brickle Cookies
A classic Nebraska favorite in the summertime is called Butter Brickle Ice Cream. Let’s take a look at what goes into that and how to turn it into a cookie for the Winter time! It’s typically made with brown butter (yum), Heath toffee bits, some sort of toffee sauce, heavy cream, and some other traditional ingredients that go into making ice cream. Combine all of these into your cookies too!
28. Nevada
Best X-Mas Cookie: Classic Holiday Cutout Cookies
These are quite possibly the cutest cookie on here to make with your kids! It’s literally a blank canvas of a classic Christmas-themed sugar cookie. You can either make them super crunchy on the outside by skipping the frosting and sprinkling with sugar before baking, or for a softer version of these, use the frosting and decorate to your heart’s content!
29. New Hampshire
Best X-Mas Cookie: 3-Ingredient Buttery Shortbread
When I looked up a particular recipe for this by a New Hampshire-based home baker, the cookies almost looked like the thickness of a lemon bar, but the specific color to a classic shortbread cookie. With some super sweet powdered sugar sprinkled on top, there’s a lot of room to use some Christmas stencils to have some beautiful powdered sugar stencil designs for added fun!
30. New Jersey
Best X-Mas Cookie: Classic Italian Rainbow ‘Cookies’
With such a heavy Italian influence in the state of New Jersey as a whole, we figured to add a classic Italian ‘cookie’ recipe that most people wouldn’t necessarily consider a cookie. To the Italian heritage, this is a holiday cookie classic, and here’s what they consists of: it’s got three layers of almond-flavored cake, with raspberry or apricot jam in the middle and all dipped in dark chocolate!
31. New Mexico
Best X-Mas Cookie: Bizcochito & Lime and Gin Coconut Macarons
Let’s talk about two different cookies that I’ve never heard of before, but sounds super delicious. First up is Bizochito, which is legally, yes you read that right, legally the official state cookie of New Mexico. They are crispy shortbread cookies, typically star-shaped with anise and cinnamon!
Next up are the Lime and Gin Coconut Macarons! These are basically your classic coconut macaron cookie, but instead they are dipped in some sort of lime and gin-flavored glaze or frosting. A little tart and tangy, a little boozy, a lot of coconutty. All the good stuff, right?!
32. New York
Best X-Mas Cookie: Black and White Cookies
These are some of the most delicious cookies that you’ll ever taste. I’ve only ever tried them from a local grocery store’s bakery and they were darn good, but I cannot even imagine what they would taste like coming from an authentic bakery. They have a more cake-like texture, and the literal iconic half black and half white frosting can be done with fondant, although NY-ers say otherwise!
33. North Carolina
Best X-Mas Cookie: Lemon Bar Cookies & Mint Twist Meringues
Starting out with the Lemon Bar Cookies, this is definitely a way to get your tart and lemony flavor fix in, all while kinda taming it down just a bit. You can definitely use graham crackers to tie in the crust flavor, as well as powdered sugar to tie it all together. Yummy however they’re made!
Next up are the Mint Twist Meringues. I’ve never had any sort of variety of a meringue besides just a plain ole regular one. I love mint flavored anything and in all honesty, mint is such an iconic holiday flavor, so you definitely don’t wanna pass these up this holiday season and beyond!
34. North Dakota
Best X-Mas Cookie: Frosted Cashew Cookies
When I first came across these, I knew with 100% certainty that I had to highlight these here. The frosting looks like a cross between a caramel sauce and a thick fudgey consistency. There are, of course, crushed cashews on top of the frosting, and to elevate it just a bit, use some slightly salted nuts to add some more depth of flavors to your already delicious sugar cookie/cashew treat!
35. Ohio
Best X-Mas Cookie: Classic Buckeye Delights
Of course we had to talk about Buckeyes when we got to the state of Ohio, am I right or what?! If we didn’t, we’d be sinning. So anyways, if you don’t already know, Buckeyes aren’t only the name of Ohio’s sports teams, but they are also a super delicious and very rich peanut butter and chocolate dessert. To tame it down just a bit, bake it into a sugar cookie or cereal base…delish!
36. Oklahoma
Best X-Mas Cookie: Cherry-Pecan Icebox Cookies
Before we talk about this recipe in particular, let’s talk about what a plain Icebox Cookie is. So basically a classic and plain Icebox Cookie is a specific type of cookie that is rolled into a log shape and cooled/refrigerated until it’s time to slice and bake. This recipe in particular combines a holiday classic nut, pecans, with a classic ice cream topping, maraschino cherries, for some delish treats!
37. Oregon
Best X-Mas Cookie: Nutella Thumbprints
Surprisingly, the hazelnut industry is pretty heavy and large out in Oregon. Luckily for us, that means that we get to include and super indulgent Nutella cookie recipe. Let’s take the truly iconic cookie of a Thumbprint cookie, mix in some Nutella or other chocolate into the batter, make your classic thumbprint, and add in some deliciously rich Nutella in the middle! Let me know thoughts!
38. Pennsylvania
Best X-Mas Cookie: Almond Raspberry Stars
This consists of a super thin and maybe slightly crispy classic sugar cookie base. On top it, there looks to be some sort of raspberry jam and crushed almonds (as well as another tiny little cookie shape). To the cookie dough itself, adding in some almond paste, almond extract, and/or actual almonds for that super authentic (Italian cookie) taste and serve them at Christmas this year!
39. Rhode Island
Best X-Mas Cookie: Snowy Mountain Cookies
A home-baker from Rhode Island posted their recipe for these online. They expressed that they reminded her of the Swabian Alps (mountains) when she was studying abroad out in Germany. I could only imagine how cool it would be to study food in other countries, let alone cookies! These triangle-shaped super thin chocolate chip cookies are dipped in white chocolate snow caps!
40. South Carolina
Best X-Mas Cookie: Benne Wafers
Talk about a super thin cookie! These are basically paper thin to the likes of a Tweel cookie that is typically rolled into a shape. It snaps like a cracker but surely and sweetly satisfies like a cookie! While they are typically sesame flavored, there are also some pretty delicious-looking and iconic chocolate and/or orange recipes as well. The Olde Colony Bakery in Charleston helped fame them!
41. South Dakota
Best X-Mas Cookie: Classic Oatmeal Cookies
Who doesn’t love a good Oatmeal Cookie, am I right?! They’re sweet, they’re delicious, and they combine so many different textures that just legit always seem to work with this type of cookie in particular. Whether you like raisins in them or not (I surely do), they are still super delicious and taste of warm cinnamon nights, which is perfect for this weather this time of the year!
42. Tennessee
Best X-Mas Cookie: Creme de Menthe Cookies
Ohhhhh yeah! Mint, a little bit of booze, and a cookie all in one?! Sign. Me. Up. It’s one of Tennessee’s most famous sandwich cookie recipe. Sugar cookie outsides (kinda like the parts of an Oreo cookie), bright green creme de menthe-flavored cream on the inside, and a chocolate ganache frosting on the top to finish it all off. Make it however you’d like just please save me one!
43. Texas
Best X-Mas Cookie: Cranberry Pecan Cookies
These could either be a super sweet and nutty cookie or if you use slightly salted pecans, they can also make a good salty and sweet cookie combo. Any sort of sweet treat that has pecans in it just does it, it just works for me. I totally get it if you’re not a nut-in-your-desserts sort of person, but please just try these cookies. A Texas home-baker posted her recipe and…OMG yes please, Ma’am!
44. Utah
Best X-Mas Cookie: Swig Cookies
This is definitely one of those things that made me raise an eyebrow. Isn’t Swig the name of a drink-themed restaurant, I thought to myself? Why yes, yes it is! These classic sugar cookies from this restaurant cause chaotic lines around this time of year and legit have everyone and their mothers trying different copycat recipes. I need to travel there to try it out for myself! Thoughts?!
45. Vermont
Best X-Mas Cookie: Gingerbread Peppermint Pinwheels & Maple Sugar Cookies
First off, let’s discuss all-things Gingerbread Peppermint Pinwheels! When I first saw a picture of these cookies, I thought they were pumpkin, but much to my surprise, they’re gingerbread-flavored! I never would’ve thought to combine these two flavors, but hey, ya never know, right?!
Second off, let’s discuss all-things Maple Sugar Cookies! Okay, y’all we just couldn’t end on those pinwheel cookies without talking about something maple-flavored. Out in Vermont you have a free all-access pass to all-things pure maple syrup. Grab yourself some and get to baking!
46. Virginia
Best X-Mas Cookie: Lemon Chess Cookie Cake
Lemon Chess Pie is a thing. But a Cookie Cake?! Say what? This is definitely something that is perfect to make for a big crowd of a family Christmas dinner. Make it into a pizza-like shape and cut it however you’d like. A classic Lemon Chess Pie consists of the following: lots of different lemon elements, classic baking ingredients, and sometimes cornmeal. Cookie or cake…yummo!
47. Washington
Best X-Mas Cookie: Santa Sugar Cookies
While these are something so plain and delicious, I still couldn’t pass up talking about and highlighting these up here. They are heart-shaped classic Christmas sugar cookies. Turn it upside down and start piping all red and white designs to emulate Santa Claus! Use mini brown M&M’s for his eyes, and you’re Santa-esque cookie is all cutely decorated and ready for eating…yay!
48. West Virginia
Best X-Mas Cookie: Peanut Butter Cookie Cups & Snowman Treats
First up are the Peanut Butter Cookie Cups! It’s basically a classic Peanut Butter Cookie base baked into mini muffin tins. Just before they’re done baking, add in a classic Peanut Butter Cup and watch it slowly melt right before your eyes! Delicious, perfect for the holidays, everyone will love it!
Next up are the Snowman Treats! Originally, I only had the PB Cookie Cups on the list for West Virginia. But then, but then, I came across these super cute Snowman Treats! They are essentially white chocolate-dipped Oreos decorated with various candies made to look like BFF Frosty!
49. Wisconsin
Best X-Mas Cookie: Kolazcki
What a classic cookie. Not so much everywhere around the US, but for some odd reason, they are super popular up in my neighboring state of Wisconsin! The state has one of the largest Polish communities in the US, so there ya go! No strangers to cream cheese anything, Wisconsin dwellers are famous for combining this with sweet and tart fruits, folded in pretty holiday shapes!
50. Wyoming
Best X-Mas Cookie: Blackberry-Filled White Chocolate-Dipped Thumbprints
Here’s our last and final cookie, folks! It’s yet another version of a classic Thumbprint cookie: blackberries mixed with white chocolate is sure to make everyone’s tummies wanting another, and another, and guess what?! Another! White chocolate glaze and some white chips on the inside, blackberry jam in the actual thumbprint part? Sign me and my boyfriend up…we’re in!
BONUS COOKIE: Pannetone Cookies
I decided to include this recipe here. It belongs to no state in particular, but the recipe on Delish’s website just looked and sounded so good that I just absolutely had to talk about it here. It combines an Italian classic dessert of Pannetone (if you don’t know too much about it, read all about it right here and come back…please), almonds, orange extract and tons of different candied fruits. Enjoy these with some hot coffee or tea, and let’s chat about all-things Italian treats!
That’s a wrap on our top Christmas cookies across the USA list and so much more!
What is your personal fave Christmas cookie to enjoy every year? Is there a tie or a clear winner? Let’s chat about which state you live in and we did with our cookie selection this time around…maybe things will change one year coming forward! Have safe and deliciously yummy holiday season, folks! Eat up, drink up, and certainly enjoy yourself and all of these treats!