From the smell of cookies in the oven to the sparkle of lights outside, the holiday season is full of little traditions that bring families together. And while every home has its own way of celebrating, one thing almost everyone can agree on is that no holiday feels complete without cookies. To see which treats take the top spot across the country, and find out how families are celebrating the season together today, we analyzed search data from the past three Decembers and surveyed parents of children under 13 about their holiday experiences. The results reveal each state’s most popular Christmas cookie and offer a glimpse into the traditions that make this time of year so special. So, pour a cup of cocoa, preheat the oven, and let’s see which cookies (and customs) are defining the holidays for families this year. The Most Popular Christmas Cookie in Every State From frosted sugar cookies to chocolate-packed classics, every family has a go-to treat that says it’s finally the holidays. To see which cookies take the spotlight across the country, we turned to Google Trends data from the past three Decembers. By analyzing search interest in each state, we found out which Christmas cookies capture the most attention when ovens are working overtime. Here’s what we discovered: Italian Wedding Cookies (Snowballs) — 8 states These powdered sugar–coated cookies aren’t tied to one region but clearly have nationwide charm. Favorites in Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, and South Dakota, they’re a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth classic that fits right in at any holiday table, no matter the ZIP code. Chocolate Chip Cookies — 6 states It’s no surprise that the timeless crowd-pleaser ranks near the top. Especially popular in the Northeast—with New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania leading the way—these cookies prove that even during the holidays, it’s tough to beat a warm batch of perfectly gooey chocolate chip cookies. Kitchen Sink Cookies — 6 states Loaded with pretzels, chocolate, and whatever else fits in the mix, Kitchen Sink Cookies were standouts in the South, showing up in Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Virginia. They’re a perfect reflection of what baking during the holidays is: a mad dash to make as much as you can with whatever you can find in the cabinet. Peppermint Bark Cookies — 6 states Minty and festive, these cookies made a strong showing in the West, with high interest in Alaska, California, and Utah. The combination of chocolate and peppermint hits the nostalgic sweet spot for families who like their holiday treats with a little sparkle and seasonal flavors. Sugar Cookies — 5 states A decorating staple and a Midwest favorite, sugar cookies topped the charts in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Wyoming. Their simple base makes them a blank canvas for sprinkles, frosting, and family creativity. They may be the first ones that pop into your head when you picture what a Christmas cookie should be. Grinch Cookies — 4 states Bright green, heart-shaped, and full of holiday spirit, Grinch Cookies found fans in Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, and New Hampshire. They’ve become a modern favorite among families who love a whimsical twist on tradition, and leave everyone who makes them knowing that Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. Snickerdoodles — 4 states With their cinnamon-sugar coating and chewy texture, Snickerdoodles continue to earn loyal fans from coast to coast, showing up most in Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, and South Carolina. It’s the kind of classic that never goes out of style. Two peppermint favorites stood out as well. Peppermint Bark Cookies were most popular in California, Florida, and Ohio, while Peppermint Cookies claimed the top spot in Alaska, Utah, and Washing, DC. Whether it’s the cool, minty bite or the touch of chocolate and candy cane crunch, these flavors prove that peppermint remains a timeless holiday favorite. Across all 50 states, it’s clear there’s no single definition of a “Christmas cookie.” From simple sugar cookies to over-the-top mixes, each region has its own flavor of the season, which shows just how many ways families make holiday baking their own. Next, we’ll look beyond the cookie sheet to learn how parents and kids are celebrating the holidays today, from baking together to other festive family traditions. Family Holiday Traditions From frosting cookies to setting out treats for Santa, holiday traditions make December magical. After exploring which cookies each state searches for most, we wanted to see how families are celebrating the season in their own homes today. So, we surveyed parents of children under 13 to learn more about how families keep holiday traditions alive, and how those little moments of joy come together each year. Santa Cookie Traditions Leaving out cookies for Santa remains one of the most enduring parts of Christmas Eve. It’s a small gesture that brings big excitement for kids and allows parents to “help” with the leftovers if there are any early the next morning. Does your family leave out cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve? 84% of families leave cookies for Santa, with two-thirds (67%) saying they do it every year and another 17% saving it for some years. Does your family leave anything out for Santa to drink? The tradition isn’t complete without a drink. 79% of families set one out. Most often it’s milk (69%), though 10% prefer hot cocoa or water. What kind of treat does your family usually leave for Santa? When it comes to what Santa’s snacking on, homemade cookies are the clear favorite, chosen by 73% of families. That’s more than twice the rate of store-bought treats (39%). Does your family leave anything for Santa’s reindeer? It’s not just Santa getting spoiled. More than half (54%) of families also leave something for the reindeer — from carrots and oats to a sprinkle of “reindeer food” in the yard. Together, these small rituals capture what the holidays are all about: imagination, excitement, and a sense of wonder that sticks with kids long after the wrapping paper’s gone. Holiday Baking Cookies aren’t just for Santa. They’re a family affair. Baking together is one of the most common (and sweetest) holiday pastimes, with each family bringing its own traditions to the kitchen. Which type of cookie feels most like Christmas to your family? When asked which cookies feel the most like Christmas, families picked sugar cookies with frosting (47%), followed by chocolate chip (25%) and gingerbread (13%). Who usually makes the Christmas cookies in your home? Baking is often a team effort: half of parents (50%) say the kids help make cookies, while 36% say the adults handle it. 9% skip the baking altogether and buy them ready-made. When do you usually start baking Christmas cookies? Timing varies just as much as recipes. 23% of families start baking in early December, 22% in mid-December, 25% during Christmas week, and 16% on Christmas Eve. A small but eager 9% get started as early as November. Roughly how many different kinds of cookies do you bake or buy each holiday season? Most families keep their cookie lineup manageable: 88% bake one to four types, with a near-even split between those who make one or two (43%) and those who go for three or four (45%). Baking serves as more than just a holiday task. It’s a way for parents and kids to spend time together, make memories, and keep traditions going. Other Holiday Traditions Of course, the holidays aren’t just about what’s in the oven. Families across the country are creating memories in all kinds of ways. Which of these holiday activities are part of your family’s routine? 95% decorate a tree 87% watch holiday movies 84% drive around to see light displays 81% bake cookies together 53% visit Santa or write him letters 46% open one gift early These shared experiences, from holiday movie nights to decorating cookies, remind us that the heart of the holidays lies in togetherness. From data to dough, it’s clear that cookies play a special role in how families celebrate the season. And whether you’re leaving a plate out for Santa, decorating your own, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, the sweetest traditions are always the ones made together. Closing Thoughts Our study uncovered the most popular Christmas cookies across the country and revealed how families are keeping holiday traditions alive. After all, holiday baking isn’t just about what’s in the oven. It’s about connection, and the moments shared while decorating, taste-testing, and leaving a plate out for Santa. The details may vary, but the heart of the season stays the same: spending time with the people who matter most. That spirit of togetherness is what Chicco celebrates year-round. Whether it’s an infant’s first holiday road trip in a car seat, a baby’s laughter from a stroller while checking out holiday lights, or a toddler’s wobbly steps to enjoy a holiday treat at their high chair, Chicco helps families enjoy life’s sweetest stages. One cookie, and one memory, at a time. Methodology To determine the most popular Christmas cookie in every state, we analyzed Google Trends data of 25 popular cookies for just the month of December over the past three years. We compared the search interest for each cookie head-to-head to find the most popular ones in every state. We used search interest as an indicator of popularity for this study. We then ran a survey of 900 American parents with children younger than 13 to learn more about what family holiday traditions look like today. The survey ran over one week in November 2025.