What Cookies Will Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Leave For Santa This Year?
Tis the season to be jolly, and roly-poly enough for your belly to shake like a bowl full of jelly; especially if you're putting down a few too many of the holiday cookies. And don't think for a second that I'm judging you, because I'm not. I mean I married a baker for goodness' sake, and cookies are easily one of my favorite things to munch on, especially for the Christmas season.
Not to mention she's 100% Dutch, and guess what? English usage of the word 'cookie' began in the 17th century thanks to, you guessed it, Dutch settlers arriving to America. The word 'cookie' originates from the Dutch 'koekje', which means little cake. And trust me, I have had my fair share of those 'little cakes' in my lifetime. Cookies and Christmas just go together. They're more Christmas than Coca-Cola.
Want proof? It's always been and always will be milk and cookies for Santa, and the occasional carrot for the reindeer. In fact, the cookies for Santa tradition started in the 1930's during the great depression to help teach children about generosity, even in tough times. Yes, like lamb and tuna fish, spaghetti and meatballs, hotdogs and baseball, and any other assorted stellar combinations, cookies and Christmas are just perfect together.
But what kind of cookies will the Tri-States be leaving out for Santa this year? Well, a study of google search data and analytics for 2024 by unscramblerer.com has revealed the top trending Christmas cookie for every U.S. state. All the Christmas classics are there like gingerbread, peanut butter blossoms, snickerdoodle, and even M&M made the list a few times. But what about Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin?
Iowa's Top Trending Holiday Cookie
In Iowa the consensus (at least according to google) is on shortbread Christmas cookies. Shortbread Christmas cookies are a festive variation of traditional shortbread cookies that are particularly popular during the holiday season. These cookies are known for their buttery, crumbly texture and simple, sweet flavor. They are typically made with just a few ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour, though variations can include vanilla, salt, or cornstarch to adjust the texture and flavor. My wife usually adds mini chocolate chips to hers and they have easily become one of my favorites. Check them out.
Illinois and Wisconsin Share the Same Cookie Idea
Illinois and Wisconsin have finally come to some sort of an agreement, at least when it comes to their ideal Christmas cookie. They both opted for the classic spritz cookie. But what exactly is a spritz cookie? Well, A spritz cookie is a delicate, buttery, and crisp cookie that is especially popular during the holidays. The name "spritz" comes from the German word "spritzen", which means "to squirt" or "to spray," referring to how the dough is extruded or pressed through a cookie press to create intricate shapes. You can see the process for yourself in the Instagram videos above, or by clicking on the photo below.
As I said and evidenced above, I married a baker, so both these holiday favorites will be on my plate again this year. I mean, somebody has to eat those cookies left out for Santa. I'll take a pass on those carrots, though.
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