Whether you crave the sweet and salty flavors of chocolate chip, the butteriness of sugar cookies, or the warm spices in snickerdoodles, every cookie should be celebrated. And while December 4 is National Cookie Day, we don't need a food holiday to reach for the cookie jar.
From ice cream sandwiches to whoopie pies, cookies are arguably America's favorite treat. But which cookie comes out on top and is truly beloved in every state? Here are 10 states of America and their favorite cookies.
1. ALABAMA: Peanut Butter with Chocolate Chips
'Bama is best known for country-fried steaks, banana pudding, and fried green tomatoes, but the state's favorite cookie is none other than peanut butter with chocolate chips. Perhaps, it's because it's the state where college football lives and reigns, and peanut butter makes the ultimate game-viewing snack.
2. ARIZONA: Mexican Wedding
You'll find the best Mexican fare around when you visit the Sunset State, so it's not surprising that Arizona residents have chosen Mexican Wedding cookies as their favorite treat. Mexican Wedding cookies are very similar to Russian Tea Cakes because they have a thick dusting of powdered sugar and a rich buttery texture. They're often cut into crescent moon shapes.
3. ARKANSAS: Peanut Butter with Chocolate Chips
Arkansas is tucked inside the Southern belt of classic comfort food, and no cookie screams "comfort" quite like peanut butter with chocolate chips. Peanut butter lends a smooth and creamy texture and infuses a salty, sweet flavor that's hard to resist. Sprinkle the dough with some chocolate chips, and you've got some crunch, too.
4. COLORADO: Chocolate Chip with Nuts
With its breathtaking mountain views and green plains, Colorado is all about foods that resemble their rocky roads. Whether you like chocolate chips with walnuts or pecans, you'll need a hearty cookie to journey up the Centennial State's stunning climbs.
5. FLORIDA: Orange Cookies
The Sunshine State is all about its citrus, whether it's key lime pie or orange juice. As the official state fruit, oranges make their way into any dessert from Miami down to the Florida Keys.
6. HAWAII: White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
One bite of a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie will transport you to the land of hulas and surfers. White chocolate and macadamia nuts lend a nice sweetness to the buttery cookies.
7. IDAHO: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
Between the potatoes, wheat, and oats, Idaho is known for its bounty of crops. So it's no surprise the state's cookie of choice is oatmeal chocolate chip.
8. KENTUCKY: Bourbon Spice
The Bluegrass State is the biggest distributor of—you guessed it—bourbon. And you bet it's in the Commonwealth's culinary concoctions as it is in its cocktails.
9. LOUISIANA: Maple Pecan
With jambalaya and gumbo, what's not to love about Cajun and Creole country food? But when it comes to dessert, Louisiana picks maple pecan cookies over beignets.
10. WEST VIRGINIA: Haystacks
Haystacks cookies are usually a mound of peanut butter, butterscotch, chocolate, marshmallows, and noodles or oats. The best part is they don't require any baking—you can use your microwave to melt the ingredients together and allow them to set in the fridge.