Pennsylvania is popular for many food favorites; whoopie pies, cheesesteaks, and soft pretzels are only a few of the state's claims to fame. Cookies are some of the most popular foods available this time of year, especially in Lancaster County. But have you ever wondered what Pennsylvania's most popular holiday cookie is? You've come to the right place.
Pennsylvania's Most Popular Holiday Cookie
According to Google Trends, the most-searched cookie recipe in Pennsylvania over the holidays is the famous peanut butter blossom!
The peanut butter blossom was created in 1957 by Freda Smith. She made a thick, peanut butter cookie topped with a singular Hershey's Kiss to enter in the annual Pillsbury bake-off. Freda's cookie did not win first place, but it was a popular runner-up, sparking interest in bakers everywhere.
Later, Freda's recipe was published in a series of cookbooks. This ultimately launched the peanut butter blossom's popularity, and soon, Americans everywhere began to make the treat.
While this cookie is a favorite in all of America, the recipe is the most popular in Pennsylvania. Other states that love this recipe include Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. And even though the Hershey's Kiss was this cookie's first and most famous piece of chocolate, Lancaster locals will argue Wilbur Buds are the way to go!
Which Recipe Should I Use?
There are multitudes of peanut butter blossom recipes, some passed down in families from generation to generation.
Some, like my mother, claim that Amish cookbooks are the best for baked recipes. For your next holiday party, I've attached the peanut butter blossoms recipe from my childhood, straight from my family's favorite Amish cookbook.
Best of luck with your baking, and I hope you enjoy it!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients:
- 3 and ½ cups flour
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- ¾ tsp. salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 pound chocolate stars (or Hershey’s kisses, Wilbur buds, etc.)
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 4 eggs
- 4 tbsp. milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine all dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients except chocolate. Mix thoroughly and shape into balls, roll in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Top each cookie with a chocolate piece when removed from the oven.
References:
https://www.abc27.com/holidays/the-most-popular-christmas-cookie-in-pennsylvania-according-to-google-trends/
https://quaintcooking.com/2021/12/16/the-history-of-peanut-blossom-cookies/
https://www.hersheyland.com/stories/the-history-of-peanut-butter-blossoms.html
Big Valley Amish Cookbook
FAQs
Later, Freda's recipe was published in a series of cookbooks. This ultimately launched the peanut butter blossom's popularity, and soon, Americans everywhere began to make the treat. While this cookie is a favorite in all of America, the recipe is the most popular in Pennsylvania.
What is the number one Christmas cookie? ›
Based on this data from General Mills, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the most popular Christmas cookie in the country; it's the most-visited cookie recipe in seven states, which means it's the most common favorite cookie in the U.S. That's a pretty high honor!
What is the official cookie of Pennsylvania? ›
The only state besides Massachusetts with an official cookie is Pennsylvania, which declared the chocolate chip cookie as their official state cookie in 2002.
What is the least popular Christmas cookie? ›
On the naughty list of cookies, Americans gave the lowest win records to anise cookies, which only won 29% of its matchups.
What is the #1 best selling cookie in America? ›
Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.
What is America's favorite holiday cookie? ›
#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.
What is the most loved cookie? ›
What is the most popular type of cookie? It might just be this one. Ever the crowd-pleaser, the chocolate chip cookie is renowned for its balance of richness and sweetness.
Which Christmas cookies last the longest? ›
Shortbread cookies and spritz cookies are real holiday troopers, lasting a bit longer than the rest. These buttery and crumbly cookies are a great option for a holiday cookie. Shortbread is known for its rich flavor, while spritz cookies are often made with a cookie press.
What is Santa Claus's favorite cookie? ›
Chocolate Chip cookies
You can never go wrong with these classic, delicious cookies. Santa himself lists these as his favorites, and he prefers them soft and gooey with lots of chocolate chips. If you decide to leave these out for him, make sure there's a glass of cold milk nearby!
What dessert is PA known for? ›
What to eat in Pennsylvania? Top 8 Pennsylvanian Desserts
- Dessert. Apple Dumpling. Pennsylvania. ...
- Cake. German Butter Cake. Philadelphia. ...
- Ice Cream. Ice Cream Float. Philadelphia. ...
- Dessert. Irish Potato Candy. Philadelphia. ...
- Ice Cream. Banana Split. Latrobe. ...
- Deep-fried Dessert. Funnel Cake. ...
- Cookie. Whoopie Pie. ...
- Sweet Pie. Shoofly Pie.
Philly Cheesesteak
You can't talk about Pennsylvania food without mentioning the cheesesteak. The proper Philly cheesesteak is made with sliced and griddle-fried beef, with or without onions, topped with Cheez Whiz, American, or Provolone, on a long crusty roll. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc.
What is the official state candy of Pennsylvania? ›
Pennsylvania House passes bill to make Hershey's Kisses the official state candy. The initial idea came from a group of students from Council Rock School District in Bucks County who were working on a civics project.
What is the number 1 Christmas cookie? ›
Peanut Butter Blossoms are America's favorite Christmas cookie, based both on total number of pageviews from the U.S. population as a whole, and number of states that ranked it as their top cookie (which is six, by the way).
Which cookies freeze best? ›
As a general rule of thumb, 'drop cookies,' which include oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies, and 'cut-out cookies,' such as gingerbread and sugar cookies, are freezer-friendly.
What is the name of the Christmas man cookie? ›
Gingerbread Men Cookies
No Christmas treat is complete without at least a couple of these fellas smiling up at you from your plate! An all-time classic, at Christmas parties.
What is the name of the town in Christmas cookies? ›
Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookie Company is sold to a large conglomerate and executive Hannah (Wagner) must seal the deal and shut down the factory, which is the small town of Cookie Jar's lifeblood.
What is the most popular Christmas candy? ›
According to America's Favorite Christmas Candy by State Report, a comprehensive study by research firm HubScore that delved into a survey of the top 20 favorite Christmas candies, Kit Kat ranked top in 13 states followed by a tie between Skittles and candy canes, both ranked top in six states.
