The data is in: Delaware's favorite holiday bite may be Italian Christmas cookies
The randomly collected data is in, folks.
Delaware, by means of web search, has revealed its favorite Christmas holiday cookie. And it proves to be the same pick as more than a third of U.S. states. Italian Christmas cookies.
Google Trends shared a map with USA TODAY of uniquely searched Christmas cookies by state in 2023. The map shows cookies that were "overrepresented in a state" compared with the country as a whole.
Cultural holiday bites, including Italian, German, Mexican and Polish varieties, were favorites in many states. Others opted for different classics like gingerbread or peanut butter blossoms.
Though cookie variations seem endless, classic Italian Christmas cookies are like just-set sugar cookies, pillowy soft in texture often with icing overtop. Sprinkles or sugar crystals complete a festive look. Some also call these closely related Italian ricotta cookies, or Italian ricotta Christmas cookies, or anise cookies.
Christmas desserts in Delaware
Regardless, Delawareans call them the best. And the Christmas holiday is right around the corner.
Delaware Online/The News Journal has written about the top 10 places to satisfy your sweet tooth — regardless of the holidays you observe — and many offer Christmas menus and cookie trays. From Serpe's Bakery to Bing's Bakery and many more, First State has its share of Italian joints and old-school bakeries to check out.
USA TODAY Network reporters have also written about some of the best southern Delaware bakeries to try, on any season. From Fortunata's to Pasqualini's bakery, don't count Sussex County out on your exploring.
Bakeries to hit: 10 great Delaware places to satisfy a sweet tooth
Sweet, savory, Sussex: The top southern Delaware bakeries you definitely need to try
Set the scene: See holiday lights, support the food bank, plus Christmas decorating trends
Your next read: They left foster care, but their 'adopted' shoppers still make sure Christmas comes
[Know another spot to try? Tell us about it!]
Christmas cookie favorites across the US
Alabama - Fruit Cake Cookies
Alaska - Christmas Sugar Cookies
Arizona - Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Arkansas - Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
California - Italian Christmas Cookies
Colorado - Mexican Christmas Cookies
Connecticut - Italian Christmas Cookies
Delaware - Italian Christmas Cookies
Florida - Italian Christmas Cookies
Georgia - Italian Christmas Cookies
Hawaii - Pinwheel Christmas Cookies
Idaho - Candy Cane Cookies
Illinois - Red Velvet Cookies
Indiana - Peppermint Cookies
Iowa- Peppermint Christmas Cookies
Kansas - Red Velvet Cookies
Kentucky - Red Velvet Cookies
Louisiana - Pinwheel Christmas Cookies
Maine - Gingerbread Cookies
Maryland - Italian Wedding Cookies and Vanillekipferl
Massachusetts - Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Michigan - Christmas Sugar Cookies
Minnesota - Peanut Butter Blossoms
Mississippi - Haystack Christmas Cookies
Missouri - Grinch Christmas Cookie
Montana - Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Nebraska - Crinkle Cookies
Nevada - Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
New Hampshire - Peppermint Cookies
New Jersey - Italian Christmas Cookies
New Mexico - Mexican Christmas Cookies
New York - Ricotta Cookies
North Carolina - Raspberry Thumbprints
North Dakota - Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ohio - Peanut Butter Blossoms
Oklahoma - Ricotta Christmas Cookies
Oregon - Christmas Sugar Cookies
Pennsylvania - Italian Christmas Cookies
Rhode Island - Italian Christmas Cookies
South Carolina - Italian Ricotta Christmas Cookies
South Dakota - Spritz Cookies
Tennessee - Italian Christmas Cookies
Texas - Italian Christmas Cookies
Utah - Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Vermont - Italian Christmas Cookies
Virginia - Italian Christmas Cookies
Washington - Russian Tea Cakes
West Virginia - Thumbprint Cookies
Wisconsin - Peanut Butter Blossoms
Wyoming - Italian Christmas Cookies
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware has favorite holiday cookie. And the pick shouldn't shock you
