Curious about which Christmas cookies reign supreme in different parts of the U.S.? Recent Google Trends data reveals some fascinating regional preferences, offering a glimpse into the nation's diverse holiday baking traditions.

The data, collected in early December, categorized popular cookie searches into classic, festive, fruit/nutty, chocolate, and other. The findings highlight unique favorites across the states, showcasing a delicious mix of traditional and unexpected choices.

According to Sarah Armstrong, a Google Trends expert, regional differences play a significant role in these preferences. "It's intriguing to see how cookie searches vary state by state, reflecting the unique culinary traditions of each region," she noted.

This map illustrates the most uniquely searched cookie in each state during early December, providing a visual representation of these regional variations. (Google Trends)

"Christmas crack," a salty-sweet treat resembling peppermint bark, topped the list in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Meanwhile, Floridians favored oatmeal raisin, a surprising favorite according to Armstrong. Gingerbread cookies proved popular on both coasts, leading searches in Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon.

Gingerbread cookies emerged as the most sought-after Christmas cookie variety in Maine, New Hampshire, and Oregon. (iStock)

Buche de Noel (yule log) took the lead in California, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Alaska, Vermont, and Idaho residents showed a preference for the classic sugar cookie. Impressively, anise-flavored Italian Christmas cookies dominated searches across seven states, spanning from the mid-Atlantic to Wyoming.

These anise-flavored Italian Christmas cookies were the top search in seven states. (Jill Brady/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

Interestingly, New York, despite its large Italian-American population, favored Greek Christmas cookies, the only state with this unique top search. Colorado residents seemed to prioritize convenience, with "cake mix Christmas cookies" as their top search.

The data also revealed regional pie preferences, with pumpkin pie leading in 20 states, mostly in the West, while apple pie dominated the Eastern Seaboard. Pecan pie proved popular in the South, aligning with pecan production in those states. However, Georgia and New Mexico, top pecan producers, favored apple pie.

Pecan pie's popularity is evident in the South, a major pecan-growing region. (Google Trends)