The 17 Most Popular Types of Cookies in America

Maybe you’re looking for the next cookie to bake or just curious about what everyone else is munching on across the states. Either way, you’re in for a treat! We’ve put together a list of America’s favorite cookies, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself. Get ready to discover why these cookies have won over hearts and taste buds across the country, and perhaps find the perfect recipe to try out in your own kitchen!

Sugar Cookie

The classic Sugar Cookie remains a favorite due to its simplicity and versatility. These cookies are often soft and chewy with a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for both casual snacking and festive decorations. Their popularity also spikes because they serve as an excellent base for icing and sprinkles, allowing for creative customizations during holidays and celebrations.

Cowboy Cookie

Cowboy Cookies take the traditional chocolate chip cookie to a new level by mixing in oats, nuts, and sometimes coconut. Their hearty and robust texture, combined with the richness of added ingredients, makes them particularly satisfying. These cookies are a favorite for their ability to stay chewy and soft, even days after baking.

Whoopie Pie Cookie

Despite its name, the Whoopie Pie is more akin to a cake but is treated like a cookie sandwich. It consists of two round, mound-shaped pieces of cake (commonly chocolate) with a sweet, creamy filling or frosting in between. They are celebrated for their decadent, soft texture and the contrast between the rich cake and the light, fluffy filling.

Chocolate Chip Cookie

No list of popular American cookies would be complete without the Chocolate Chip Cookie. Known for its gooey chocolate chips and buttery dough, it’s a versatile cookie that can be adapted to be either chewy or crispy. Its enduring appeal lies in the simple joy of melting chocolate and the comforting, familiar taste that appeals to all ages.

Fortune Cookie

The Fortune Cookie, while often associated with Chinese-American dining experiences, is a delightful treat embraced across the United States. This crisp, lightly sweetened cookie usually contains a piece of paper with a “fortune” or a vague prophecy. The appeal of the Fortune Cookie lies not just in its taste but also in the excitement and fun of revealing personal fortunes. They are made from a batter that includes vanilla and sesame oil, giving them a subtle, sweet flavor and a distinctive crispness that people enjoy at the end of a meal.

Black and White Cookie

Iconic to New York, the Black and White Cookie features a soft, cake-like base topped with two-tone icing of vanilla and chocolate. This cookie is a study in contrast, not just in color but also in flavor, offering a harmonious blend that cookie lovers admire. Its distinctive appearance and balanced sweetness make it a beloved choice among dessert aficionados.

Snickerdoodle

Beloved for their crinkly tops and dusting of cinnamon sugar, Snickerdoodles are characterized by a chewy texture with a slight tang from the cream of tartar. This ingredient sets them apart from other sugar cookies and adds a unique depth of flavor. Their comforting, sweet-spicy taste makes them a hit at gatherings and cozy winter evenings at home.

Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are easily recognizable by the small well in the center that is typically filled with jam or preserves. The base is often a buttery, shortbread-like cookie, and the fillings vary from raspberry to apricot, adding a sweet and slightly tart contrast.

Potato Chip Cookies

Combining salty and sweet, Potato Chip Cookies offer a satisfying crunch and unique flavor. These cookies incorporate crushed potato chips within the dough, which provides a surprising texture and a perfect balance to the sweetness. They are popular for their intriguing flavor profile and delightful contrast in textures.

Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal Cookies are cherished for their chewy texture and the warmth of spices like cinnamon. Often loaded with raisins or nuts, they offer a nutritious impression with the heartiness of oats, making them a favored choice for a filling snack. Their popularity is enhanced by their comforting, homey flavor that many find irresistible.

Macarons

While not traditional American cookies, macarons have risen in popularity across the United States. These French pastries are characterized by their smooth, rounded tops, ruffled circumference, and a rich filling sandwiched between two delicate shells. They are appreciated for their variety of flavors and colors, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Peanut Butter Cookies

The Peanut Butter Cookie is a staple in American households, adored for its rich, creamy flavor and soft, crumbly texture. The addition of peanut butter gives these cookies a savory edge that pairs excellently with the sweet dough. They are often marked with a crisscross pattern on top, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Oreo Cookie

The Oreo Cookie is one of America’s most famous and beloved cookies. Known for its distinctive black-and-white appearance, this sandwich cookie consists of two chocolate wafers with a sweet, creamy filling in between. The unique texture allows for a playful experience of twisting the cookies apart to get to the cream, making Oreos not just a treat but also a part of popular snacking rituals. Their versatile nature makes them a favorite for everything from simple snacking to use in various desserts like ice cream and cakes.

Benne Wafers

Originating from South Carolina, Benne Wafers are thin, crispy cookies made from sesame seeds (benne). They have a nutty, sweet flavor that comes from toasted sesame, enhanced by hints of vanilla or brown sugar. These cookies are deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition, valued for their unique taste and crunchy texture.

Hermit Cookies

Hermit Cookies are known for their soft, chewy texture and rich spice mix that typically includes cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Loaded with raisins, nuts, and sometimes dates, these cookies are dense and moist, offering a flavor that deepens and improves over time. They are often enjoyed during the holiday season and are cherished for their rustic, homemade appeal.

Gingerbread Cookies

Particularly popular during the holiday season, gingerbread cookies are known for their rich molasses and ginger flavor. They are often rolled out and cut into various shapes, most commonly gingerbread men, and decorated with icing.

Biscotti

Originating from Italy, biscotti have found a popular place in American coffee culture. These twice-baked cookies are crunchy and ideal for dipping in coffee or tea. Common flavors include almond, chocolate, and anise.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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