The Most Popular Christmas Dessert in Every State

Christmas baking table scene with assorted sweets and cookies, top view over a rustic wood background

jenifoto/istockphoto

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Christmas baking table scene with assorted sweets and cookies, top view over a rustic wood background
jenifoto/istockphoto

Treats and Sweets

Presents may be the big draw on Christmas, but for some of us, it’s the big feast that’s the best part. Whether you’re doing turkey, ham, or a goose is one thing, but which desserts we choose to finish off the meal is another.


Which states prefer what dessert? Luckily, Coffeeness put together a survey of eight popular Christmas desserts, and now we know. 


Curious to see if you agree with your state? Take a look. 

Homemade Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving
bhofack2/istockphoto

Pumpkin Pie

Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin 


Much like every state’s favorite Thanksgiving dessert, it looks like pumpkin pie still reigns supreme. Clearly, most of our country hasn’t gotten sick of it by the time Christmas rolls around. 

Sugar-Free Christmas Cookies
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Sugar Cookies

Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming 


I would have expected this to take first place, especially since pumpkin pie just had its big moment last month. Cookies are the dessert that feels the easiest to link specifically to Christmas, but apparently like they still can’t outdo pie. And what about chocolate chip? Is that just for Santa? 

A slice of Red Velvet Cake
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Red Velvet

Alabama, California, Kansas, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia 


It only says “red velvet” in the survey, but I’m going to assume this means cake. Only six states went for red velvet, and I get that. The Southern dessert is quite decadent, and very rich. It’d be hard to attack a piece of red velvet cake after a huge meal. 

Tiramisu
choongmin63/istockphoto

Tiramisu

Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oklahoma


Four states leaned Italian and put tiramisu in the top slot. Tiramisu means something along the lines of “cheer me up,” so if you’ve got the post-dinner blues, this might be just what the doctor ordered. 

Pecan Pie
pvcrossi/istockphoto

Pecan Pie

Connecticut, Washington, D.C. 


Two lone states for pecan pie? This is a crime. The butterscotchy, toffee-forward flavors of a pecan pie are a beautiful thing, but only Connecticut and D.C. seem to know that. 

biscotti and coffee,Homemade dark chocolate biscotti cookies with hazelnut
Pinkybird/istockphoto

Biscotti

Georgia 


Who are you trying to impress, Georgia? You don’t want biscotti. I refuse to believe it. This is the most boring possible choice. 

Carrot Cake
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Carrot Cake

Indiana 


Carrot cake is criminally underrated. Same goes for zucchini bread. Banana bread is the only one of these things that seems to get any love, but in the Hoosier state, they’re paying their respects properly. 

Pressure Cooker: Rice Pudding
robynmac/istockphoto

Rice Pudding

Utah 


This feels pretty intense after a huge meal, but you do you, Utah. ‘Tis the season, (of not judging people on their dessert preferences) after all.