Holiday Sweets Across the USA

Biscochitos

New Mexico’s state cookie also happens to be a Christmastime favorite. Originally brought by Spanish settlers, the crisp cookie is prized for its distinct >˜ˆÃi y>ۜÀ°

Black Walnut Cake

Black walnuts are harvested in Missouri in the fall, which means they turn up in all manner of holiday treats, from cakes to fudge and brownies.

Bourbon Balls

These boozy, no-bake confections are a Kentuckian riff on V…œVœ>Ìi ÌÀÕvyið

Divinity

This sweet confection, made with egg whites, corn syrup and sugar, is a like a Southern version of nougat and a must-have in many families’ Christmas baking lineups.

Fruitcake

We can’t claim to have invented fruitcake (variations of it date back to ancient Rome), but American cooks, especially those in the South, have a particular love for this rich, candied-fruit-and-nut-studded, often boozy holiday standby. Some cooks prefer fruitcake cookies—known as “Texas Lizzies” or “Christmas Lizzies,” depending on the location.

Swedish Gingersnaps

These classic cookies, spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves, are a Christmastime standby in Minnesota.

Hermit Bars

Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, these molasses-and-brown-sugar treats are popular in New England.

Kringles

For generations of Wisconsinites, the season isn’t complete ܈̅œÕÌ Ì…iÃi y>ŽÞ >˜ˆÃ…‡ÃÌޏi pastries that are an institution >Ì i˜`ÌÃi˜½Ã >˜` "E >˜ˆÃ… Bakery in Racine.