Which state has the best holiday bakers?

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Kansas residents are the nation’s most passionate holiday bakers, racking up over 18 hours of holiday baking time during the festive season.

The results emerged in a survey of 5,000 Americans, split evenly across all 50 states, that examined holiday baking trends, habits and approaches this year.

It found that those in The Sunflower State said they’ll spend 18 hours and 36 minutes in the coming weeks — over four hours longer than the national average (14 hours and 12 minutes).

Tennessee boasts the most confident bakers when it comes to whipping up holiday treats. Respondents were asked to rate their skillset out of 10, and Tennesseans gave themselves a 7.4, the highest score in the country.

The most humble bakers reside in California and Wisconsin, both states scoring their baking prowess at a modest 5.9.

Commissioned by Pillsbury Baking (https://www.pillsburybaking.com/) and conducted by Talker Research, the survey also examined the popularity of giving baked goods as gifts this holiday.

Forty percent of Americans, regardless of the state in which they reside, said they are giving baked goods as gifts this year — with those in Montana (52%) most likely to be doling out homemade treats as presents, the most of any state.

Receiving baked goods goes down well — 62% of respondents said this was the best gift to get. And it’s especially well-received in Virginia, where 72% of respondents agreed they’re the top gift.

“It’s touching to see holiday baking cherished as a tradition across the country,” said Eric Mills, marketing director for Pillsbury Baking. “We’re honored to be part of these festive moments — from gifting cookies to loved ones to baking brownies for cozy movie nights, creating treats together is one of the sweetest ways to celebrate the season.”

Fifty-six percent of West Virginians describe their kitchens as “chaotic” during the festive season, as compared to the national average of 45%.

South Carolinians are most likely to play holiday music while baking, while Texans are the most likely to dance.

The biggest gingerbread house-builders are residents of Utah, while Minnesotans were most likely to check out a holiday bake sale in person this year.

The holiday magic gets into the ingredients, too, with seven in 10 respondents saying holiday-themed treats always seem to taste better than normal ones.

When it comes to America’s favorite holiday treat, the country is split. Twenty-two states opted for pies as their most preferred holiday treat, while 17 states said cookies are their festive goody of choice.

Four states were tied evenly between pies and cookies, while three states chose cheesecake. Oregon was split between pies and fudge.

Thirty-four percent of Americans also still leave baked treats for Santa, and of those who do, cookies were the most popular choice for St. Nick.

When it comes to holiday treats this year, respondents crowned the snowman as the best shape to eat (44%), followed closely by gingerbread men (42%) and candy canes (41%).

“It’s heartwarming to see holiday baking traditions resonate with new generations, eager to recreate the festive memories they grew up with,” added Mills. “There’s such joy to be found in baking together, and we’re proud to help keep these traditions alive in a way that brings families together to create new memories in the holiday kitchen.”

HOLIDAY BAKING AWARDS 2024

Biggest cookie decorators — Kentucky

Biggest eggnog drinkers — Vermont

Biggest gingerbread house builders — Utah

Most likely to go to a bake sale — Minnesota

Roast the most chestnuts — Massachusetts

Most likely to bake for a shelter or charity — New Jersey

Thinks they can taste holiday magic the most — Hawaii and Illinois

Thinks cookies in the shape of holiday trees taste better than circular — California

Most likely to take cookies to a neighbor — Utah

Says eating holiday treats makes them feel more festive — Iowa and Minnesota

Most dedicated bakers — Kansas

Most confident bakers — Tennessee

Most humble bakers — California and Wisconsin

Gift baked goods this holiday season — Montana

Most excited to receive baked goods as gifts — Virginia

Most likely to play holiday music while baking — South Carolina

Most likely to dance while baking — Texas

Most likely to swear by a secret ingredient — Georgia and Mississippi

Most likely to say they’ve passed off store-bought treats as homemade — Georgia

Most likely to describe their kitchens as chaos — West Virginia

Survey methodology

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans (state-by-state); the survey was commissioned by Pillsbury Baking and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 24 to Nov. 1, 2024.

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