Cookie Debate: Stark Divides Exist Between Chewy and Crispy Cookie Lovers

by | Mar 5, 2025

A pair of chocolate chip cookies

Image credit: chandlervid85 via Freepik

When it comes to cookie preferences, CivicScience data reveal a fascinating divide among U.S. adults. The majority of respondents, more than half, express a preference for chewy cookies, while only one in five favor crispy cookies. This preference for chewy cookies is consistent across various demographics, but there are some intriguing differences worth noting.

Age plays a significant role in cookie preference. Older Americans, particularly those aged 65 and above, are more inclined to enjoy crispy cookies. In contrast, younger age groups tend to lean towards chewy cookies. This generational divide suggests that nostalgia or traditional tastes might influence the older demographic’s preference for crispy cookies.

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Urbanicity also impacts cookie choices. Suburban residents show a higher preference for crispy cookies compared to their chewy counterparts. Meanwhile, rural residents slightly favor chewy cookies. This could reflect lifestyle differences, with suburbanites perhaps associating crispy cookies with convenience and tradition.

Income levels further highlight the chewy cookie preference. Respondents with higher incomes, particularly those earning over $150,000, are more likely to choose chewy cookies. This trend might indicate that chewy cookies are perceived as a more indulgent or premium option among wealthier individuals.

Gender differences are subtle but present. Chewy cookie fans are evenly split between males and females, while crispy cookie enthusiasts have a slight female majority. This suggests that cookie preference is not strongly gendered, but there are slight variations.

Education levels also reveal interesting insights. Those with a Bachelor’s degree are more likely to prefer chewy cookies, while crispy cookie fans are more evenly distributed across different education levels. This could imply that higher education correlates with a preference for the texture and flavor complexity of chewy cookies.

Parental status shows that parents are slightly more inclined towards chewy cookies, while grandparents lean towards crispy cookies. This might reflect generational influences and the types of cookies traditionally baked in family settings.

Overall, CivicScience data highlight that while chewy cookies are the favorite among most Americans, crispy cookies hold a special place for certain demographics, particularly older adults and suburban residents. These insights into cookie preferences offer a delightful glimpse into the diverse tastes of U.S. adults.

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This article’s data comes solely from CivicScience’s database, which contains nearly 700,000 poll questions and 5 billion consumer insights. Our AI content creation tool, DataScribe, supported the article.

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