Every holiday season comes with delicious little treats that make the festivities even more special. However for some, the idea of store-bought treats is not ideal. Instead, many families’ homemade recipes are passed down through generations and considered more important than the convenience of store-bought holiday treats.
Of the many sweet indulgences people enjoy during the festive seasons, one of the most favored each year is holiday cookies. During the holiday season, respondents will eat an average of 26 cookies — whether store-bought or homemade according to the New York Post.
There are various kinds of holiday cookies with frosted sugar cookies, gingerbread and chocolate chip rounding out the top three most popular cookies, according to Monmouth University.
Each family that wants to indulge in their cookie craving faces the choice of a homemade family recipe against a pack of store-bought cookies or cookie dough.
The sentimental value of family recipes leads many to favor homemade cookies. The nostalgic feeling of a specific family recipe can be special, with special memories tied to the taste.
Many grandparents make homemade treats for or with their children and grandchildren, creating a valuable memory that remains a tradition or will forever remind them of the holiday season. Results found indulging their sweet tooth is the activity most likely to bring back the childlike wonder of the holidays, according to the New York Post.
Another reason homemade cookies are favored is the customizability. With store-bought cookies, you are unable to change recipes to better suit allergies and special dietary requirements or restrictions. There is more freedom with homemade cookies, unlike store-bought cookies where you don’t have a say in the choice of ingredients or baking process.
However, the cost of store-bought cookies appears to be a more efficient and inexpensive way for families to enjoy a holiday treat. A box of twenty small pre-cut Pillsbury cookies goes for only $3.86 a box at Walmart.
Another advantage of store-bought cookies is not always having to take the time to bake the cookies. The holiday season is one of the busiest and most stressful times for many people. For nearly one in five financial anxiety completely ruins their enjoyment of the season, according to the New York Post.
Store-bought cookies allow for an easy and inexpensive way to fulfill one’s desire for a sweet holiday cookie.
While store-bought cookies might be the more efficient way to enjoy a sweet holiday cookie, the memories and sentimentality that come with a homemade cookie are a unique and special experience.
