And one has a surprising ingredient.

Tried-and-true styles ofChristmas cookies, in particular, can vary widely in flavor and color.

“My favorite cookie to bring to a [holiday] cookie swap is aginger molasses cookie.

Christmas Cookies in a Tin

Credit:Brian Woodcock: Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn: Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell

I am an equal-opportunity cookie lover, but something about ginger molasses cookies just embodies holiday cheer to me!

I feel there is something off limits about trying to recreate a favorite recipe from childhood.

They looked nothing like my grandmother’s cookies, but gave me the same feeling inside.

Molasses Crinkles Recipe

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

“I really love a classicgingerbread cookie.

Other than that, anything chocolate.

If Im at home I do have a go at find something with chocolate in it.

Butter Cookies

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Chilled and sliced into pinwheels, it’s a fudgy, festive, peanut buttery treat.

“- Travis Milton, Hickory atNicewonder Farm & Vineyard,Bristol, VA

Gingerbread Cookies

Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Potato Candy

Credit: Emily Laurae