This Christmas Cookie Recipe Is Googled The Most In Florida

Everyone loves Christmas cookies and if you're looking for some inspiration this year to try something new, this cookie recipe is Googled the most in Florida.

Christmas cookies are a part of a lot of traditions during the holidays. I haven't made any yet this year, but I did enjoy some homemade cookies from a neighbor in Fort Myers. I have so many fond memories of making cookies with my mom and my grandma at Christmas time. One of our traditions was when Mom & Dad used to drop us off at Grandma & Grandpa's house when they went shopping and we'd set up multiple tables with cookie making stations. Then we'd watch Christmas movies all night long. Of course while taste-testing our sweet treats. For some reason, those cookies made at Grandma's just tasted better than the rest. We all have our favorites we like to eat, and of course our favorites that we like to leave out for Santa to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

Maybe you're looking to try a new recipe this year. Google Trends put out their list of the cookies most-searched-for by state. They looked at the most "uniquely searched" Christmas cookie between December 1-12. They found that cultural cookies reigned supreme, but classic flavors you might expect didn't come up nearly as much. You can see the full state-by-state list here.

So what cookie is Googled the most in Florida? Italian Christmas cookies! For a visual, these cookies have a soft, cakey texture with a vanilla glaze on top. Picture a sugar cookie, but with almond extract (some may use anise extract instead) and some Christmas sprinkles on top.

It's that time of year when we gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. There's a lot going on this time of year between Christmas parties at work, with friends and the overall hustle and bustle. The idea of cooking on Christmas might not be something you're looking forward to. I absolutely love the holidays. But hosting at my home in Fort Myers is just a little too overwhelming. The amount of food I would need to cook is a bit outside of my skill level. Sure, I could order in and have it catered, but that's a lot of planning too.

This year Christmas Eve arrives on Sunday and Christmas Day on Monday. You may be excited to see family and friends, sharing a meal and gifting, but what do you do if you don’t want to cook? The good thing, is that there are plenty of places this year where you can enjoy a delicious holiday meal with no prep and no dishes to worry about afterwards.

While Sunday and Monday are days that some restaurants are normally closed, some will open for Christmas. You'll definitely want to call and double check hours and availability, just in case reservations are required.

Thanks to News-Press, here are 10 local restaurants to SWFL, particularly Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs that are open on Christmas Eve and/or Day this year. You can see their full list here. Many restaurant chains and fast food spots will be open as well. Merry Christmas!

Front Porch Social will feature a special 3-course Christmas Eve dinner starting at 3pm. They'll have a limited a la carte menu as well.

4721 Vincennes Blvd- Cape Coral

Located at The Westin in Cape Coral, Marker 92 will have their regular menu on Christmas Eve. On Monday, they'll offer a Christmas Day feast from noon-7pm. Call for a reservation 239-541-5942.

Bruno's will offer a 3-course Christmas Eve menu with entrees including Dover sole filet francese, pappardelle frutta di mare, meatball parmigiano eggplant parmigiano or seafood fra diavolo from 5-8pm. Call 239-278-0211 for reservations.

2112 Second St- downtown Fort Myers

Il Pomodoro has a special Christmas Eve menu featuring braciole, osso buco and scallops in addition to their regular menu from 4-8pm. Closed Christmas Day.

9681 Gladiolus Drive- Fort Myers

Fresh Catch has some special offerings for Christmas Eve including prime rib and lobster in addition to their regular menu from 4:30-8pm. Happy hour is from 2:30-4:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.

4761 Estero Blvd- Fort Myers Beach

Both Fort Myers and Cape Coral locations will have special Christmas Eve specials (crab cakes, lobster francese, prime rib, etc) and full menus available. Both locations closed on Christmas Day.

8880 Salrose Lane- Fort Myers

1403 Cape Coral Parkway E- Cape Coral

Old Captiva House will have a Christmas buffet from noon-8pm that features chicken, pasta, seafood, a carving station, she-crab soup and more. Call 239-472-5161 x421 to make a reservation.

15951 Captiva Drive- Captiva

Roys is open both December 24 and 25. There will be a Christmas Day 3-course meal served from 11am-9pm.

26831 South Bay Drive- Bonita Springs

Snug Harbor will be open 11am-9pm on Christmas Eve with their regular menu and a special menu served. Closed on Christmas Day.

645 Old San Carlos Blvd- Fort Myers Beach

Nick & Stella's will be serving their full menu on Christmas Eve from 11am-midnight. Also open on Christmas Day from noon-midnight, plus a special prime rib dinner.

15271 McGregor Blvd- Fort Myers