Research reveals what people think makes the PERFECT cookie

Four in 10 Americans are confident enough in their cookie-baking skills that they would drop their jobs to become a baker, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 Americans looked at people's love for cookies, and revealed 82% of respondents enjoy baking their own cookies — and half enjoy the sweet snack so much that they bake their own at least once a month.

Of those who bake homemade cookies, 64% are confident they could bake the "perfect" cookie.

Even then, they didn't master it on the first try — results found it takes the average respondent five tries before they can bake the perfect cookie.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Crumbl Cookies for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, the survey delved further into this, exploring the question of what makes a cookie "perfect."

Chocolate chip was revealed to be the clear winner: 62% agree that it’s hard to beat the taste of a classic chocolate chip cookie.

It reigns as respondents’ favorite cookie flavor (35%), and nostalgia may play a role in why it tops the list of cookie flavors. Nearly half of respondents said they ate chocolate chip cookies often as kids (46%).

And what makes for the perfect chocolate chip cookie? While preferences can vary, results showed that there’s nothing like a fresh-baked soft, chewy cookie made with brown sugar.

Those surveyed shared that a yummy cookie may be more complex than it seems, citing must-have ingredients like vanilla extract (31%) or cinnamon (22%).

Many also opt for more unusual ingredients that add flavor depth like brown butter (19%) or citrus zest (13%).

While many may be breaking out their cookie sheets to make their favorite classic for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, others are willing to let their taste buds take them elsewhere, citing more unique cookie flavors like peanut butter (28%) or brownie/double chocolate (25%) as some of their favorites.

And if you think everybody universally dislikes oatmeal raisin, think again. According to the results it is the fourth most loved cookie, just beating out shortbread (23%, each).

Although respondents know what they like, most are interested in trying more unique cookie flavors (59%).

When asked to come up with their own flavor, Americans got creative with ideas like “a cookie that tastes like a birthday cake,” “cranberry orange cream” or “chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake cookies.”

"National Chocolate Chip Cookie day is a day of nostalgia for many as people from all over the world likely grew up baking chocolate chip cookies with their families—that was a major reason for starting Crumbl in the beginning,” said Sawyer Hemsley, COO and co-founder of Crumbl Cookies. “While we love our chocolate chip cookies, it can be fun to explore new and exciting flavor profiles that are unexpected for cookies - things like caramel popcorn, lava cake or even cornbread."

Whether they’re celebrating good times with loved ones (29%) or just passing by a bakery, (23%) people enjoy munching on a good cookie.

Nearly a fifth of respondents also said the sweet treats are a solid afternoon pick-me-up (19%), and most believe they’re able to turn a bad day around (61%).

On average, people still consume 21 cookies a month in adulthood, although a quarter shared they eat more than this (24%).

Some respondents have eaten so many cookies throughout their lifetime that they claim to be “cookie experts” (41%), estimating that someone should eat about 319 cookies in their life to be considered one.

"The absolute best part of cookies is the fact that they are meant to be shared with the people we love!" said Jason McGowan, CEO and co-founder of Crumbl Cookies. "Our mission is about bringing friends and family together over the best cookies in the world because we believe that cookies can be used for celebrating, connecting, comforting or even just to satisfy a sweet tooth with a friend. Between the sharing and delicious elements of a cookie, we believe there is no better snack!”