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Presidential spouses’ favorite cookie recipes

Choosing a new commander in chief means debates, TV ads and, of course, Family Circle magazine’s quadrennial cookie vote. For the last four face-offs, Family Circle asked the spouses of the presidential candidates to share their favorite cookie recipe, then had readers weigh in on their favorite. So far the ballots have been an excellent predictor of who’ll end up in the White House, since the
/ Source: TODAY

Choosing a new commander in chief means debates, TV ads and, of course, Family Circle magazine’s quadrennial cookie vote. For the last four face-offs, Family Circle asked the spouses of the presidential candidates to share their favorite cookie recipe, then had readers weigh in on their favorite. So far the ballots have been an excellent predictor of who’ll end up in the White House, since the winner’s better half has gone on to capture the general election every time.

In 1992, it was Hillary Clinton’s cookies vs. Barbara Bush’s tasty treats. The winner? Hillary Clinton. Both cookies were chock-full of chocolate, so we can assume that the oats were what put Hillary over the top.

Clinton’s Chips

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Clinton’s Chips

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Family Circle Magazine
Barbara Bush’s Batch

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Barbara Bush’s Batch

Barbara Bush, Family Circle Magazine



In 2004, Laura Bush’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chunks ran against Teresa Heinz Kerry’s Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Laura Bush took in the most votes — Teresa’s cakey, raisin-studded cookies just didn’t measure up with voters:

For the current presidential candidates' recipes, visit familycircle.com.