Cookie recipes might just be our favorite baking recipe (sorry, layer cake!). They’re easy to make, use just a few ingredients, and can often be made in under an hour — especially if you keep emergency cookie dough in the freezer at all times like our Test Kitchen editors. So if you need dessert inspiration ASAP, look no further than our round-up of the best cookie recipes of all time, including plenty of easy ideas (snickerdoodles, anyone?), unique treats (just wait ‘til you try the Gingerbread Wands), and so many different types of cookies that you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy … batch after batch.
Nuts for peanut butter cookies or looking for the perfect chocolate chip cookie? We’ve got you covered! Looking for festive Christmas cookies or spicy fall cookies to celebrate the season? We have a recipe for every holiday, celebration, or hey, just a Monday. If you run into any troubles along the way, we’re here to help, with guides on the best baking sheets you can buy, ideas for egg substitutes if you need ‘em, and of course, plenty of chocolate chip cookie baking secrets.
With so many delicious recipes to try, there’s absolutely no reason to skip dessert tonight. Plus, cookies are easy to share with friends and family — just wrap them in a cellophane bag and tie it up with a bow, or stack them in a cute jar, tin or box. After all, the more you give away, the more reasons you have to bake another batch.
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1
Chunky Nut Butter Cookies
Use any type of nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, whatever you like!) to bake these under-30-minute treats.
Get the recipe for Chunky Nut Butter Cookies »
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2
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why should vegans miss out on the baking fun? You can make a warm batch of cookies 100% free of animal products.
Get the recipe for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies »
RELATED: 40 Easy Baking Recipes For All Your Sweet Treat Cravings
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3
Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies
Upgrade the holiday classic by sandwiching gingerbread cookies with decadent milk chocolate frosting.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies »
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4
Red Velvet Cookies
Instead of the typical red velvet cookies with white chocolate chips, we doubled down on the chocolate flavor, using both semi-sweet chips and rich cocoa powder.
Get the recipe for Red Velvet Cookies »
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5
Fruitcake Cookies
Sure, you might be the only one in the family that loves Grandma's fruitcake (besides Grandma, of course!), but these cookies will win everyone over. Trust.
Get the recipe for Fruitcake Cookies »
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6
No-Bake Waffle Dippers
The recipe for an easy, no-bake Christmas treat: Three ingredients, five minutes and zero frustration.
Get the recipe for No-Bake Waffle Dippers »
RELATED: 16 Ridiculously Easy No-Bake Desserts to Try ASAP
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7
Jam Sandwich Cookies
It's what's on the inside that counts. Wrap each cookie in a personalized paper envelope to gift to all your loved ones this holiday season.
Get the recipe for Jam Sandwich Cookies »
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8
Lemon Thyme Coin Cookies
These earthy, tangy bites make the sweetest ending to any dinner party menu.
Get the recipe for Lemon Thyme Coin Cookies »
RELATED: 33 Best Easy and Refreshing Lemon Desserts to Make This Spring
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9
Shortbread Squares
One cookie, three delicious variations: Try Toffee-Pecan, Chocolate-Peppermint or Red Currant Crumble for an elegant treat that also makes a great hostess gift!
Get the recipe for Shortbread Squares »
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10
White Chocolate and Lavender Madeleines
These precious cookies are sure to turn your after-dinner tea into a meal of its own.
Get the recipe for White Chocolate and Lavender Madeleines »
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11
White Chocolate Raspberry Thins
The secret to these pretty-in-pink white chocolate cookies? Raspberry powder.
Get the recipe for White Chocolate Raspberry Thins »
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12
Walnut Crescent Cookies
Full of ground walnuts, cardamom and cinnamon, these snowy treats are perfect for the holidays.
Get the recipe for Walnut Crescent Cookies »
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13
Dulce de Leche Sandwiches
Dulce de leche is like caramel made from sweetened milk, so it's pretty much perfect on its own. Sandwich it between two buttery cookies and presto! You won the cookie swap.
Get the recipe for Dulce de Leche Sandwiches »
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14
Marbled Egg Sugar Cookies
Make stunning swirls on any shape of cookie by transferring some white frosting to a plate, adding a few drops of food coloring, and dipping the cookie into the frosting. It's like easy edible artwork!
Get the recipe for Marbled Egg Sugar Cookies »
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15
Chai Tree and Snowflake Cookies
For a double the spice, pair these cinnamon, ginger and cardamom-infused cookies with a cup of chai tea.
Get the recipe for Chai Tree and Snowflake Cookies »
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16
Ginger and Cream Sandwich Cookies
Biting into these spicy ginger and orange buttercream delights is like tasting fall. Seriously.
Get the recipe for Ginger and Cream Sandwich Cookies »
RELATED: 45 Tasty Fall Cookies to Get You in the Pumpkin Spice Spirit
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17
Chocolate-Almond Tea Cookies
Cream cheese spritz cookies dipped in bittersweet chocolate is the perfect excuse for an impromptu tea party.
Get the recipe for Chocolate-Almond Tea Cookies »
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18
Black Cocoa Cookies
Don't skip the instant espresso powder — it really brings out the chocolatey flavor. Chocolate lovers, you're welcome.
Get the recipe for Black Cocoa Cookies »
RELATED: 25 Easy and Creative Chocolate Desserts That You Haven't Tried Yet
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19
Slice and Bake Chocolate and Pistachio Cookies
Roll logs of the chocolate cookie dough in pistachios, then slice and enjoy a sweet and salty bite (or two).
Get the recipe for Slice and Bake Chocolate and Pistachio Cookies »
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20
Chocolate-Citrus Cran Wheels
Cranberry-orange cookies dipped in chocolate and decorated to the max make a show-stopping holiday dessert.
Get the recipe for Chocolate-Citrus Cran Wheels »
