17 Best Cookie Recipes to Bake at Home
If you’re searching for the best cookie recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth or impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, these cookie recipes range from classic favorites to unique twists that are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
From chewy chocolate chip cookies to buttery shortbread and everything in between, these are the best cookies to bake when you want a treat that’s comforting, delicious, and always in style.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s start with a time-tested winner. Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite for a reason. These cookies have crispy edges, a chewy center, and are loaded with gooey chocolate chips.
Pro tip: Chill the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and boost flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
2. Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are simple, but when done right, they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for decorating or enjoying plain with a glass of milk.
Baking Tip: Don’t overbake. They should look slightly underdone when you pull them from the oven.
3. Peanut Butter Cookies

With their signature criss-cross top and nutty flavor, peanut butter cookies are a nostalgic classic. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for peanut butter lovers.
Upgrade idea: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.
4. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Don’t underestimate the comforting flavor of a good oatmeal raisin cookie. These have a chewy texture from oats and a natural sweetness from plump raisins.
Want to elevate it? Swap raisins for dried cranberries or add a handful of chopped walnuts.
5. Double Chocolate Cookies

If you’re a chocolate lover, these double chocolate cookies are a dream. Cocoa powder in the dough and chocolate chips throughout make these rich and fudgy.
Bonus: Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.
6. Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated cookies with a tangy twist from cream of tartar. Their unique flavor and pillowy texture make them one of the best cookie recipes for fall, or any time of year.
7. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

These cookies are buttery, slightly crunchy, and full of creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamia nuts. A little salty, a little sweet—these cookies are always a hit.
8. Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Bright and zesty, these lemon crinkle cookies are soft with a tangy citrus flavor. They’re rolled in powdered sugar before baking for a beautiful crinkle effect.
Perfect for: Spring and summer parties or a light dessert after dinner.
9. Thumbprint Cookies

These buttery cookies are rolled into balls, indented with your thumb, and filled with jam. Raspberry and apricot are popular choices, but any fruit jam works.
Festive Tip: Add these to your holiday cookie tray—they’re always a favorite!
10. No-Bake Cookies

Sometimes you don’t want to turn on the oven. No-bake cookies made with oats, cocoa, peanut butter, and sugar are quick and satisfying.
Great for: Hot days, busy weekdays, or a fast dessert for kids.
11. Molasses Cookies

Spiced, soft, and full of warm flavor, molasses cookies are especially popular during the holidays. They’re chewy and rich with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Optional twist: Roll in sugar before baking for extra crunch.
12. Biscotti

Crisp and ideal for dunking in coffee or tea, biscotti is a twice-baked Italian cookie. Add almonds, pistachios, dried cranberries, or even dip the ends in chocolate.
Flavor suggestion: Orange zest and almonds make a wonderful combo.
13. Shortbread Cookies

Simple ingredients—just butter, sugar, and flour—make shortbread cookies a rich and tender treat. These melt in your mouth and pair beautifully with tea or coffee.
Tip: Add a splash of vanilla or lemon zest for extra flavor.
14. Coconut Macaroons

Not to be confused with the French macarons, coconut macaroons are chewy, sweet, and super easy to make with shredded coconut, egg whites, and condensed milk.
Drizzle with chocolate to take them to the next level.
15. Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Want something a little fancy? Try cookies made with brown butter and toffee bits. The nutty, caramel-like flavor of browned butter gives these cookies a gourmet edge.
These are a hit at bake sales, parties, or anytime you want to impress.
16. Red Velvet Cookies

A soft, chewy cookie version of the classic red velvet cake. These are beautiful to look at and have a light cocoa flavor with a rich red hue.
Try stuffing them with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent surprise.
17. S’mores Cookies

Get that campfire flavor at home with s’mores cookies. They combine graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallows in a soft cookie base.
Fun for kids: Top with a square of chocolate and half a marshmallow right after baking.
Tips for Baking the Best Cookies

To make the most of these best cookie recipes, here are a few baking tips:
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Chill your dough (especially for drop cookies) to prevent spreading.
- Don’t overbake — cookies continue to cook a little after being removed from the oven.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Measure flour carefully — too much flour = dry cookies. Spoon and level for best results.
Conclusion: Time to Bake the Best Cookies!
Whether you love soft and chewy, crispy and dunkable, or rich and chocolatey, there’s something on this list of the best cookie recipes for everyone. Cookies are a timeless treat that bring people together—so grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get baking!
From classic chocolate chip to elegant biscotti, these are the cookies that will make you the hero of any gathering or just brighten a cozy night in.

🍪 Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional
Instructions
- 1. Preheat OvenPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. Cream the Butter and SugarsIn a large bowl, beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer).
- 3. Add Eggs and VanillaMix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 4. Mix Dry IngredientsIn a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- 5. Combine Wet and DryGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined (do not overmix).
- 6. Add Chocolate ChipsFold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed.
- 7. Scoop the DoughUse a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- 8. BakeBake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Centers may look slightly underbaked — that’s perfect!
- 9. Cool and EnjoyLet cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.
Notes
🍫 Pro Tips:
- Chill the dough for 30–60 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet finish.
- These cookies freeze well — both dough and baked.