28 Classic and Creative Cookie Recipes to Inspire Your Next Bake

Cookies are the little black dress of the baking world—versatile, dependable, and always welcome at the party. From crisp dunk-worthy biscotti to gooey, chocolate-laden drops, each recipe on this list brings something special to the table. Stock up on butter, flour, and sugar, then let your oven work its magic. Your cookie jar is about to experience its busiest season yet.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Every baker needs a reliable chocolate chip cookie, and this one balances crisp edges with a chewy center. A touch of brown sugar deepens the caramel notes while chilling the dough prevents excessive spread in the oven. Use a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate for pockets of flavor in every bite. Sprinkle flaky salt just after baking for a simple upgrade.

2. Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Old-fashioned oats bring hearty chew, while a quick soak in warm water plumps the raisins so they stay juicy. Cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg lend cozy spice without overpowering the oats. Butter keeps the centers tender, but the edges bake to a pleasant crisp. Serve with a cold glass of milk for maximum nostalgia.

3. Brown Butter Toffee Cookies

Browning the butter adds nutty depth that pairs perfectly with crunchy toffee pieces. Chill the dough at least one hour to let flavors mingle and toffee stay intact during baking. The result is a rich cookie that feels bakery-worthy yet is simple to make at home. A pinch of coarse salt balances the sweetness.

4. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Soft peanut butter dough is rolled in sugar, baked, then topped with a chocolate kiss while still warm. The chocolate softens just enough to meld with the cookie without fully melting. Creamy peanut butter yields a dense crumb and classic flavor. They cool quickly, making them a go-to for last-minute bake sales.

5. Snickerdoodles

Tart cream of tartar is the secret to their signature tang and pillowy texture. Each dough ball gets rolled in a generous mix of cinnamon and sugar before baking. They puff up, then settle into crackly perfection as they cool. Best enjoyed slightly warm when the centers are still soft.

6. Double Chocolate Espresso Cookies

Espresso powder enhances the cocoa without overpowering it, resulting in an intense chocolate hit. Dutch-process cocoa makes the dough almost brownie-like, while chocolate chunks add melty pockets. Bake just until the edges set for a fudgy center. These pair nicely with a shot of espresso or a cold glass of oat milk.

7. Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Fresh lemon zest and juice keep these cookies lively, while a powdered sugar coating forms signature crinkles. The dough is soft, so a brief chill helps maintain shape. Cornstarch lends a tender bite that melts away quickly. Serve alongside iced tea for a refreshing treat.

8. Salted Caramel Thumbprints

These buttery cookies feature an indent filled with silky caramel sauce that sets as it cools. A dash of flaky sea salt cuts through the richness and highlights the caramel flavor. Bake the cookies first, then spoon in warm caramel for pristine wells that don’t overflow. They store well in a tin lined with parchment.

9. Almond Biscotti

Biscotti are twice-baked, giving them their trademark crunch ideal for dunking. Whole toasted almonds add earthy flavor and a satisfying bite. Orange zest brightens the dough without competing with the almond profile. Cool completely before the second bake to prevent crumbling.

10. Ginger Molasses Cookies

Dark molasses infuses deep flavor and a moist texture, while ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves bring warmth. Rolling in coarse sugar before baking creates a sparkling crust. The cookies puff then crack, revealing tender centers. They taste even better the next day as spices bloom.

11. White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

Buttery macadamias add creamy crunch that complements sweet white chocolate. A dash of vanilla and a hint of salt keep flavors balanced. Watch the bake time closely; these go from golden to overdone quickly due to high butter content. Let them cool completely to set the chocolate.

12. Coconut Macaroons

Shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk form a chewy, almost candy-like base. A little egg white binds everything without making the cookies cakey. Bake until the tips just brown for contrast in texture and color. Dip bottoms in melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

13. Pistachio Cranberry Shortbread

Buttery shortbread dough gets festive pops of color from dried cranberries and chopped pistachios. Slice-and-bake style means the dough can be frozen and baked as needed. A pinch of orange zest ties the flavors together. These hold their shape well, making them perfect for gifting.

14. Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

Cocoa powder and a touch of red food coloring recreate classic cake flavor in handheld form. Soft cake-like cookies cradle tangy cream cheese frosting. Chill the assembled sandwiches so the filling sets and stays neat. They’re a showstopper on any cookie tray.

15. Matcha White Chocolate Cookies

Ceremonial-grade matcha lends earthy notes and striking color. The slight bitterness of green tea balances sweet white chocolate chunks. Use room-temperature butter to ensure even creaming and color distribution. Bake just until edges firm; overbaking dulls the green hue.

16. Maple Pecan Cookies

Pure maple syrup flavors both dough and glaze, while toasted pecans add crunch. Brown sugar amplifies the maple notes without overwhelming them. Chill the dough briefly to keep cookies thick. A quick drizzle of maple icing finishes them with a glossy sheen.

17. S’mores Cookies

All the campfire flavors appear without any flames required. Graham cracker crumbs replace part of the flour for authentic taste, while marshmallows caramelize on top. Use semi-sweet chocolate to avoid excessive sweetness. Let cookies cool on the sheet so molten marshmallow firms slightly.

18. Nutella Swirl Cookies

Start with a simple vanilla dough, then dollop Nutella and gently fold to create marbled ribbons. Avoid over-mixing so distinct streaks remain visible. A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts adds texture. These freeze well, making them handy for spontaneous cravings.

19. Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Purée keeps these cookies moist, while a mix of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves delivers signature fall aroma. Using half butter and half oil prevents them from becoming cakey. Dusting with cinnamon sugar before baking boosts flavor and adds sparkle. Enjoy with hot cider on crisp evenings.

20. Decorated Sugar Cookies

A simple dough flavored with vanilla and almond extract holds its shape when cut with festive cutters. Chill thoroughly before baking to keep edges sharp. Once cooled, flood with royal icing and let dry before adding details. They double as edible art projects for kids and adults alike.

21. Apricot Walnut Rugelach

Cream cheese dough bakes into flaky layers that wrap around a sweet-tart apricot jam and walnut filling. Rolling the dough from the wide edge to the tip forms tight spirals that won’t leak. A brush of egg wash and a dusting of coarse sugar add shine and crunch. Rugelach stay tender for several days, perfect for make-ahead platters.

22. Mexican Wedding Cookies

Also known as polvorones, these crumbly butter cookies feature finely ground pecans and a double coat of powdered sugar. The first dusting goes on warm cookies, melting slightly to form a glaze; the second coat sticks beautifully once cooled. They melt in your mouth thanks to the high nut-to-flour ratio. Serve with rich hot chocolate for a festive touch.

23. Florentines

Thin, caramel-like cookies made from sliced almonds, honey, and a bit of butter bake into delicate lace. Once cooled, they’re brushed or drizzled with chocolate for structure and flavor. Handle gently; they’re fragile but rewarding. Store layers between wax paper to protect the sheen.

24. Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Nutty tahini replaces part of the butter, lending subtle sesame depth and a tender crumb. Bittersweet chocolate chunks balance the dough’s richness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top adds crunch and visual appeal. They taste even better the day after baking as flavors marry.

25. Banana Bread Cookies

Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while quick oats provide structure reminiscent of breakfast bars. A handful of toasted walnuts offers classic banana bread texture in cookie form. Because the dough is soft, baking on parchment ensures easy removal. Enjoy warm with a pat of salted butter.

26. Cardamom Rose Cookies

Ground cardamom gives gentle warmth that pairs surprisingly well with floral rose water. The dough bakes into tender rounds, lightly sugared for a delicate crust. A scattering of crushed dried petals creates a subtle aroma and visual charm. Serve alongside black tea for an elegant afternoon break.

27. Black Sesame Almond Cookies

Ground black sesame seeds lend deep, toasty flavor and striking color. Almond flour lightens the crumb and makes each bite tender. Roll edges in extra sesame seeds for added crunch. Cool fully to let nutty aromas develop before storing.

28. Vegan Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chickpea flour and coconut oil create a plant-based dough that bakes up chewy with crisp edges. A splash of almond milk and vanilla keeps flavors classic. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to maintain a fully vegan profile. No one will guess they’re gluten-free and egg-free thanks to their satisfying texture.