
Cookies are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, there’s always a cookie recipe that fits the bill. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to create delicious cookies. From soft and chewy to crunchy and crisp, these 10 simple yet delicious cookies are perfect for any occasion and sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why It’s Great:
The classic chocolate chip cookie is a beloved favorite for a reason. Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with melty chocolate chips—what’s not to love?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Let cool on a wire rack.
2. Peanut Butter Cookies
Why It’s Great:
Peanut butter lovers rejoice! These cookies are rich, nutty, and perfectly sweet, with a crisscross pattern that makes them look as good as they taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda until well combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Press each cookie with a fork to make a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool.
3. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Why It’s Great:
Chewy, hearty, and full of cinnamon-spiced goodness, these oatmeal raisin cookies are a comforting treat that feels a little healthier than most.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
- Stir in oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in the raisins.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Sugar Cookies
Why It’s Great:
Sugar cookies are versatile and can be decorated for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday or a birthday, these cookies are a blank canvas for fun designs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
5. Snickerdoodles
Why It’s Great:
With their soft, chewy texture and cinnamon-sugar coating, snickerdoodles are the ultimate cozy cookie.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden.
6. Shortbread Cookies
Why It’s Great:
Shortbread cookies are buttery, crumbly, and perfect for tea time or as a simple, elegant treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden around the edges.
7. Double Chocolate Cookies
Why It’s Great:
For chocolate lovers, these double chocolate cookies are a dream come true. They’re rich, fudgy, and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and mix until combined.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Lemon Cookies
Why It’s Great:
If you’re looking for a zesty, refreshing treat, these lemon cookies are the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix until combined.
- Roll the dough into balls and flatten with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
9. Gingerbread Cookies
Why It’s Great:
These spiced gingerbread cookies are perfect for the holiday season or whenever you need a warming, flavorful cookie.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar.
- Beat in the egg and molasses.
- Mix together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture.
- Roll dough out on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
10. Coconut Macaroons
Why It’s Great:
These chewy coconut macaroons are a delightfully sweet and tropical treat, perfect for anyone who loves coconut.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large egg whites
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate chip cookie or something a little more exotic like coconut macaroons, these 10 simple yet delicious cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With easy-to-follow recipes and ingredients that are often pantry staples, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a casual get-together, a holiday celebration, or a special treat just for yourself.