22 Classic, Delicious Cookie Recipes

Pecan Sandies
Photo: GREG DUPREE

Step one in researching cookie recipes is deciding which types of cookies you want to bake: Christmas cookies, classic cookies, small cookies, large cookies, no-bake cookies—the different kinds of cookies are nearly endless. Will they require using a stand mixer? Step one is easier said than done, right? So let's take it back a step: You know that you want delicious cookie recipes, and thanks to this collection of cookies, that's enough.

We've rounded up simple cookie recipes for almost every type of cookie, so you can find the one that speaks to you and start baking without too much time clicking around. Whether you're preparing for a cookie exchange or just itching to make some of the most popular cookies out there for yourself, consider this your starting point. With these delicious cookies as the result of your efforts, you'll be thanking yourself with every scrumptious bite. Now pull out those baking sheets!

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Cinnamon-Sugar Cookies

These cinnamon sugar cookies are almost dangerously fast to make.
Jennifer Causey

Buttery puff pastry forms the base of these simple cookies, which feature a cinnamon-sugar and pecan swirl throughout each bite. And don't be intimidated by that picture-perfect spiral—all you need is a well-rolled dough and a quick trip to the freezer.

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Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies
Lucas Allen

Who says gingerbread is just for the holidays? Bake these cookies year-round and decorate with a simple icing.

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Chocolate Crinkles

Chocolate Crinkles
Greg DuPree

Roll the dough in a generous dose of confectioners' sugar before baking to achieve this pretty snowy effect.

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Angeletti

Angeletti
Victor Schrager

Decorate these crumbly little bites with a light vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles.

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Chocolate Chocolate-Chunk Cookies

Chocolate Chocolate-Chunk Cookies
Levi Brown

There's melted chocolate in the batter along with chocolate chunks in the final product—a chocoholic's delight.

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Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Victor Schrager

Chewy and crumbly, this favorite has an added bonus—the recipe is flourless, making it a great gluten-free sweet treat.

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Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies
Greg DuPree

Chopped pecans add an irresistible nutty crunch.

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Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Classic Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Victor Schrager

This timeless recipe for everyone's favorite cookie is loaded with chocolate chips; add chopped nuts for extra variety.

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Jam Sandwich Cookies

Jam Sandwich Cookies
Raymond Hom

Sandwich any store-bought or homemade jam of your choice between two sugar cookies to make these sweet treats. Dust each cookie with powdered sugar for the perfect finishing touch.

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Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal-raisin cookies
Victor Schrager

Use old-fashioned rolled oats to lend robust flavor and texture to these hearty cookies.

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Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies

Raspberry linzer cookies
Victor Schrager

Add ground toasted almonds to the batter to give these beautiful sandwich cookies a fragrant nuttiness.

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Easy Sugar Cookies

Decorated sugar cookies, plain sugar cookies, and cookie cutters displayed on a table
zoff-photo

It doesn't get much more classic than this easy sugar cookie recipe. Use this easy-to-make dough to whip up Pecan Logs or Chocolate-Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies, or simply grab some colorful icing and decorate your own treats.

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Almond Biscotti

Almond biscotti
Victor Schrager

Biscotti are baked twice to make them extra crisp and dry—perfect for dunking in a cup of coffee.

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Glazed Lemon Cookies

Glazed Lemon Cookies
Kana Okada

A sweet lemon topping adorns these delightful citrus treats.

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Chewy Spice Cookies

Chewy Spice Cookies
Victor Schrager

Molasses helps keep these cookies—spiced with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—moist and chewy.

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Shortbread Wedges

Shortbread Wedges
David Prince

Buttery, crumbly shortbread is an ideal afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

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Pine Nut Drops

Pine Nut Drops
Laurie Frankel

Crunchy pine nuts provide a satisfying contrast in these chewy cookies.

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Salty-Sweet Chunkers

Salty-Sweet Chunkers
Caitlin Bensel

These chewy cookies are loaded with mix-ins such as white chocolate chips, pretzels, oats, and mini marshmallows.

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Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Close-up image of chocolate-dipped macaroon.
Victor Schrager

To make chewy macaroons even more delicious, dip them in melted chocolate and let set before serving.

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Chocolate Linzer Cookies

Chocolate Linzer Cookies
Caitlin Bensel

This spin on a classic Linzer cookie adds cocoa powder to the dough, which chocolate fans will love. Fill each cookie with vibrantly colored jam to create an Instagram-worthy dessert platter.

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Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses

Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses
David Prince

Light and airy meringues have a hidden nugget of chocolate in each bite.

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Macaroon Thumbprints With a Surprise Nutella Center

hazelnut-macaroon-thumbs-36449-realsimple

Fred Hardy

If you love Nutella, these adorable bite-sized thumbprints are the perfect dessert for you. Chocolate hazelnut spread is dolloped in the center instead of jam, and it's all topped off with a sprinkling of coconut flakes.

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