21 Cookie Recipes Families Still Swear By

Cookies have a special way of bringing people together. Whether it is a weekend treat, a holiday tradition, or just something sweet to share after dinner, families often pass down their favorite recipes from one generation to the next. These tried and true cookies have earned a place in kitchens everywhere because they are simple, reliable, and always enjoyed.

From soft and chewy classics to crisp and buttery favorites, these recipes cover the kinds of cookies people keep making year after year. They are the ones that spark memories, fill the house with that warm baked-cookie aroma, and disappear quickly from the plate.

This list highlights 21 cookie recipes that continue to stand the test of time in family kitchens. They are straightforward to make, delicious to share, and guaranteed to bring smiles every time they are baked.

Iced Molasses Cookies

These cookies bring a rich flavor thanks to molasses and warm spices, making them especially nice during cooler months. A simple glaze on top adds sweetness that balances the deep notes. They stay soft in the middle while having a bit of crisp around the edges. Perfect with a warm drink or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Iced Molasses Cookies

Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

This is a quick treat that doesn’t need time in the oven. The mix of cocoa and oats creates a chewy, chocolatey bite that holds together well. They come together fast and set at room temperature or in the fridge. Great for when you want something sweet without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies

Iced Apple Cookies

Soft cookies with apple pieces give a gentle sweetness and texture in every bite. A thin icing adds just the right finishing touch, making them look and taste special. They pair nicely with coffee or tea. Ideal when you want a cookie that feels a little like a dessert and a snack in one.
Get the Recipe: Iced Apple Cookies

Raspberry Bars

Buttery layers hold a fruity raspberry filling that’s both sweet and slightly tart. A crumble topping adds a light crunch on top. These are easy to slice and share at gatherings or just to keep for snacking. They’re especially good when you want something fruity but not overly heavy.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Bars

Cinnamon Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pumpkin adds a soft texture and gentle sweetness to the classic spiced cookie. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, they have a cozy flavor that’s hard to resist. The centers stay tender while the coating gives a pleasant crunch. A fun twist on a well-loved cookie.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe: Old Fashioned Classic

These cookies are known for their crisp bite and nutty flavor. Walnuts give a rich crunch that pairs perfectly with the lightly sweet dough. They’re shaped simply and often enjoyed with tea. A timeless treat that feels both simple and special.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Walnut Cookies Recipe: Old Fashioned Classic

Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb come together in a fruity filling over a buttery base. The crumble topping adds texture and balances the soft middle. They cut nicely into bars, making them easy to serve. A seasonal favorite when rhubarb is fresh.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Rhubarb Bars

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Snickerdoodles are known for their soft centers and cinnamon sugar coating. This version has just the right balance of sweet and spice. The tang from cream of tartar gives a slight twist that makes them unique. They’re simple, classic, and always welcome at cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Cinnamon Palmiers

Light and flaky, these pastries are made with puff pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar. They bake into crisp, caramelized swirls that look as good as they taste. With only a few ingredients, they’re surprisingly easy to make. A lovely option when you want something both fancy and simple.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Palmiers

Dandelion Cookies

These cookies use dandelion petals for a unique, subtle floral note. The base is lightly sweet, letting the petals add their own gentle flavor. They’re a fun way to bring an unusual ingredient into baking. Perfect for springtime or a bit of kitchen creativity.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Cookies

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

Simple to make with just three ingredients, these cookies are packed with peanut butter flavor. Pressing a chocolate candy in the center while warm makes them extra special. They’re quick to whip up yet feel classic and festive. Great for last-minute baking.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

Cranberry White Chip Cookies

Cranberries give a tart burst that pairs beautifully with creamy white chocolate. The dough bakes up soft with chewy edges. These cookies bring a nice mix of bright and sweet flavors. Lovely for holidays or anytime you want a colorful cookie.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry White Chip Cookies

3 Ingredient Shortbread

This cookie is as simple as it gets, using just butter, sugar, and flour. The result is tender with a slight crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. They keep well and pair perfectly with tea or coffee. A go-to recipe for something buttery and classic.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Shortbread

Almond Crescent Cookies

Shaped into little crescents, these cookies are light, nutty, and usually dusted with powdered sugar. The almond flavor stands out and gives them a special touch. They’re often served around holidays but good any time of year. Delicate and beautiful on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crescent Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

These cookies bring all the flavors of carrot cake in a smaller form. Grated carrots, warm spices, and a creamy filling in the middle make them feel indulgent. They’re soft and chewy with just the right balance of sweetness. Great for anyone who loves carrot cake but wants it handheld.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

A buttery shortbread base is paired with the flavor of apple cider for a cozy twist. They hold their shape well and can be cut into fun designs. A drizzle of glaze can add a bit of shine and extra sweetness. Ideal for autumn baking or seasonal gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

These cookies rely on regular sugar, giving them a lighter color and slightly crisper edges. The classic chocolate flavor still shines through in every bite. They’re easy to make when brown sugar isn’t on hand. A simple variation on a beloved staple.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies without Brown Sugar

Pumpkin Cookies

Soft and cake-like, these cookies are packed with pumpkin and warm spices. They bake up fluffy rather than chewy. A drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting makes them extra special. Perfect for cozy fall afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cookies

Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

A buttery cookie rolled in pecans with a jam or sweet filling in the center. The crunch of the nuts contrasts nicely with the soft cookie and smooth filling. They look elegant but aren’t too complicated to make. Great for holiday trays or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

These cookies are light and refreshing with a gentle crunch from poppy seeds. Lemon adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the buttery dough. A glaze on top can enhance the citrus even more. Perfect when you want something not too heavy but still sweet.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Pecan Pie bars

All the flavors of pecan pie baked into a handheld square. A buttery crust holds a sweet and nutty filling that’s rich without being overly heavy. They’re easier to serve than pie but just as flavorful. A hit at gatherings or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie bars