20 Cookie Recipes You’ll Wish You’d Found Sooner

Cookies have a special way of bringing comfort and joy, whether they’re fresh from the oven or shared with a friend. From classic favorites to creative twists, there’s something about a warm cookie that feels instantly rewarding. These recipes are the kind you’ll want to keep close for every craving and celebration.

We’ve rounded up a mix of flavors that prove cookies are far from ordinary. You’ll find timeless options like chocolate chip and oatmeal, along with inventive ones that offer new textures and tastes. Each one strikes that perfect balance between simple ingredients and standout flavor.

Whether you’re baking for fun, family, or a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are worth your time. They’re easy to make, pleasing to share, and sure to earn you compliments. Ready to bake something unforgettable? Start with these 20 must-try cookie recipes.

Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery, and tinted with that signature red hue, these cookies offer a hint of cocoa and a classic chewy texture. They’re rolled in sugar before baking for a subtle sparkle and crunch. Perfect for holidays or anytime you want a pop of color on the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

A cozy blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and oats makes these cookies tender and full of texture. The chocolate chips add just the right sweetness to balance the earthy pumpkin flavor. Great for autumn snacking or gifting with a homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Hershey Kiss Cookie

These nostalgic cookies pair a soft peanut butter base with a chocolate kiss pressed on top. The mix of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate creates the perfect bite-sized treat. Simple, classic, and always crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Hershey Kiss Cookie

Tahini Cookies

Nutty and rich, these cookies bring a unique twist with tahini replacing traditional nut butter. The result is a soft, slightly crisp cookie with deep sesame flavor and a hint of sweetness. Ideal for those who enjoy desserts that feel just a little unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Tahini Cookies

Air Fryer S’mores Cookies

Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker crumbs combine in cookie form for a campfire-style dessert made in minutes. The air fryer gives them a gooey center with lightly crisp edges. Perfect for quick treats when you don’t want to heat up the oven.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S’mores Cookies

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Light, cakey, and delicately sweet, these cookies use ricotta cheese for a moist, tender texture. A simple glaze and sprinkle of nonpareils make them festive for holidays and gatherings. They’re soft enough to melt in your mouth with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies

Chewy on the inside and crisp on the outside, these crescent-shaped cookies are made with almond paste and coated in slivered almonds. A dip in dark chocolate adds a luxurious finish. They look elegant but are surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Almond Horn Cookies

Iced Molasses Cookies

Warm spices and molasses create a deep, comforting flavor in these soft cookies. A thin layer of icing adds sweetness and shine without overpowering the spice. They’re especially lovely during cool-weather months with a cup of tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Iced Molasses Cookies

Brookies

Half brownie, half cookie, these combine the best of both worlds. The fudgy chocolate base and chewy cookie top make every bite rich and indulgent. Great for those who can never choose between a brownie and a cookie.
Get the Recipe: Brookies

Florentines

Delicate, lace-like cookies made from caramelized almonds and honey, often finished with a thin layer of chocolate on the back. They’re crisp, elegant, and make a beautiful addition to cookie platters. Their glossy texture and nutty flavor are irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Florentines

Pecan Pie Cookies

Everything you love about pecan pie, but in handheld form. These cookies have a buttery base and a gooey brown sugar filling with chopped pecans. A great choice when you want the flavor of a pie without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cookies

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Quick and simple, these are made with oats, cocoa, and peanut butter, no oven needed. They set up into chewy, fudgy clusters that are both rich and easy to make. A nostalgic favorite for busy days or last-minute desserts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

Italian Fig X Cookies

Also known as Cuccidati, these are filled with a sweet mixture of figs, nuts, and spices wrapped in a tender dough. A light glaze and colorful sprinkles make them as pretty as they are flavorful. A traditional cookie often shared during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Italian Fig X Cookies

Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies

Classic gingerbread flavor with molasses, cinnamon, and ginger, made extra convenient in the air fryer. They bake quickly and evenly, perfect for decorating with icing or enjoying plain. Great for festive baking without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Gingerbread Cookies

Strawberry Crunch Cookies

Inspired by the popular ice cream bar, these cookies combine strawberry flavor with crushed cookies for a fun texture. A creamy drizzle or frosting on top makes them stand out. Bright, sweet, and great for spring or summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Crunch Cookies

Watermelon Sugar Cookies

Playful and colorful, these cookies mimic the look of watermelon slices with tinted dough and chocolate “seeds.” A light vanilla flavor keeps them simple and tasty. Perfect for picnics or themed parties.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Sugar Cookies

Rhubarb Cookies

Soft and slightly tart, rhubarb adds a fruity contrast to a sweet cookie base. Often paired with a touch of cinnamon or vanilla, these cookies have a lovely balance of flavors. A wonderful way to enjoy rhubarb season in a new form.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Cookies

Cowboy Cookies

Packed with oats, coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts, these cookies are hearty and full of texture. They bake up golden and chewy with a satisfying crunch. A great pick for anyone who loves a loaded cookie.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cookies

Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Festive and refreshing, these cookies feature peppermint flavor and swirls of red and white dough. They’re lightly crisp on the outside with a soft center. A fun, seasonal treat perfect for holiday cookie trays.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookies

Made with creamy cookie butter spread, these cookies have a caramelized, spiced flavor that’s hard to resist. They bake up soft and chewy with a hint of crunch around the edges. Great for pairing with coffee or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Get the Recipe: Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookies