Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • Shopping
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. Food
  3. Recipe Collections & Favorites
  4. Desserts
  5. 21 Classic, Delicious Cookie Recipes

21 Classic, Delicious Cookie Recipes

By Real Simple Editors and Samantha Leffler Updated April 26, 2022
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Pecan Sandies
Credit: 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. 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.

RELATED: 7 Five-Ingredient Desserts Absolutely Anyone Can Make

Start Slideshow

1 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cinnamon-Sugar Cookies

Cinnamon-Sugar Cookies
Credit: Jennifer Causey
get the recipe

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.

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies
Credit: Lucas Allen
get the recipe

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

2 of 21

3 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Crinkles

Chocolate Crinkles
Credit: Greg DuPree
get the recipe

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

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Angeletti

Angeletti
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

4 of 21

5 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Chocolate-Chunk Cookies

Chocolate Chocolate-Chunk Cookies
Credit: Levi Brown
get the recipe

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

5 of 21

6 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pecan Sandies

Pecan Sandies
Credit: Greg DuPree
get the recipe

Chopped pecans add an irresistible nutty crunch.

7 of 21

8 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Classic Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

RELATED: 19+ Baking Hacks for Better Christmas Cookies, According to Professional Chefs

8 of 21

9 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Jam Sandwich Cookies

Jam Sandwich Cookies
Credit: Raymond Hom
get the recipe

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.

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal-raisin cookies
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

10 of 21

11 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies

Raspberry linzer cookies
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

11 of 21

12 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Easy Sugar Cookies

sugar cookies and cookie cutters
Credit: zoff-photo
get the recipe

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.

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Almond Biscotti

Almond biscotti
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

13 of 21

14 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Glazed Lemon Cookies

Glazed Lemon Cookies
Credit: Kana Okada
get the recipe

A sweet lemon topping adorns these delightful citrus treats.

RELATED: 25 Best Romantic Dessert Recipes

14 of 21

15 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chewy Spice Cookies

Chewy Spice Cookies
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shortbread Wedges

Shortbread Wedges
Credit: David Prince
get the recipe

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

16 of 21

17 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pine Nut Drops

Pine Nut Drops
Credit: Laurie Frankel
get the recipe

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

17 of 21

18 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Salty-Sweet Chunkers

Salty-Sweet Chunkers
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

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

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
Credit: Victor Schrager
get the recipe

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

19 of 21

20 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Linzer Cookies

Chocolate Linzer Cookies
Credit: Caitlin Bensel
get the recipe

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. 

20 of 21

21 of 21

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses

Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses
Credit: David Prince
get the recipe

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

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Real Simple Editors and Samantha Leffler

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21 Cinnamon-Sugar Cookies
    2 of 21 Gingerbread Cookies
    3 of 21 Chocolate Crinkles
    4 of 21 Angeletti
    5 of 21 Chocolate Chocolate-Chunk Cookies
    6 of 21 Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies
    7 of 21 Pecan Sandies
    8 of 21 Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
    9 of 21 Jam Sandwich Cookies
    10 of 21 Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
    11 of 21 Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies
    12 of 21 Easy Sugar Cookies
    13 of 21 Almond Biscotti
    14 of 21 Glazed Lemon Cookies
    15 of 21 Chewy Spice Cookies
    16 of 21 Shortbread Wedges
    17 of 21 Pine Nut Drops
    18 of 21 Salty-Sweet Chunkers
    19 of 21 Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons
    20 of 21 Chocolate Linzer Cookies
    21 of 21 Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses

    Share & More

    Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Real Simple Logo

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithAll products and services featured are selected by our editors. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Real Simple. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.realsimple.com

    Sign in

    View image

    21 Classic, Delicious Cookie Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.