Cook Like a Pro: 12 Best Simple Cookie Recipes to Try This Week

Written by Veronica E. Rogers in Dessert

If you want to impress your friends and family with homemade delights, you’re in for a treat. This collection of cookie recipes features something for everyone, from classic chocolate chip to unique lemon zest cookies. Each recipe offers straightforward instructions and helpful tips, making it easy for you to create delicious results. As you explore these options, you’ll find the perfect bake to satisfy your cravings and elevate your baking skills.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts if using.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
  8. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Get ready to indulge in these warm, gooey cookies that are perfect for sharing—or not! 🍪✨

Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Indulge in the delightful combination of oats and raisins with these soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Stir in the rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
  9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these warm, chewy delights with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Peanut Butter Cookies With a Twist

Peanut Butter Cookies With a Twist

Get ready to indulge in these delightful peanut butter cookies with a surprise flavor that will make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • A pinch of salt

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the mixture now.
  4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
  5. Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these scrumptious cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea!

Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing

Sugar Cookies With Royal Icing****

Delight in these sweet, buttery sugar cookies topped with a glossy royal icing that’s perfect for decorating!

Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • Water as needed for consistency
  • Food coloring (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
  6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into your favorite shapes.
  7. Place the cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
  8. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
  9. For the royal icing, beat together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and enough water until it reaches a smooth, thick consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
  10. Decorate your cooled cookies with the royal icing, letting your creativity shine!

Now, grab a cookie and indulge in the sweet satisfaction of your homemade treats!

No-Bake Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (optional)

How to Make:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and butter.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once boiling, let it cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat.
  4. Stir in the peanut butter (if using) and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Mix in the oats until fully coated with the chocolate mixture.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper.
  7. Let the cookies cool and set for about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Enjoy these delightful treats that are just as easy to make as they’re to devour!

Almond Joy Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup almond slivers
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in the shredded coconut, almond slivers, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful cookies that combine the flavors of coconut, almond, and chocolate in every bite!

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is combined.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for rolling.
  7. Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  8. Place the coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Don’t overbake!
  10. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy these warm, cinnamon-sugar delights with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Double Chocolate Cookies

Indulge in the rich, chocolaty goodness of Double Chocolate Cookies that will satisfy every chocolate lover’s dream!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips for that extra chocolaty delight.
  7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
  8. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
  9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!

Lemon Zest Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and lemon zest until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  9. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Enjoy these delightful Lemon Zest Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee—they’re sure to put a smile on your face! 🍋✨

Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:

  • 2 2/3 cups shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, sugar, flour, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla extract until frothy.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the coconut mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  7. Let the macaroons cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
  8. For an extra treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled macaroons.

Enjoy these chewy, coconutty delights that are sure to transport you to a tropical paradise!

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
  3. Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in now.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of fall with every bite of these delicious pumpkin spice cookies! 🍂🍪

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries with these scrumptious cookies!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

How to Make:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries gently.
  7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now grab a glass of milk and enjoy these delightful treats! 🍪

Recent Posts