50 Tried-And-True Cookie Recipes For Every Holiday, Special Occasion, Or Totally Inevitable Cookie Craving

Everything from weekend project–worthy homemade Oreos to the best snickerdoodles you'll ever taste.

A perfect sweet treat, a classic comfort food, and the ideal pick-me-up — cookies are truly the world's best dessert.

From blissfully chewy chocolate chip cookies to red velvet white chocolate cookies (and even homemade Oreos), we've got 50 recipes to keep your sweet tooth busy all year long. And since you never really know when the overwhelming desire to bite into a freshly baked cookie will hit, browsing this list is basically preventative care...right?

1. Speculoos Cookie Butter-Stuffed Snickerdoodles

tasty.co

This crowd-pleasing recipe walks you through the quick and easy process of making some homemade cookie butter, but if you can find it pre-made at your local grocery store, feel free to take the shortcut. Either way, these cookies will be devoured in a heartbeat.

Recipe: Speculoos Cookie Butter-Stuffed Snickerdoodles | Shop This Recipe

2. Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

tasty.co

It might be trickier to sneak these into the movies than peanut butter cups, but we promise it'll be so worth it. They'll also make everyone sitting next to you hungry, but we didn't say these cookies were perfect, did we?

Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Cookies | Shop This Recipe

3. The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

tasty.co

Chewy? Check. Oozing with chocolate chips? Check. Ever-so-slightly crispy on the outside? Triple check. Make these.

Recipe: The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies | Shop This Recipe

4. The Best Soft And Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies

tasty.co

If you're a fan of snickerdoodle cookies, then you'll love this recipe, which is abundant in cinnamon sugar and that perfect tangy taste. 

Recipe: The Best Soft And Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies | Shop This Recipe

5. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

tasty.co

A cup of peanut butter, some sugar, and an egg are all you need to turn your cookie craving into a reality. Talk about instant gratification.

Recipe: 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies | Shop This Recipe

6. Sugar Cookies

tasty.co

There's something deeply soothing about decorating holiday sugar cookies...or, watching someone do the decorating themselves. Up to you.

Recipe: Sugar Cookies | Shop This Recipe

7. Cookies And Cream Cheesecake Cookies

tasty.co

Have you ever met a person who doesn't love cookies and cream flavored anything? I, personally, have never...but if I did, I'd make them a batch of these five-ingredient cookies — and I'm pretty sure they'd change their mind immediately.

Recipe: Cookies And Cream Cheesecake Cookies | Shop This Recipe

8. The Softest Sugar Cookies Ever

tasty.co

There's a reason sugar cookies always end up in your grocery cart: they're soft, sugary-sweet, iced, and never fail to remind you of the time when finding a great after-school snack was the hardest task of the day. 

Recipe: The Softest Sugar Cookies Ever | Shop This Recipe

9. Red Velvet Box Cookies Recipe

tasty.co

In the early 2010s, red velvet-flavored everything was all the rage. Perhaps for that reason, we'd never say no to a chewy red velvet cookie like this one.

Recipe: Red Velvet Box Cookies Recipe | Shop This Recipe

10. Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

tasty.co

If you've ever been disappointed that your homemade chocolate chip cookies don't look (or taste) like fancy $5 coffee shop cookies, then this recipe was made for you. Try to follow every step precisely, because this cookie's magic lies in the details. We promise — that little bit of extra effort will be so worth it in the end.

Recipe: Brown Butter Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies | Shop This Recipe

11. Birthday Cake Mix Cookies

tasty.co

Sprinkles might taste like...well, sugar. But — they feel like happiness and optimism, and who couldn't go for a little of that these days?

Recipe: Birthday Cake Mix Cookies | Shop This Recipe

12. Red Velvet White Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

tasty.co

The cookies will spread a fair amount, so make sure to arrange them with generous space in-between.

Recipe: Red Velvet White Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies | Shop This Recipe

13. Peppermint Brownie Cookies

tasty.co

Get into the holiday spirit with a batch of these cookies. They'll make your whole house smell like heaven, which means you'll be feeling festive in no time.

Recipe: Peppermint Brownie Cookies | Shop This Recipe

14. Snowball Cookies

tasty.co

Made with walnuts and topped with powdered sugar, these snowball cookies will be flying into your family's mouth before you can say "winter is coming."

Recipe: Snowball Cookies | Shop This Recipe

15. Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie

tasty.co

Look, sometimes you want a cookie, but you're not exactly ready to commit to an entire batch. For those moments, try this single-serving microwaveable cookie. It's quick, rich, and the best afternoon pick-me-up out there.

Recipe: Microwave Chocolate Chip Cookie | Shop This Recipe

16. Sugar Swirl Cookies

tasty.co

Feel free to customize the color to the occasion you're celebrating — red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or simply your favorite colors.

Recipe: Sugar Swirl Cookies | Shop This Recipe

17. Homemade Oreos

tasty.co

The best part about homemade Oreos? You can make them as thick as you want. Quadruple-stuffed Oreos, here I come.

Recipe: Homemade Oreos | Shop This Recipe

18. Butter Cookies

tasty.co

Fun to decorate and even easier to make, these butter cookies are great for an afternoon activity with your friends or kids. (Pair with your favorite holiday playlist for optimal fun.)

Recipe: Butter Cookies | Shop This Recipe

19. Raspberry Poppyseed Linzer Cookies

tasty.co

Originating in Austria (where Christmas cookies rule), these Linzer cookies are filled with succulent jam and offer a satisfying, buttery crunch. 

Recipe: Raspberry Poppyseed Linzer Cookies | Shop This Recipe

20. Brownie Fudge Cookies

tasty.co

Equal parts brownie and cookie, these sweet treats are a one-two punch of chocolate and, well, even more chocolate. Chocolate-lovers: have at it.

Recipe: Brownie Fudge Cookies | Shop This Recipe

21. Lemon Crinkle Cake Mix Cookies

tasty.co

Commenters recommend adding a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the mix for a brightly-flavored cookie that's heavenly to bite into.

Recipe: Lemon Crinkle Cake Mix Cookies | Shop This Recipe

22. Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

tasty.co

If you were scrolling through this list, looking for a cookie that's got a little extra something, then say no more. Stuffed with Nutella, caramel, or peanut butter (or, if it's what your heart desires, all three) and covered in sprinkles, chocolate chips, or marshmallows, these cookies are for the person who wants to have it all.

Recipe: Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies | Shop This Recipe

23. S’mores Cookies

tasty.co

These cookies take the magic of s'mores and spin them into a format that everyone will enjoy — all the chocolatey satisfaction, with none of the burnt marshmallow disappointment.

Recipe: S’mores Cookies | Shop This Recipe

24. Gingerbread Wookiee Cookies

tasty.co

These gingerbread cookies playfully topped with chocolate chips will have you falling in love with Wookiees all over again.

Recipe: Gingerbread Wookiee Cookies | Shop This Recipe

25. Fortune Cookies

tasty.co

Here's a self-care tip: Make a batch of these and fill them with happy affirmations you can open and read every day for the rest of the month — or year.

Recipe: Fortune Cookies | Shop This Recipe

26. Super Soft Banana Bread Cookies

tasty.co

Soft, chocolatey, with just a hint of banana, these cookies make the perfect on-the-go breakfast or just-sweet-enough snack. 

Recipe: Super Soft Banana Bread Cookies | Shop This Recipe

27. Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies

tasty.co

Whether you consider these cookies or cookie-shaped cinnamon rolls, the only thing that matters is: you can have these cookies for breakfast.

Recipe: Mini Cinnamon Roll Cookies | Shop This Recipe

28. Marranito Cookies

tasty.co

These Mexican pig-shaped gingerbread cookies are best made with piloncillo, a caramelly, earthy sugar that's often used in Mexican cooking. If you can't find any at your grocery store, dark brown sugar will do the trick.

Recipe: Marranito Cookies | Shop This Recipe

29. Cranberry Almond Cookies

tasty.co

These vegan delights are the perfect amount of sweet, and they come with a little extra crunch, courtesy of sliced almonds. If dried cranberries aren't your thing, you could even substitute chopped, dried apricots.

Recipe: Cranberry Almond Cookies | Shop This Recipe

30. Caramel Snickers Cookie Cups

tasty.co

You know those super popular cookies with a cute lil' Hershey kiss in the center? These are basically those, with a WAY better candy — which means you need to make a batch as soon as humanly possible.

Recipe: Caramel Snickers Cookie Cups | Shop This Recipe

31. Strawberries ‘N’ Cream Cake Mix Cookies

tasty.co

A cookie so pretty, you'll hardly believe it's edible. But it is, and you definitely should try one. Or five.

Recipe: Strawberries ‘N’ Cream Cake Mix Cookies | Shop This Recipe

32. Danish Butter Cookies

tasty.co

You've probably tried these Danish butter cookies in that very classic, festive tin...but news flash: making them at home is way easier than you'd think.

Recipe: Danish Butter Cookies | Shop This Recipe

33. Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies

tasty.co

Everyone knows savory and sweet is the perfect combination. Here, the pretzels even add a little bit of snap to every bite. 

Recipe: Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies | Shop This Recipe

34. Speculoos Cookies & Homemade Cookie Butter

tasty.co

These spiced, homemade Speculoos cookies will warm you up like a crackling fireplace on a cold winter day. Pro-tip: Make extra cookie butter so you can enjoy Speculoos-flavored things long after the last crumb is gone.

Recipe: Speculoos Cookies & Homemade Cookie Butter | Shop This Recipe

35. Aquarium Cookies

tasty.co

You can pick these up and shake 'em around, and when you're done admiring their colors, you can inhale them in two bites. 

Recipe: Aquarium Cookies | Shop This Recipe

36. Salted Caramel Coconut Cookies

tasty.co

To make sure your sliced almonds and coconut flakes don't burn, keep a close eye on the oven and check the cookies frequently. You want to make sure the end result is perfectly golden-brown, and these cook more quickly than you'd think.

Recipe: Salted Caramel Coconut Cookies | Shop This Recipe

37. Birthday Cake Cookies

tasty.co

If you prefer softer, doughier cookies, take them out a minute earlier and let them cool on the rack. They'll stay perfectly chewy for days — if they're not all devoured on day one.

Recipe: Birthday Cake Cookies | Shop This Recipe

38. Chinese Almond Cookies

tasty.co

These classic Chinese cookies have a flavor profile similar to regular sugar cookies, but with an added touch of nuttiness from the almond extract in the dough. While traditionally made with ground mung bean, this version uses common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Recipe: Chinese Almond Cookies | Shop This Recipe

39. No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies

tasty.co

For the perfect, super-nutty dessert, try these crispy no-bake cookies, which come together using just peanut butter, coconut oil, coconut flakes, and vanilla extract.

Recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Cookies | Shop This Recipe

40. S’mores Cake Mix Cookies

tasty.co

Graham crackers, cake mix, mini marshmallows, eggs, and oil are all you need to recreate this campfire favorite from the comfort of your kitchen.

Recipe: S’mores Cake Mix Cookies | Shop This Recipe

41. Double Fudge Irish Cream Cookies

tasty.co

Don't worry, any alcohol in this recipe will cook out — but if you're on the fence about using Irish cream liqueur, feel free to use an Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer instead.

Recipe: Double Fudge Irish Cream Cookies | Shop This Recipe

42. Carrot Cake Cookies

tasty.co

Carrot cake is objectively the best cake flavor out there, but I will happily take a carrot cake cookie in its stead. Cream cheese frosting is always a winner, but this ooey-gooey cream cheese filling takes the crown.

Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies | Shop This Recipe

43. 5-Ingredient Copycat Nutter Butter Cookies

tasty.co

If the thought of shaping these into perfect copycat Nutter Butters would deter you from making these cookies, go ahead and make the cookies as classic circles. It'll shave off some time, and they'll be just as delicious.

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Copycat Nutter Butter Cookies | Shop This Recipe

44. No-Bake Mint Chip Cookies

tasty.co

These no-bake cookies are perfectly minty and come together without the need to even look at your oven. In other words, I'll be making these cookies on repeat every single summer.

Recipe: No-Bake Mint Chip Cookies | Shop This Recipe

45. Banana Walnut Dark Chocolate Stuffed Cookies

tasty.co

Soft, moist, and filled with a rich dark chocolate, these cookies will smooth out any rough day.

Recipe: Banana Walnut Dark Chocolate Stuffed Cookies | Shop This Recipe

46. Iced Oatmeal Cookies

tasty.co

These delightfully chewy cookies will taste incredible even without the icing...but c'mon, what cookie isn't made better with icing?!

Recipe: Iced Oatmeal Cookies | Shop This Recipe

47. Vegan Mint Cookies

tasty.co

Using vegan crackers as the crisp base for these snappy mint cookies is a hall of fame-worthy cooking hack. Make these the night before you plan on serving them, so the chocolate has adequate time to harden.

Recipe: Vegan Mint Cookies | Shop This Recipe

48. Banoffee Cookies

tasty.co

Banana bread isn't the only thing you can make with bananas. Next time you've got a ripe banana to use up, try this recipe, which combines bananas with toffee, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract for an elegant and easy dessert.

Recipe: Banoffee Cookies | Shop This Recipe

49. Kahk Eid Cookies

tasty.co

These lightly-sweetened, Egyptian cookies are commonly associated with Eid Al-Fitr — a three-day feast that celebrates the end of Ramadan. That said, you'd be wise to make these tasty treats any day of the year, holiday or not. 

Recipe: Kahk Eid Cookies | Shop This Recipe

50. Strawberry Cheesecake 'Box' Cookies

tasty.co

Let's be honest: every dessert tastes just as good, if not better, in cookie form. Case in point — these strawberry cheesecake cookies.

Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake 'Box' Cookies | Shop This Recipe

For even more delicious recipes and meal ideas, download the award-winning Tasty app for iOS and Android! 🍳