Some cookies require too much effort, but these 17 cookies that’ll have you baking like you actually know what you’re doing skip the unnecessary steps. No complicated techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients—just reliable recipes that turn out well even if the mixing is less than perfect. From soft and chewy to crispy and dunk-worthy, there’s something for every preference. Just be prepared for people to assume baking is a secret talent, even if it’s just following a really good recipe.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These cookies look fancy without requiring any extra effort. The outside bakes into a crackly texture, while the inside stays soft and rich. White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are the kind that make people think you spent way more time on them than you did. The contrast between the crisp edges and smooth flavor makes them impossible to ignore. They might even disappear before they cool, which is a good sign they turned out exactly right.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Imagine the best parts of a classic dessert packed into a single bite. Strawberry Shortcake Cookies take all the familiar flavors and turn them into something easy to grab and go. The texture stays light while still holding enough richness to make each bite satisfying. They’re a great way to get that mix of soft and slightly crisp without needing a whole slice of cake. Once they hit the table, they tend to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Double Chocolate Brookies
Somewhere between a cookie and a brownie, Double Chocolate Brookies bring the best of both worlds. The outside bakes up slightly crisp, while the inside stays thick, rich, and full of deep flavor. Each bite has that perfect balance of chew and softness that keeps people coming back for more. They hold their own with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making them a solid choice any time of day. These aren’t just cookies—they’re an experience.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies
Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms
Buttery, crisp, and full of crunch, Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms are a solid mix of texture and flavor. The base stays rich and crumbly while the mix-ins add pops of color and sweetness. They hold up well for sharing, packaging, or just keeping on hand for a quick treat. These cookies don’t need extra frosting or toppings to stand out. Simple, satisfying, and packed with the right amount of crunch, they always disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
A deep, rich base meets a fresh, cool finish in Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The flavors balance out to create something smooth, bold, and just sweet enough. They have a crisp edge, a soft center, and just the right texture to keep things interesting. Perfect for holiday trays or any time a little extra flavor is needed, they make an impression without overcomplicating things. Even people who don’t usually go for peppermint might change their minds after one bite.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Some people underestimate these cookies, but that just means more for the ones who know better. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies balance just the right amount of chewiness with a texture that keeps things interesting. The contrast of warm flavors and a soft middle makes them worth baking again and again. They’re also sturdy enough to pack for later—assuming they last that long. The only real debate is whether they’re breakfast or dessert, but either way, they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chocolate Caramel Cookies
A good cookie is one thing, but Chocolate Caramel Cookies bring a little extra to the table. The deep, rich base pairs with a smooth, gooey center that stays just soft enough to keep things interesting. Every bite has that balance of crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth filling. They’re the kind of cookies that don’t last long, whether at a gathering or just in the kitchen. If there’s ever a moment to make extra, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Ginger Spice Cookies
These cookies bring warmth and depth without overpowering sweetness. Ginger Spice Cookies have a bold, well-rounded flavor that holds up well on its own or alongside a hot drink. They bake up with a crisp exterior and a chewy middle that keeps things interesting. The balance of flavors makes them a reliable choice any time of year, not just during the holidays. Even people who think they don’t like spice cookies tend to change their minds after one bite.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies
Chocolate Overload Cookies
If one type of chocolate isn’t enough, Chocolate Overload Cookies make sure there’s plenty to go around. Every bite delivers layer after layer of rich, deep flavor without being too much. The texture stays soft while holding its shape, making these cookies as good fresh as they are the next day. They’re the kind of cookies that feel like dessert but also like a snack—so they work anytime. Just don’t expect them to stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Overload Cookies
Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
The same classic flavor, but with a different approach—Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies turn out just as chewy and full of texture as their oven-baked counterparts. The edges get slightly crisp while the middle stays soft, making them a solid choice for any time of day. The balance of warm flavors and hearty texture makes them just as good fresh as they are the next day. They’re easy to throw together and even easier to eat. Perfect for when the oven is already busy with something else.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans
A mix of texture, flavor, and just the right amount of richness, Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans bring a little variety to the usual cookie routine. The zucchini adds moisture without taking over, while the mix-ins keep things interesting. These cookies bake up soft and stay that way, making them a great option for snacking or sharing. They’re just different enough to stand out but still familiar enough to keep people coming back for more. No one complains when these show up on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans
Peaches & Cream Cookies
A soft, smooth texture with just the right balance of flavors, Peaches & Cream Cookies bring a fresh twist to dessert. The mix of fruit and richness makes every bite feel a little different from the usual options. They hold their shape well while staying soft in the middle, making them a great choice for any occasion. A batch of these never lasts long, no matter how many get made. They work just as well in summer as they do any time a change from chocolate sounds like a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Peaches & Cream Cookies
Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic gets even better when topped with something extra. Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies take the familiar base everyone loves and add a smooth, creamy layer for good measure. The mix of textures makes every bite more interesting, balancing softness with just enough structure. These cookies work just as well for special occasions as they do for everyday snacking. Either way, they never seem to last long once the first one is gone.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
A good cookie gets even better with a mix of deep flavors and a hint of contrast. Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles have a soft texture with just enough crispness on the outside to make them stand out. The combination of warm, rich notes and a slight saltiness brings out the best in every bite. They’re the kind of cookies that taste like they took effort, even though they come together easily. One batch is rarely enough.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
Hot Chocolate Cookies
A classic winter drink turns into something even better with Hot Chocolate Cookies. The rich, smooth base bakes up soft, while the added mix-ins bring in just the right amount of extra texture. These cookies hold their own whether paired with a hot drink or enjoyed on their own. They capture everything good about a cup of cocoa without needing a mug. Perfect for cold days or anytime chocolate sounds like a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Bright, balanced, and just the right amount of soft, Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies bring a fresh take on classic flavors. The poppy seeds add a little texture without overpowering the smooth, slightly crisp base. They’re just sweet enough to feel like a treat without being too much. Perfect for afternoon snacks, coffee breaks, or just something different from the usual cookie rotation. Once they make an appearance, they usually don’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies
Deep, rich flavor with a slight contrast, Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies bring out the best in every bite. The mix of smooth and crisp textures makes them just as good warm as they are the next day. The balance of salt and chocolate makes sure they don’t feel too heavy, even when eating more than one. They pair well with coffee, milk, or just by themselves. There’s no wrong time to have one.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies