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17 Cookies That Prove Sweet Doesn’t Have to Mean Complicated

Not every cookie needs a long ingredient list or a complicated process. These 17 cookies prove that great flavor comes from keeping it simple. Whether it’s a one-bowl wonder, a shortcut recipe, or just a classic done right, each one is designed to be easy without sacrificing taste. No stress, no special equipment, just cookies that work every time. Because when the goal is eating cookies, the process shouldn’t be the hardest part.

A close-up of a large chocolate cookie sprinkled with coarse salt, placed on a decorative plate with pink rose patterns.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chocolate and caramel make a strong team, and these cookies know it. Chocolate Caramel Cookies bring rich, deep chocolate together with smooth, sweet caramel for a perfect bite. The flavors melt together without one overpowering the other, making each cookie feel balanced. They’re chewy, slightly crisp on the edges, and impossible to eat just one. The kind of cookie that disappears fast from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies on a slate.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, a classic is all you need. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies bring just the right mix of chewy and soft with a natural sweetness. The oats add a little texture without making them heavy, keeping every bite satisfying. They’re simple but never boring, proving that sometimes the best cookies don’t need a twist. A go-to option that always works.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Frosted chocolate chip cookie cookies on a wooden cutting board.
Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Why stop at chocolate chips when a cookie can have frosting too? Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies take a favorite and give it an extra layer of sweetness. The soft, chewy cookie pairs perfectly with a smooth topping, making them an easy win for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re just indulgent enough without being over-the-top. A simple upgrade that makes a good cookie even better.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies on a white plate with strawberries nearby.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cake doesn’t have to be the only way to enjoy this classic flavor. Strawberry Shortcake Cookies take everything that works in the dessert and turn it into a soft, snackable version. Each bite delivers the right balance of sweetness with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re the kind of cookies that don’t need frosting or extra toppings to stand out. No forks required, just a batch of cookies that do the job.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Double Chocolate Brookies

A plate of chocolate cookies with walnuts and chocolate pieces on the side.
Double Chocolate Brookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Brownies and cookies shouldn’t have to compete, and these prove they don’t have to. Double Chocolate Brookies bring the best of both worlds with a fudgy texture wrapped in a cookie shape. They’re rich, chewy, and packed with chocolate, making every bite feel like an upgrade from regular cookies. The crisp edges keep things interesting, while the soft center delivers serious brownie energy. No need to choose between a brownie or a cookie—these do both.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies

Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms

Shortbread M&M cookies on a black plate with flowers.
Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic shortbread gets a fun twist with a pop of color. Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms keep the buttery, crumbly texture but add just the right amount of sweetness. The candy pieces bring a slight crunch, making each bite more interesting without overpowering the cookie itself. They’re simple, but that’s exactly why they work. If a cookie can be both fun and satisfying, this one makes a solid case.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms

Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

A batch of Zucchini cookies with chocolate & pecan on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Vegetables in cookies may sound questionable, but these prove otherwise. Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans strike the right balance of sweet, nutty, and soft without being too rich. The added crunch from pecans keeps things interesting, while the chocolate makes sure it still feels like a treat. A little unexpected, but definitely worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Three brown butter snickerdoodle cookies arranged on a white surface, sprinkled with sea salt flakes, with a white cloth and purple flowers on the side.
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic snickerdoodles are great, but these take things up a notch. Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles bring in a rich, buttery depth with just the right amount of caramel. The hint of salt keeps them from being overly sweet while making each bite more balanced. Soft on the inside with a light crisp on the outside, these cookies know how to deliver flavor. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes regular snickerdoodles seem basic.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Hot Chocolate Cookies

A white square plate with a stack of chocolate cookies featuring white chocolate chips.
Hot Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

The best part of hot chocolate is now in cookie form. Hot Chocolate Cookies pack all the cozy, chocolatey goodness of the drink into a soft, chewy bite. They bring just the right level of sweetness without overdoing it, making them an easy favorite. These cookies don’t need a mug, but they do make a strong case for being enjoyed with one. Warm, rich, and exactly what a cold day calls for.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Bright and lightly sweet, these cookies do flavor right. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies take the classic combination and turn it into something soft and snackable. They have just the right amount of tang, balanced with a touch of sweetness for a refreshing treat. The poppy seeds add a little texture without making them heavy. If citrus desserts are a favorite, these are worth making.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Chocolate Overload Cookies

Chocolate overload cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Overload Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Some cookies take chocolate seriously, and these are one of them. Chocolate Overload Cookies are packed with deep, rich flavor in every bite, proving there’s no such thing as too much. With layers of chocolate baked into a soft, chewy cookie, this is what happens when chocolate gets the spotlight. They’re the kind of cookies that make store-bought ones seem like a weak attempt.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Overload Cookies

Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies on a plate next to a glass of milk.
Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The air fryer makes these cookies even easier without losing any flavor. Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies deliver the chewy, slightly crisp texture that makes this classic so popular. The oats bring a little heartiness, while the raisins keep things naturally sweet. They come together quickly, making them a great option for when a cookie craving hits.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

A plate of chocolate cookies topped with white icing and green sprinkles. A red and white striped cloth is in the background.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When chocolate and peppermint come together, good things happen. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies take that winning combination and turn it into a rich, refreshing treat. The deep chocolate flavor balances with a cool peppermint finish, making every bite feel like a holiday classic. They’re great straight from the oven but even better with a little chill. A cookie that works all year but shines in winter.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Ginger Spice Cookies

A plate of Spiced Ginger Cookies and a cup of tea.
Ginger Spice Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bold, spiced, and perfectly chewy, these cookies bring big flavor. Ginger Spice Cookies offer a deep warmth that makes them feel just right for cozy seasons. The mix of spices creates a balance of sweet and slightly bold, without being too overpowering. They’re soft enough to feel indulgent but have just enough bite to keep things interesting. A classic for a reason, and these prove why.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crinkle cookies always stand out, and these keep things just as interesting. White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies offer a balance of rich sweetness with a soft, slightly chewy center. The signature crackled top makes them look as good as they taste. They’re just the right level of indulgent without feeling too heavy. A classic cookie with a lighter, sweeter spin.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Peaches & Cream Cookies

Peaches and cream cookies on a plate with fresh peaches nearby.
Peaches & Cream Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These cookies take a classic dessert and make it handheld. Peaches & Cream Cookies blend soft, fruity sweetness with a smooth, creamy finish. The flavors balance perfectly without being too rich, making them easy to enjoy. They’re light enough for an afternoon snack but still feel like a treat. A fresh take on a familiar combination.
Get the Recipe: Peaches & Cream Cookies

Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

A close-up of a large chocolate cookie sprinkled with coarse salt, placed on a decorative plate with pink rose patterns.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet and salty come together in the best way. Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies take deep, bold chocolate and add just the right touch of salt to make each bite pop. The result is a cookie that feels rich but never overwhelming. The contrast makes them hard to stop eating, which is a good problem to have. A cookie that proves balance is everything.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

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