Looking for a reason to use that fancy bottle of vanilla you’ve been holding onto? These 17 cookie recipes worth breaking the good vanilla out for is the perfect excuse. These cookies are the kind that’ll make you question why you’ve ever settled for store-bought again. From chewy to crunchy, these recipes have a cookie for every mood – because sometimes, you just need something sweet, and you need it now.

Hot Chocolate Cookies
When you want something that tastes like a cup of hot cocoa, look no further than Hot Chocolate Cookies. These cookies bring the comforting flavors of chocolate and marshmallow into a portable treat. Soft, rich, and a little gooey, they give you the same cozy vibe as your favorite winter drink. Great for snowy days, cozy nights, or when you’re just craving that chocolatey warmth.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
These cookies add a refreshing citrus touch to the usual sweet treat. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are light, bright, and not too overpowering, with a flavor that makes them perfect for any time of the day. The poppy seeds add a slight crunch, giving them a unique texture. They’re an excellent option for when you want something that feels fresh and light, without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Double Chocolate Brookies
Why choose between brownies and cookies when you can have both? Double Chocolate Brookies combine the best of both worlds in one mouthwatering treat. They’re soft in the middle with a slightly crispy edge, offering two textures for double the pleasure. With chocolate in every bite, they’ll keep you coming back for more. Perfect for satisfying both cookie and brownie cravings.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Brookies
Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms
Want a cookie that’s simple but fun? Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms are your answer. They bring together the classic buttery shortbread flavor with bursts of color and sweetness from the M&Ms. It’s a reliable recipe when you want something easy but still satisfying. The combination of textures makes them a hit for kids and adults alike, and they’re great for holiday baking or an after-school snack.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These cookies have a perfect balance of softness and crunch, making them a treat for anyone who loves a sweet bite. White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies offer a slightly chewy texture that holds up well with a rich flavor profile. Every bite brings a satisfying contrast in texture and sweetness. Perfect for those who like cookies that feel indulgent without being over-the-top. Expect these to be the first to disappear off the cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Think of these as your favorite shortcake in cookie form. Strawberry Shortcake Cookies bring a little fruity, sweet twist to the traditional cookie game. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys the fresh, light flavor of strawberries mixed with that satisfying cookie base. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or treating yourself, these are a great way to get a burst of strawberry goodness.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans
Don’t knock it till you try it. Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans are surprisingly delicious, offering a subtle veggie twist to your classic cookie. The zucchini helps keep the cookies moist while the chocolate and pecans provide the perfect crunch. They’re a great way to sneak in a little extra veggie while still enjoying a sweet treat. Great for anyone who likes their cookies with a little more character.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
Take snickerdoodles up a notch with a rich brown butter twist. Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles offer a salty-sweet combination that takes the classic cookie to a whole new level. The brown butter adds a depth of flavor, while the caramel creates a sweet surprise in every bite. The sprinkling of sea salt is just the right finishing touch to make these cookies irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles
Chocolate Caramel Cookies
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Chocolate Caramel Cookies are your new go-to. These cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the smooth, sticky sweetness of caramel for an irresistible treat. The caramel adds a gooey factor that balances perfectly with the chocolatey crunch. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or by themselves, they’re a surefire hit for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
For those who love the classics, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are always a winner. The chewy oats mixed with sweet raisins make these cookies a hearty, satisfying snack. They’re comforting and filling, offering a simple yet flavorful treat that stands the test of time. Whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or after dinner, they’re the kind of cookie you can’t go wrong with.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want something extra special? Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level by adding a sweet frosting on top. The cookie itself is soft and buttery, while the frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness. Perfect for those days when you need a little more indulgence in your life. Great for celebrations or just when you’re craving a treat with a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peaches & Cream Cookies
Think of these as summer in a cookie. Peaches & Cream Cookies bring a light, fruity twist to your cookie lineup with the sweetness of ripe peaches combined with creamy goodness. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and just the right mix of fruity and creamy. Perfect for a warm day or when you’re craving something that reminds you of summer. Great for any fruit lover who enjoys a good cookie!
Get the Recipe: Peaches & Cream Cookies
Chocolate Overload Cookies
If you’re someone who thinks there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, Chocolate Overload Cookies are made for you. These cookies are packed with chocolate in every form, making them every chocoholic’s dream. They’re gooey in the middle with just the right amount of bite on the outside. When you want chocolate to be the star, this cookie recipe will not disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Overload Cookies
Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Craving oatmeal cookies but want them fast? Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies give you that homemade taste without the long baking time. These cookies come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The air fryer gives them a light texture, while the oatmeal and raisins provide that classic flavor. A quick and easy option for satisfying your cookie cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Perfect for the holidays or whenever you need a cool, refreshing chocolate fix, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies hit all the right notes. The dark chocolate brings richness, while the peppermint adds a refreshing, slightly minty punch. The flavors pair together in a way that’s both comforting and energizing. If you love mint and chocolate, these cookies are exactly what you need to satisfy that craving.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Ginger Spice Cookies
When you want something with a little kick, Ginger Spice Cookies have you covered. These cookies bring that perfect balance of spice and sweetness, giving them a distinctive flavor. The ginger flavor is strong but not overpowering, making them ideal for anyone who loves a cookie with personality. Perfect for cozy evenings, these cookies warm you up with their bold, comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Spice Cookies
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

If you love dark chocolate with a little twist, these cookies are your new favorite. Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies give you that perfect contrast of sweetness and saltiness with every bite. They’re rich and satisfying without being overwhelming, ideal for when you want something indulgent but not too heavy. The added salt enhances the chocolate’s flavor, making these a real treat for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies