These easy cookie recipes are some of my favorite homemade cookies to bake for holidays, family gatherings, lunchbox treats, and simple desserts at home. This roundup includes classic cookies, sourdough cookies, thumbprint cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, and a few special treats for Christmas baking.
I like having a list of cookie recipes in one place because different seasons call for different kinds of baking. Sometimes I want a classic chocolate chip cookie with plenty of chocolate chips, and other times I want soft sugar cookies, jam-filled cookies, or a spiced cookie that feels right for Christmas.
This collection has simple cookie recipes for everyday baking and a few special ones that work well for cookie trays, holiday dessert tables, and homemade gifts. If you are planning a bigger dessert spread, you may also like my No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie made with homemade Graham Cracker Pie Crust or my Easy Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting for another make-ahead dessert.
Whether you want an easy cookie recipe for a weekday treat or a few different cookies for Christmas baking, this list is a good place to start.
Table of Contents
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Quick Look
Recipe Type: Cookie recipe roundup
Best For: Holidays, Christmas baking, cookie trays, homemade gifts, and everyday desserts
Includes: Chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, thumbprint cookies, oatmeal cookies, gingerbread cookies, and peanut butter cookies
Skill Level: Easy to moderate
Make-Ahead Friendly: Yes, many cookie dough recipes can be chilled or frozen
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Recipes
These recipes include a good mix of classic cookies and old-fashioned homemade treats.
There are easy cookie recipes for beginners and more special cookies for holidays.
Several recipes use sourdough discard or fresh milled flour.
You can find chocolate, sugar, peanut butter, oatmeal, jam-filled, and spiced cookies in one place.
Many of these cookies are good for Christmas cookie trays, dessert plates, and homemade gifts.
You can use this roundup when you need a quick cookie recipe or when you are planning a full baking day.
Tips for Homemade Cookies
Use room temperature butter when the recipe calls for softened butter. It helps the cookie dough mix evenly.
Measure flour carefully so the cookies do not turn out dry. Scooping too much flour into the cup can change the texture, which is why I like to measure flour in grams with a kitchen scale when I can.
Chill the cookie dough when a recipe tells you to. This helps the cookies hold their shape and can improve flavor.
Do not overbake cookies. Many cookies continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and more even baking.
Let cookies cool completely before storing so they do not trap steam and become too soft.
Classic Cookie Recipes
Chocolate Chip Cookies With Whole Wheat Flour
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the first cookie recipes I think of when I want something simple and familiar. This version is made with whole wheat flour, which gives the cookies a little more depth while still keeping that classic chocolate chip cookie flavor.
These chocolate chip cookies have the kind of flavor that works for almost any occasion. They are good for afternoon snacks, packed lunches, weekend baking, or a simple dessert after supper.
If you love a classic chocolate chip cookie with plenty of chocolate chips, this is a good recipe to keep on hand.
Perfect Soft Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookie Recipe
This soft sourdough discard sugar cookie recipe is a good way to use extra sourdough discard in a familiar cookie. The cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and simple enough for everyday baking, but they also work well for holidays.
Sugar cookies are one of those recipes that can be dressed up or kept plain. You can frost them with homemade royal icing, decorate them, or serve them as simple soft cookies with a cup of coffee or homemade tea.
If you are looking for an easy sugar cookie recipe with a sourdough twist, this one is a good choice.
Thumbprint and Filled Cookie Recipes
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Easy Buttery Classic
Raspberry thumbprint cookies are buttery, simple, and filled with jam in the center. They are one of those cookies that look pretty on a tray without being complicated to make.
I like thumbprint cookies because the filling adds color and flavor without needing frosting or a lot of decorating. The raspberry jam gives each cookie a little bright sweetness.
These are a good choice for Christmas cookie trays, afternoon coffee, or anytime you want a classic cookie with fruit filling.
Turtle Thumbprint Cookies Chocolate Caramel Pecan
These turtle thumbprint cookies are rich and more dessert-like. They bring together chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a cookie that feels special enough for holidays.
The chocolate cookie base pairs well with the caramel filling, and the pecans add crunch. They are a good option when you want something a little more than a plain cookie, but still want an easy recipe to serve or share.
If your family likes turtle candy, these cookies have the same chocolate, caramel, and pecan flavor in cookie form.
Jam Filled Pie Crust Cookies A Simple Old-Fashioned Treat
Jam filled pie crust cookies are a simple old-fashioned treat made with pie crust and jam. They are a good way to use leftover pie dough, but they are also worth making on purpose.
These cookies are flaky, buttery, and filled with a little fruit sweetness. They are not the same as a soft cookie dough recipe, but they belong in a cookie roundup because they are easy, homemade, and perfect for using what you already have.
I like recipes like this because they feel practical and familiar. Nothing fussy, just a simple treat made from basic ingredients.
Oatmeal Cookie Recipes
Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies With All-Purpose or Fresh Milled Flour
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic choice when you want something chewy, hearty, and not overly fancy. This recipe can be made with all-purpose flour or fresh milled flour, which makes it a flexible option for homemade baking.
The oats give the cookies texture, while the raisins add natural sweetness. These are good for snacks, lunchboxes, or a simple dessert that does not feel as rich as chocolate-heavy cookies.
If you like old-fashioned cookie recipes, oatmeal raisin cookies are always worth adding to the list.
Oatmeal Cream Pie Recipe Soft Chewy Homemade
Homemade oatmeal cream pies feel a little nostalgic, but they are also practical for parties, packed treats, or a special dessert for the family. The soft cookies and creamy filling make them different from regular oatmeal cookies, so they add variety to the roundup.
Spiced and Holiday Cookie Recipes
Soft and Chewy Sourdough Discard Gingerbread Cookies
These soft and chewy sourdough discard gingerbread cookies are a good choice for Christmas baking and winter cookie trays. They have warm spices and that classic gingerbread flavor, but the texture stays soft instead of crisp.
I like gingerbread cookies during the colder months because they make the kitchen smell like cinnamon, ginger, and molasses. The sourdough discard adds a little depth without making the cookies taste sour.
If you are planning holiday baking, these are a good cookie recipe to make alongside sugar cookies and thumbprints.
Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes and Bars
Easy Keto Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
These peanut butter cream cheese cookies are a good option if you want something different from the usual flour-based cookie recipes. The peanut butter flavor makes them rich, while the cream cheese helps with texture.
I like having a peanut butter cookie option in a roundup because not everyone reaches for chocolate or sugar cookies first. Peanut butter cookies are simple, familiar, and satisfying.
If you are making cookies for a tray, it is nice to have a mix of flavors so everything does not taste the same.
Best (Flourless) Gluten Free Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut butter bars are a good recipe to include when you want the flavor of peanut butter cookies without scooping individual cookie dough. They are soft, rich, and easy to slice, which makes them practical for dessert trays, lunchbox treats, or holiday baking.
I like adding them to this cookie recipes roundup because they still fit the homemade baking category, and they give readers an easy peanut butter option that can be made in one pan.
Cookie Bars and Holiday Treats
Pecan Pie Bark Recipe (Easy Graham Cracker Toffee)
Pecan pie bark is not a traditional cookie, but it belongs on a holiday cookie tray. It has a crisp base, buttery pecan topping, and that rich pecan pie flavor in an easy slice-and-serve treat.
I like including recipes like this with cookie recipes because they add variety to a dessert tray without adding much extra work. It is especially good for Christmas baking, gifting, or filling in around classic cookies like sugar cookies, thumbprints, and chocolate chip cookies.
Best Cookies for Christmas Baking
For Christmas baking, I would choose a mix of soft cookies, filled cookies, chocolate cookies, and spiced cookies.
Good choices from this list include:
Perfect Soft Sourdough Discard Sugar Cookie Recipe
Soft and Chewy Sourdough Discard Gingerbread Cookies
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Easy Buttery Classic
Turtle Thumbprint Cookies Chocolate Caramel Pecan
Chocolate Chip Cookies With Whole Wheat Flour
That gives you a good variety of flavors, colors, and textures without making the cookie tray feel too complicated.
Easy Cookie Recipes for Beginners
If you are just getting started with homemade cookies, begin with recipes that have simple dough and familiar ingredients.
I would start with chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, or peanut butter cookies. These recipes are easy to recognize, easy to serve, and do not require complicated decorating.
Thumbprint cookies are also beginner-friendly, especially if you want cookies that look pretty without needing piping bags or frosting skills.
Can Cookie Dough Be Made Ahead?
Yes, many cookie dough recipes can be made ahead.
Some cookie dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for a day or two before baking. Other dough can be shaped and frozen, then baked later when you need fresh cookies.
This is helpful during Christmas baking because you can make several kinds of cookie dough ahead of time and bake them closer to when you need them.
Always follow the directions in the individual recipe because some doughs need chilling, while others bake best right after mixing.
How to Store Homemade Cookies
Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
Most homemade cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Softer cookies should be stored carefully so they do not dry out, while crisp cookies should be kept away from moisture.
Cookies with cream filling, cream cheese, or ingredients that require refrigeration should be stored in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, many cookies can be frozen. Freeze them in a single layer first, then move them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
More Homemade Dessert Recipes
If you love easy homemade recipes, you may also like these:
Easy Sourdough Pumpkin Cranberry Quick Bread Recipe
Best Sourdough Discard Banana Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Recipes
What are the easiest cookies to bake?
The easiest cookies to bake are usually chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, peanut butter cookies, and oatmeal cookies. These recipes use simple ingredients and familiar steps, which makes them good choices for beginners.
What is the most classic cookie recipe?
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most classic cookie recipes. A classic chocolate chip cookie has buttery dough, chocolate chips, soft centers, and lightly golden edges.
What cookies are best for Christmas?
Sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, thumbprint cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, and filled cookies are all good for Christmas. I like using a mix of flavors and colors so the cookie tray looks full and homemade.
Can I freeze cookie dough?
Yes, many cookie dough recipes can be frozen. Shape the dough first when possible, freeze it on a baking sheet, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Some cookies can be baked from frozen, while others need to thaw slightly first.
Can homemade cookies be made gluten free?
Some cookie recipes can be made gluten free with a gluten-free flour blend, but it depends on the recipe. If you need gluten-free cookies, use certified gluten-free oats when baking oatmeal cookies and check all ingredient labels.
What is the difference between sugar cookies and butter cookies?
Sugar cookies are usually softer and sweeter, while butter cookies often have a richer butter flavor and a more delicate texture. Both are good for holidays, but sugar cookies are often the better choice for frosting or decorating.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store soft cookies in an airtight container after they cool completely. Do not overbake them, since cookies continue to set as they cool. A slightly underbaked center often gives homemade cookies a softer texture.
What cookies are good for gifting?
Good cookies for gifting include chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, thumbprint cookies, gingerbread cookies, oatmeal cookies, and peanut butter cookies. Choose cookies that hold their shape well and do not need to stay chilled unless you can keep them cold.
Can I use fresh milled flour in cookies?
Yes, fresh milled flour can be used in some cookie recipes. It gives cookies a heartier flavor and works especially well in oatmeal cookies, whole wheat chocolate chip cookies, and rustic homemade cookie recipes.
Should I chill cookie dough before baking?
Some cookie dough should be chilled before baking, especially if the dough is soft or the cookies spread too much. Chilling gives the butter time to firm up and can help the cookies bake thicker.
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Hi! I’m Stephanie, also known as Idie. Follow me as I tap into the methods of the past and learn how to make my world a little smaller.
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