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The Spruce
It was easy coming up with this list of favorite cookies. The only problem we had was ranking them. From year to year, favorites change. This last Christmas, we just loved making and eating the thumbprint cookies. Oatmeal cookies were our biggest favorite during the summer as they are great when going on a lot of road trips. Sugar cookies are always good, and a necessity when you have a school-aged child. Follow these baking tips to get the perfect cookies every time.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Just mention chocolate chip cookies and the mouth starts watering. Everyone seems to love these cookies. This recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips and more brown sugar than the typical recipe.
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Snickerdoodles
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Snickerdoodles have become very popular again. You can even buy them in the slice-and-bake rolls. This recipe has everything you want from a classic cinnamon-spiced snickerdoodle.
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Applesauce Cookies
The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo
If you're craving a fall cookie recipe, these applesauce cookies are it. They're not cloyingly sweet, nor overly spiced as some fall desserts can be. Although they feature cinnamon, these are light enough to be enjoyed anytime of year. The applesauce lends these cookies a springtime freshness, and their cake-like quality helps them keep for for several days. Best of all, they come together in just 30 minutes.
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Peanut Butter Cookies
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Peanut butter cookies are some of the first cookies novice bakers tackle. This recipe calls for chunky peanut butter and yields a chewy, irresistible cookie.
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Oatmeal Cookies
Jean Pierre Pinochet / Getty Images I absolutely love the toasted oatmeal and nut flavors in these cookies. I knew it was a special day when Mother made these for me.
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Monster Cookies
The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni
Monster cookies are unmistakeable in the world of baked goods. These plate-sized cookies are as fun to bake as they are to eat, and you can customize them with all sorts of add-ins. Use the recommended oats, chocolate chunks, peanuts, and candy-coated chocolates, or mix in dried fruits, flavored chips, or other nuts.
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Butterscotch Cookies
The Spruce / Kristina Vanni
For an old-fashioned flavor profile with an updated spin, try these butterscotch cookies. They're made with butterscotch chips, corn flake cereal, rolled oats, and chopped walnuts that delivers an explosion of flavor.
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White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
The Spruce / Kristina Vanni
This white chocolate macadamia nut cookies recipe puts an upscale spin on the classic chocolate-chip-nut cookie. It makes a large batch, perfect for a potluck, cookie exchange, bake sale, or Christmas gifts.
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Black and White Cookies
The Spruce Eats / Kristina Vanni
Made famous by the bakeries in New York City, black and white cookies will always be a favorite. The chocolate and vanilla frosting tops a soft cake-like cookie with hints of lemon and vanilla, creating a delicious and beautiful treat.
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Homemade Nilla Wafers
The Spruce / Jessie Sheehan
Homemade Nilla Wafers are a delightful little bite of sweet. Use them in desserts like banana pudding or have them as a snack on their own. They're great with hot tea or a cold glass of milk.
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Lofthouse Cookies
This favorite grocery store bakery cookie is easy to make at home. The sour cream and cake flour are what create the signature pillowy texture. Feel free to be creative with frosting colors and decorations.
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Shortbread
The Spruce
Who would have thought that combining just flour, butter, and sugar would taste so good? This recipe is super simple, and surprisingly tasty.
More Shortbread Cookie Recipes
Dairy-Free Shortbread Cookies Recipe
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Macaroons
The Spruce Here's another simple, yet much-loved, cookie recipe. Coconut is the basic ingredient in this recipe.
More Macaroon Cookie Recipes
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No-Bake Cookies
The Spruce
I get requests for these recipes all of the time. The request always includes a note with memories of their mother making them.
More No-Bake Cookie Recipes
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Sugar Cookies
Diana Rattray I also get a lot of emails about this recipe for Sugar Cookies. Everyone gets perfect results. I know you will, too.
More Sugar Cookie Recipes
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Butter Cookies a.k.a. Spritz Cookies
Claire Cohen You can't beat these light butter-flavored cookies. They used to be a pain to make when I had to use my old metal cookie press. My electric cookie press makes making Spritz Cookies so much easier.
More Butter Cookie Recipes
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Thumbprints
Claire Cohen Kids of all ages love these cookies. I love their versatility. You can fill them with your favorite jams or chocolate.
More Thumbprint Cookie Recipes