20 Classic Cookie Recipes Everyone Should Know

snickerdoodles on a plate — Diana Rattray

Some classic cookie recipes go down in history for a reason: They taste great, come together fairly easily, and work well for the ol' cookie jar, lunch box, or bake sale. Cookies fall into three basic preparation styles.

There's the drop method, which involves dropping rounded spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. The molded method requires shaping the cookies more precisely. Then there's the rolled method, in which you roll the dough into a log shape, chill, and slice it into rounds for a more uniformly shaped cookie. Add some of these to your repertoire, and remember why they're classics.

01 of 20

Peanut Butter Cookies

Kristina Vanni

With their delicious blend of salty and sweet flavors, peanut butter cookies always hit the spot. Use a fork to create that traditional crosshatch pattern on the top, which gives them a little extra texture once they bake. Traditional peanut butter cookies use creamy PB, but you can use crunchy to add more interest.
02 of 20

Sugar Cookie Recipe

The Spruce

Make these light and sweet sugar cookies as a base for decorated treats, or eat them all on their own. For tender cookies, don't work the dough too much. The more you handle it, the tougher it gets, so try not to over-mix it.
03 of 20

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Diana Rattray

These basic chocolate chip cookies use the drop method, for a quick and easy cookie. This recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips and brown sugar for that old-fashioned, TollHouse flavor. Add chopped pecans for more crunch, or leave them out for the most traditional taste.
04 of 20

Homemade Nilla Wafers

The Spruce / Jessie Sheehan

No need to head to the grocery store if you make the vanilla-scented Nilla Wafers at home. Kids and adults love snacking on light and crispy Nilla Wafers. They're easy to make and keep well, too so go ahead and make a nice, big batch.

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05 of 20

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Stephanie Gallagher

Oatmeal-raisin cookies taste just like grandma's house. This traditional recipe comes out chewy, sweet, and studded with lots of raisins, just like they should. Enjoy these with a tall glass of cold milk.
06 of 20

Snickerdoodles

Diana Rattray

The perfect snickerdoodle cookie comes out slightly soft and chewy with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar on top. This recipe has plenty of cinnamon to fill your kitchen with that delectable aroma, and makes lots of cookies for an exchange, bake sale, or to give as gifts.
07 of 20

Molasses Cookies

Classic Molasses Cookies. Diana Rattray

With cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, these molasses cookies have an assertively spiced flavor. The dough does need to chill overnight before rolling, cutting, and baking, so plan ahead.
08 of 20

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Kristina Vanni

Mild white chocolate and rich macadamia nuts give these classic cookies a sweet and salty taste that will have you coming back for "just one more." This recipe makes enough to share, so try it when you find yourself on dessert duty.

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09 of 20

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Kristina Vanni

Their crackly top gives these chocolate crinkle cookies their name, and a signature look. The kids will enjoy helping you roll them in powdered sugar before baking, so make it a weekend project. Careful not to overbake, so they don't get too hard.
10 of 20

Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies

Claire Cohen

Thumbprint cookies often show up on holiday dessert trays, but they taste great any time. Fill them with your favorite jam flavor, or grab a few different kinds for a fun variety. You can also fill the well with halved candied fruit or date preserves, for a fun twist.
11 of 20

Meltaway Butter Cookies

Meltaway butter cookies melt in your mouth. Diana Rattray

These meltaway butter cookies come out rich and creamy, with almond and vanilla extract adding extra dimension. Sprinkling a little extra sugar on top gives them more texture. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon sweet treat.
12 of 20

Coconut Macaroons

The Spruce

Just three ingredients mix up into these soft and chewy coconut macaroons. They're also naturally gluten-free, so they work great for those with dietary restrictions. For a different twist, try dipping them in melted chocolate.

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13 of 20

Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies

Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies. Diana Rattray

Cream cheese gives these lemon-scented cookies a delightfully soft texture and a wonderful rich flavor. Lemon juice, zest, and extract all add a deliciously fresh citrus taste that just screams spring. For those who like their cookies a little sweet and a bit tart, these will hit the spot.
14 of 20

Basic Butter Shortbread

Shortbread, Classic Butter. Recipe and Photo: Diana Rattray

It doesn't get much more classic than rich, buttery shortbread. These cookies make a great base for chocolate-dipped shortbread, but they taste great all on their own. If you use salted butter, you can omit the pinch of salt.
15 of 20

Hermit Cookies

Old-fashioned hermits with raisins and nuts. Diana Rattray

No one really knows where the name for these traditional hermit cookies comes from, but the spiced walnut and raisin flavor goes the distance. Try switching up the nuts and dried fruit for a fresh take, depending on what you have in the pantry.
16 of 20

Oatmeal Cream Pies

Leah Maroney

Yes, you can make oatmeal cream pies at home. This recipe tastes just like the store-bought kind, but from your own kitchen. They're much easier to make than they look, and both kids and kids-at-heart will love them.

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17 of 20

Black and White Cookies

Kristina Vanni

New Yorkers already know nothing beats a black and white cookie. Their cake-like texture and unmistakable two-tone look makes them a classic. If you can't get to a Manhattan deli to pick one up, satisfy your craving at home.
18 of 20

Lofthouse Cookies

You can find these fluffy frosting sugar cookies in just about every grocery store bakery section, nestled side-by-side in a plastic clamshell. But making them at home lets you customize them with your favorite color frosting to match any party decor.
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No-Bake Cookies

Claire Cohen

When it's too hot to turn on the oven, whip up these no-bake cookies. Oatmeal, chocolate, and peanut butter come together into a sweet and tasty treat, and you can add other mix-ins for a personalized version too.
20 of 20

Cream Cheese Crescents

Diana Rattray

The shape of these traditional crescent cookies will give them away from across the room, and everyone will love seeing them make an appearance. Dress them up with a little chocolate drizzle, dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle with nuts, or leave them plain for simplicity.