21 no-fail cookie recipes that even beginners can nail

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Baking cookies doesn’t have to be complicated, and these recipes prove just that. Perfect for beginners, each of these cookie recipes is straightforward and practically foolproof. Whether you’re looking to whip up something quick for an after-school snack or preparing treats for a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to impress without the stress. No special skills required—just simple ingredients and clear steps to follow. Enjoy the process of mixing, baking, and of course, eating your creations. With these easy recipes, even those new to baking can feel confident in the kitchen.

Thumbprint cookies on a white plate.
Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

A glass of milk and cookies on a marble table.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Peanut butter oatmeal cookies mix the rich taste of peanut butter with the hearty texture of oatmeal, creating a satisfying snack. The addition of chocolate chips adds a sweet surprise, making these cookies an excellent blend of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Thumbprint cookies feature a sweet jam center nestled in a soft cookie, perfect for holiday spreads. Easy to customize with your favorite jams, these cookies are fun to make and offer a festive treat that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies

Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Shortbread cookies are rich and buttery, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or decorated with icing for a festive touch. These cookies are straightforward to bake and always a crowd-pleaser with their classic taste.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Vanilla Wafers

Vanilla Wafers. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Vanilla wafers deliver classic crispiness and flavor, making them a perfect sweet snack. These easy-to-make cookies are ideal for quick treats, pairing wonderfully with your afternoon tea or coffee. Enjoy the simple joy of homemade wafers.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Wafers

Almond Butter Cookies

Almond butter cookies on a marble plate.
Almond Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Almond butter cookies feature a delightful contrast of a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. Perfect for any time of day, they make a tasty treat whether enjoyed as a snack or alongside a warm drink. These cookies offer a rich almond flavor that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Almond Butter Cookies

Almond Flour Cookies

A plate of pink and white cookies with sprinkles on it.
Almond Flour Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Almond flour cookies provide a sweet, buttery option that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft and simple to make, these cookies are great for everyday treats or special celebrations. Enjoy them plain or with decorations for added fun.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chocolate chip cookie sandwiches are a dream come true with their smooth cream cheese filling. These treats combine the beloved taste of chocolate chip cookies with a creamy center, making them a luxurious snack or dessert. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chocolate chip cookies offer a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth experience, making them a family favorite. With a fluffy texture, these cookies are perfect for enjoying as a delightful treat any time of day. Share them with loved ones for a warm and satisfying snack.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Sugar cookies are fluffy and full of flavor, suitable for any celebration or a simple treat. These cookies allow for creative toppings, making each batch unique and enjoyable. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar Cookie Bars. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Sugar cookie bars are a chewy, delicious alternative to traditional sugar cookies, featuring crispy edges and a soft middle. Topped with vanilla buttercream icing, they are a hit at any event. These bars bring joy and flavor to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookie Bars

Cream Cheese Cookies

A group of cookies with chocolate chips on them.
Cream Cheese Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Cream cheese cookies, rich in flavor with a hint of almond extract, make a delightful snack. Versatile and easy to top as you like, these cookies blend cream cheese and almond for a unique and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Cookies

Crinkle Cookies

Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chocolate crinkle cookies combine the richness of fudgy brownies with the crispness of cookies. These visually stunning treats promise a moist interior and a crackled exterior, perfect for any occasion and deliciously satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Cookies

Ginger Snaps

Ginger Snaps. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Ginger snaps offer a rich taste of fall spices with a familiar, spicy kick. These cookies are a great choice for those who love traditional ginger snaps, providing a deliciously crisp and flavorful treat.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Snaps

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies on a plate with red and white decorations.
Gingerbread Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Gingerbread cookies bring festive cheer with their classic holiday flavor, perfect for baking and decorating. These cookies are a fun and delicious treat for everyone, adding joy and flavor to your celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies

Italian Lemon Cookies

Lemon cookies with icing on a plate.
Italian Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Italian lemon cookies balance sour and sweet, capturing the essence of classic Italian baking. Irresistibly delightful, these cookies offer a refreshing lemon flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for adding a zesty treat to your cookie collection.
Get the Recipe: Italian Lemon Cookies

Macadamia Nut Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Macadamia Nut Cookies with White Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

These cookies blend crunchy macadamia nuts with rich white chocolate chips for a unique flavor. With a crispy outside and a soft inside, they make a luxurious treat that’s simple to bake and perfect for a special snack.
Get the Recipe: Macadamia Nut Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Meringue Cookies

A bowl of meringue cookies in a white bowl.
Meringue Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Meringue cookies are light and airy, offering a delightful blend of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors. These tri-flavored treats provide a surprising and enjoyable experience with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Meringue Cookies

Neapolitan Cookies

Neapolitan cookies on a white plate.
Neapolitan Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Neapolitan cookies combine chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors for a delightful variety in each bite. Visually appealing and easy to make, these cookies are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a flavorful treat yourself.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Cookies

Paleo Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Paleo Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This paleo chocolate chip skillet cookie offers a single-skillet treat that combines the classic cookie flavor with a healthier twist. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it features crispy edges and a gooey center, perfect for satisfying cookie cravings.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies on a white plate.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Peanut butter cookies bring the comforting taste of peanut butter into a simple, delightful treat. With their nostalgic criss-cross pattern, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a warm and welcoming snack.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Snowball cookies are known for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a winter treat, they offer a buttery flavor and festive appearance, making them a must-have for seasonal celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Snowball Cookies

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