The Best Homemade Cookie Recipes You Need to Try

Who can resist the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air? Whether you're an experienced baker or just someone looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, homemade cookies are always a treat. There's something magical about the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers that store-bought cookies just can't replicate. If you're looking to create some unforgettable cookie masterpieces in your kitchen, here are some of the best homemade cookie recipes you need to try.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s start with the ultimate classic: the chocolate chip cookie. It’s a favorite for a reason! The key to getting that perfect texture is to use a combination of both white and brown sugars. The brown sugar gives the cookie man a rich, caramelized flavor, while the white sugar helps them spread evenly. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.

3. In a large bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.

4. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges.

9. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

2. Peanut Butter Cookies

For those who love the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter, this cookie recipe is a must-try. Peanut butter cookies have a delightful combination of salty and sweet, and with a criss-cross pattern on top, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.

3. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.

5. Use a fork to press down on the dough, creating a criss-cross pattern.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

3. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies are the perfect blend of chewy oats and sweet raisins. They’re also a bit heartier, making them ideal for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. For an extra twist, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy.

3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

6. Stir in oats and raisins (and nuts, if using).

7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

9. Allow the cookies to cool before enjoying!

4. Snickerdoodle Cookies

These soft and chewy cinnamon-sugar cookies are simply irresistible. Snickerdoodles have a unique tang thanks to the addition of cream of tartar, which helps create that signature flavor and chewy texture. They’re also incredibly easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar.

7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

8. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.

9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.

10. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Double Chocolate Cookies

For all the chocolate lovers out there, these double chocolate cookies are a dream come true. With cocoa powder in the dough and chocolate chips mixed in, they’re ultra-rich and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt