31 Simple & Delicious Cookie Recipes: Your Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Treats

In the world of desserts, few treats hold a place as beloved and universal as the humble cookie. Whether you’re baking for a bustling family gathering, a quiet afternoon snack, or a festive holiday celebration, cookies are always a reliable and cherished choice. Their appeal spans generations, delighting everyone from the youngest children to the most seasoned grandparents. Uncomplicated to prepare, wonderfully portable, and incredibly adaptable, cookies offer endless possibilities – from wholesome, low-sugar options to rich, utterly decadent indulgences.

Imagine having a curated collection of reliable, simple cookie recipes at your fingertips – a true dessert “little black book” for any occasion. This comprehensive list brings together tried-and-true favorites, all crafted with real, wholesome ingredients from scratch. Forget complex techniques or obscure components; these recipes are designed for ease, ensuring a satisfying baking experience every time. You’ll find everything from guilt-free snack cookies packed with healthy ingredients to lavish double chocolate delights, and even ultra-convenient bar cookies perfect for everyday enjoyment or special events, like our famous quadruple brownies!

There’s a reason why cookies remain a perennial favorite year after year. Not only do they bring smiles to every face, but they are also consistently simple to make, regardless of the variety you choose. This collection celebrates that simplicity, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with complicated instructions.

Baking cookies holds a special place in my heart, woven into cherished memories from childhood through adulthood. I vividly recall the joy of making cookies with my mom when I was little, and later, earning a reputation for my “specialty” cookies in high school and college. Many of those beloved recipes, like peanut butter swirl bars, soft chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate topped oatmeal bars, are still firm favorites in my kitchen today.

Passing on this tradition has been equally rewarding. My own children always clamored to join in the baking fun, and I have countless sweet memories of teaching them to cook using some of these very same simple cookie recipes. These aren’t just desserts; they are vessels for creating lasting family bonds and treasured moments.

And, of course, what would the holiday season be without an abundance of festive cookies? My mom always prepared generous cookie plates that we would deliver to all our neighbors, a heartwarming tradition my sisters and I proudly continue. While I might streamline other holiday activities or skip the cards, the ritual of baking remains an indispensable part of my Christmas season. These homemade treats are more than just food; they are a symbol of warmth, generosity, and connection.

Many of the recipes featured below have graced our holiday goodie bags over the years, a testament to their enduring deliciousness. But rest assured, deliciousness doesn’t equate to complexity here. I prioritize simplicity, ensuring that every recipe is straightforward and accessible for home bakers of all skill levels. To help you navigate this wonderful assortment, I’ve thoughtfully organized them into three distinct categories: classic drop cookies, convenient bar cookies, and charming shaped cookies. Be sure to scroll through the entire list to discover all the amazing options!

31 Simple Cookie Recipes: Your Go-To Guide for Easy Baking

Irresistible Drop Cookies: Effortless & Delicious

Drop cookies are the quintessential easy cookie. With no rolling or cutting required, you simply scoop the dough and drop it onto a baking sheet. This makes them perfect for quick baking sessions and a fantastic entry point for new bakers. They’re often soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them a universally loved choice for any occasion.

1 . Amazing Multi Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies. Elevate your classic chocolate chip cookie experience with a nourishing twist! This recipe masterfully incorporates wholesome grains, adding a subtle depth of flavor and increased nutrition without compromising on that beloved chocolate chip taste. It’s a foolproof recipe that consistently delivers perfectly baked cookies every single time, making it an excellent choice for a healthier yet indulgent treat that everyone will adore.

2. The Best Chewy Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies. For those who adore a soft, chewy texture, this recipe is a true gem and a perennial family favorite. I proudly boast two go-to chocolate chip cookie recipes that are family legends – the multi-grain variety mentioned above and these wonderfully chewy whole grain cookies. Both are equally incredible, guaranteeing a delicious outcome, so I highly recommend you try both to find your new favorite homemade treat!

3. Soft And Chewy Whole Grain Peanut Butter Cookies. As a devoted peanut butter enthusiast and a firm believer in soft cookies, traditional crisp peanut butter cookies often left me wanting more. This revolutionary recipe is the answer, delivering truly soft and delightfully chewy whole grain peanut butter cookies that maintain their tender texture for days. Enjoy them as pure peanut butter bliss, or stir in some chocolate chips for a delightful Reese’s-inspired flavor explosion.

4. Whole Grain Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries & Walnuts. This stands as my ultimate favorite oatmeal cookie recipe of all time. The magic lies in rolling the dough in sugar before baking, which creates a perfectly crisp, golden crust that beautifully contrasts with the soft, chewy interior. Customize these delightful cookies by making them plain, sticking to the classic cranberries and walnuts as written, opting for traditional raisins, or even adding a generous handful of chocolate chips for an extra treat.

5. Soft & Flavorful Mocha Chip Cookies. Prepare for a delightful surprise with every bite of these exceptional mocha chip cookies. Their soft texture combined with the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and aromatic coffee creates an exquisite mocha flavor that is simply irresistible. These flavorful cookies are a consistent crowd-pleaser and are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire, offering a unique twist on a classic treat.

6. Flourless Chocolate Truffle Cookies (Grain-Free, Dairy-Free). These cookies are nothing short of a culinary revelation. Naturally grain-free and dairy-free, they boast a luxurious, truffle-like interior that tastes utterly decadent, yet caters to specific dietary needs. They prove that you don’t need flour to achieve an intensely rich and satisfying chocolate experience, making them a fantastic option for everyone looking for a gourmet treat without the grains.

7. Fudgy Dark Chocolate Zucchini Cookies. When your garden is overflowing with zucchini, step away from the usual bread and bake these incredible cookies instead! These fudgy dark chocolate cookies cleverly incorporate zucchini, adding moisture and a touch of hidden nutrition. The kids will be so enchanted by the rich chocolate flavor, they’ll never suspect a vegetable is involved, making these a sneaky and delicious way to use up fresh produce.

8. Chocolate Chip, Nut & Seed Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten-Free). For a healthier take on the beloved chocolate chip cookie, look no further. This nutritious version is an excellent choice for on-the-go snacks or even a wholesome breakfast. By controlling the ingredients yourself, you can create “cookies” that are far more beneficial and satisfying than many store-bought granola bars, packed with fiber, protein, and delicious flavor. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free!

9. Multigrain Snickerdoodle Cookies. Elevate your traditional snickerdoodle game with this thoughtfully crafted recipe. By incorporating a blend of whole grains and slightly reducing the sugar content, you achieve a healthier cookie that still delivers all the comforting, cinnamon-sugar goodness you know and love. It’s the perfect balance of familiar flavor and improved nutritional value, offering a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing taste.

Convenient Bar Cookies: Easy to Make, Easier to Share

Bar cookies are the ultimate solution for effortless baking, particularly when feeding a crowd or preparing treats for school lunches and potlucks. Baked in a single pan and cut into squares, they save significant time and effort without sacrificing flavor or appeal. These versatile treats offer a wide array of textures and tastes, from crumbly fruit bars to intensely fudgy brownies, making them incredibly popular.

10. Whole Wheat Blackberry Crumb Bars. Are these delightful creations a cookie bar or a coffee cake? The line is delightfully blurred, and frankly, who cares when they taste this good! These versatile bars are perfect at any time of day – whether for a refreshing breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delicious dessert. The sweet and tart blackberry filling paired with a wholesome whole wheat crumb topping makes them utterly irresistible and a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal fruits.

11. Healthy No-Bake Fudge Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free). When you need a dessert in a flash, these super easy no-bake bars are your answer. They are perfect for taking to potlucks, packing into kids’ lunches, or simply enjoying as a quick and satisfying treat anytime hunger strikes. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and packed with wholesome oatmeal, making them a fantastic option for a wider range of dietary needs without compromising on fudgy, delicious goodness.

12. Grain Free Peanut Butter-Honey Brownies. Indulge in a healthier brownie experience with these incredible grain-free delights. Packed with added protein from rich peanut butter and naturally sweetened with wholesome honey, these brownies are perfect when you’re seeking a more wholesome yet intensely satisfying chocolate fix. They offer a wonderfully moist and fudgy texture that makes them a guilt-free pleasure for any chocolate lover.

13. Flourless Coconut Almond Bars. You know those recipes you forget about, only to rediscover how absolutely incredible they are with just one bite? That’s precisely the experience with these flourless coconut almond bars. They practically melt in your mouth, offering a luxurious treat for anyone, especially those following a grain-free diet. The harmonious combination of tender coconut and nutty almond creates an unforgettable flavor profile and a wonderfully delicate texture.

14. Whole Grain Peanut Butter Blondies Recipe with Chocolate Chips. Take your blondie game to the next level by incorporating the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. This thoughtful addition not only enhances the taste but also contributes to an incredibly chewy texture that sets these blondies apart. Finished with a luscious, creamy frosting, these whole grain blondies are truly the icing on the cake, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying flavors.

15. Crunchy Layered Peanut Butter Brownies. Can’t decide between the irresistible crunch of Rice Krispie bars and the rich decadence of brownies? With these spectacular layered bars, you don’t have to! Enjoy the best of both worlds with distinct layers of fudgy brownie, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate mixed with crisp rice cereal. It’s an innovative and utterly delicious treat that offers a delightful textural contrast and an explosion of flavor in every bite.

16. Caramel Coconut Shortbread Cookie Bar Recipe. These decadent cookie bars are an outstanding addition to any holiday cookie plate, sure to impress your guests and become a new tradition. Featuring a rich, homemade caramel blended with sweet coconut (crafted without corn syrup for a cleaner taste) layered over a buttery shortbread crust, they are already divine. The addition of a smooth dark chocolate topping transforms them into a gourmet treat that tastes remarkably like a high-end candy bar.

17. Fudgy Espresso Truffle Bars Recipe. When you crave the luxurious taste of chocolate truffles but are short on time, these espresso truffle bars are the perfect solution. They offer the same melt-in-your-mouth texture and intense flavor of traditional truffles, but in a convenient bar form that requires a fraction of the shaping effort. The subtle yet distinct hint of espresso perfectly complements the rich, fudgy chocolate, creating an unforgettable and sophisticated dessert experience.

18. Chocolate Drizzled Nut Squares Cookies. Here’s another wonderfully easy bar cookie that evokes the delightful experience of biting into a gourmet candy bar. These squares feature a delicious base topped with crunchy, caramel-coated nuts, all finished with an artful drizzle of rich, melted chocolate. They’re simple to make yet sophisticated in flavor and presentation, perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring as a personal treat.

19. Quadruple Chocolate Decadent Brownie Recipe. Prepare yourself for arguably the most decadent recipe on our entire site! These brownies are an explosion of chocolate – in four glorious forms – combined with luxurious butter and rich eggs, delivering a richness so profound it might just surprise you. What won’t surprise you is how utterly amazing they taste. They are a cherished and traditional part of our family’s holiday cookie plates, guaranteed to be a showstopper and leave a lasting impression.

20. Whole Grain Apple Butter Bars. On the opposite end of the indulgence spectrum, perhaps, these wholesome whole grain bars offer a lighter, yet equally delicious, experience. Featuring a sweet, spiced apple butter center and a delightful crumb topping, they are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for breakfast, a fulfilling snack, or a satisfying dessert. They capture the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn in every delightful bite.

21. Black Bottom Maple Pecan Pie Bars. These bars are a holiday season essential in my kitchen. They brilliantly capture all the comforting flavors of a classic pecan pie without the fuss and effort of baking a full pie. Plus, their convenient bar size makes them much easier to serve and enjoy at parties or family gatherings. Sweetened purely with natural maple syrup, they offer a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the rich pecan filling and subtle chocolate base.

22. Grain Free Almond Chocolate Truffle Bars. Oh, the truffle topping on these bars is truly something special – rich, smooth, and utterly delightful! These grain-free almond chocolate truffle bars are a fantastic choice when you’re entertaining and unsure of your guests’ dietary preferences, as their exquisite taste appeals to everyone, regardless of whether they follow a grain-free diet. They combine sophistication with broad appeal, making them a perfect party treat.

23. Rhubarb-Honey Crumb Bars. Whenever I have a bounty of fresh or frozen rhubarb, these crumb bars are an absolute must-make. They are incredibly delicious, marrying the tartness of rhubarb with the natural sweetness of honey, all beneath a buttery, wholesome crumbly topping. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making them a perfect seasonal treat that always disappears quickly and leaves everyone craving more.

24. Chocolate-Topped Oatmeal Bars (Wheat Free). These irresistible bars have been a staple in my baking since my college days. While they happen to be wheat-free, that’s certainly not their main allure. The true magic lies in the candy-like flavor of the rich oat base topped with a luscious, creamy peanut butter-chocolate layer. Be warned: they are incredibly rich and satisfying, so cutting them into smaller portions is highly recommended to savor every decadent bite.

25. Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars. Imagine your favorite chocolate chip peanut butter cookies, but transformed into effortlessly easy bars. That’s precisely what this recipe delivers! Taking a pan of these whole grain bars to any party or gathering is a guaranteed way to become the most popular person in the room. They combine two universally loved flavors into one convenient, portable, and utterly delicious treat that vanishes fast.

26. Favorite Classic Peanut Butter Swirl Bars. Now these classic peanut butter swirl bars are a timeless recipe that I’ve been perfecting since high school – and they were even the first cookies I ever made for Brian when we were dating! They continue to stand the test of time for good reason: each bar is wonderfully moist, bursting with rich peanut flavor, and beautifully swirled with decadent chocolate. They’re a nostalgic and utterly satisfying treat that promises pure indulgence and evokes sweet memories.

27. Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie (or Skillet Cookie). For a truly impressive and shareable dessert, look no further than this giant chocolate chip cookie, essentially a massive bar cookie baked conveniently in a cake pan or skillet. Served warm with a generous scoop (or two!) of vanilla bean ice cream, it transforms into the perfect company or celebration dessert. It’s a delightful, interactive treat that combines the comfort of a classic cookie with the grandeur of a special occasion dessert.

Elegant Shaped Cookies: For Special Touches & Festive Fun

Shaped cookies, whether rolled, cut, or molded, add an extra touch of elegance and festivity to your baking. While they might require a little more hands-on time than drop or bar cookies, the beautiful and often intricate results are well worth the effort. These cookies are perfect for gifting, adorning holiday platters, or simply enjoying a more refined homemade treat that showcases your baking artistry.

28. Espresso Walnut Shortbread Cookies with Dark Chocolate Ganache. These sophisticated cookies look far more intricate to prepare than they actually are, making them perfect for impressing guests with minimal stress. The process is straightforward: mix the dough, roll it into logs, slice and bake. Then, simply sandwich two cookies together with an easy-to-make dark chocolate ganache filling. The resulting combination of delicate shortbread, rich espresso, crunchy walnuts, and smooth ganache creates a flavor and texture profile that is absolute perfection.

29. Rich & Mouthwatering Mini Chocolate Truffle Cakes. While perhaps not a cookie in the strictest sense, I’ve included these because they offer a delightful, small, cookie-like shape, conveniently baked in mini muffin pans. These “cakes” are astonishingly easy to make, incredibly rich, and possess a melt-in-your-mouth goodness that rivals any gourmet truffle. They’re perfect for individual servings and add a touch of gourmet elegance to any dessert spread or holiday plate.

30. Mini Almond Joy Brownies Recipe. Inspired by the beloved candy bar, these mini brownies are baked in mini muffin pans like the truffle cakes, making them perfectly bite-sized and charming. Each is then generously topped with a sweet coconut mixture, optionally adorned with a nut for extra crunch, and finally dipped in luscious chocolate. These charming and flavorful treats are a special addition to any holiday cookie plate, sure to evoke smiles and sweet, nostalgic memories.

31. Whole Grain Cut Out Cookies. Revolutionize your holiday cut-out cookies by making them a little healthier with this fantastic whole grain recipe. Not only does it boost their nutritional value, but it also imparts a wonderful texture and a richer, more nuanced flavor that you simply can’t achieve with conventional plain sugar cookies. Enjoy the timeless tradition of decorating festive cookies with an improved, wholesome twist that everyone will love, without compromising on fun or flavor.

Discover the Joy of Homemade Cookies with These Simple Recipes!

I genuinely hope you and your loved ones enjoy baking and savoring these 31 simple cookie recipes as much as my family has over the years. This collection is truly a labor of love, designed to bring joy, warmth, and deliciousness to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Each recipe offers a delightful opportunity to create lasting memories and indulge in real, homemade goodness.

If you’re eager to explore more simple, real food recipes beyond cookies, be sure to subscribe to An Oregon Cottage here. As a valued subscriber, you’ll also gain exclusive access to a growing library full of useful freebies, helpful resources, and even more inspiration for your home and kitchen! Additionally, feel free to browse our complete dessert gallery here for an abundance of even more inspiring sweet treats and easy dessert ideas.

I would absolutely love to hear about your baking adventures and see your delicious creations! If you make any of these delightful recipes, please follow me on Instagram and tag #anoregoncottage to share your wonderful creations with our vibrant community. Happy baking, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!