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20 Different Types of Cookies That Will Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth

Which one will you try first: sugar, peanut butter, or chocolate chunk?

Headshot of AnnMarie MattilaBy AnnMarie Mattila
types of cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Of all the desserts you can make, baking some of the most popular cookies may be the most satisfying. It's instant gratification how fast they go from dough to done, and you can have one if you just feel like a little nibble or multiple if you really need to satisfy that sweet tooth. As for the different types of cookies out there? Well, that's a practically endless list... though we've got the 20 most popular ones for you right here.

Cookies fall into a few different categories. The most common is a drop cookie, where dough is simply scooped onto cookie sheets. Fans of chocolate desserts will easily recognize chocolate chip cookies as classic examples. Then, there are rolled cookies that require a rolling pin and cookie cutters to get their shape and molded cookies that use your hands to create the shapes. (Fans of peanut butter desserts, you'll recognize peanut butter blossoms on this list.) There are bar cookies that are baked in a pan and sliced into (you guessed it) bars and refrigerator cookies that need to chill before they are sliced and baked. Additionally, there are lots of traditional cookies from around the world, like Italian pizzelle and biscotti.

We have examples of all of these on this list and more! That's right, because you can't forget no-bake cookies, which again proves why cookies are so amazing. You don't even need an oven to make these no-bake desserts. So now that you're probably itching to cure that sweet tooth, read on for our favorite types of cookies you can bake.

1

Sugar Cookies

types of cookies sugar cookie recipe
Danielle Daly

Ree's favorite sugar cookies are the most popular Pioneer Woman cookie for a reason. They are a melt-in-your-mouth cookie (thanks to all that butter!) that are somewhere between a rolled cookie and a molded cookie. You use the bottom of a glass to shape them!

Get Ree's Favorite Sugar Cookies recipe.

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2

Cowboy Cookies

types of cookies cowboy cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Here's a real crowdpleaser! This type of cookie is chockfull of mix-ins: old-fashioned rolled oats, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. And if you know their origin story, they're as American as they come.

Get the Cowboy Cookies recipe.

3

Iced Oatmeal Cookies

types of cookies iced oatmeal cookie recipe
Caitlin Bensel

While regular oatmeal cookies are a classic drop cookie, these nostalgic treats are actually a cross between a refrigerator cookie and a molded cookie. They get their fantastic chewy goodness from a mixture of molasses and brown sugar.

Get the Iced Oatmeal Cookies recipe.

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4

Peanut Butter Blossoms

types of cookies peanut butter blossoms recipe
Will Dickey

These classic Christmas cookies are really good any time of year. They are molded cookies shaped into balls with your hands before being rolled in sugar and flattened with the simple sweetness of Kisses. No need to wait for any holiday to make them!

Get the Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe.

5

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

types of cookies chocolate chunk recipe
The Pioneer Woman

Chocolate chip cookies might be the most classic drop cookie there is! There are so many versions, but we love this one because you get more chocolate in each bite. Oh, and there's a secret ingredient that makes them even tastier: coffee!

Get Ree's Chocolate Chunk Cookies recipe.

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6

Crinkle Cookies

types of cookies chocolate crinkle recipe
Brian Woodcock

These refrigerator cookies are sure to be a hit at any cookie swap! They are fudgy and chewy, and they will definitely satisfy a chocolate lover's sweet tooth. There's actually melted chocolate in the dough!

Get Ree's Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe.

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7

Pinwheel Cookies

types of cookies pinwheel recipe
Caitlin Bensel

Refrigerator cookies are sometimes called "slice and bake" cookies and look no further than these for the best example! They require time and patience, but once you slice into that log of rolled dough to reveal the gorgeous swirls, it will be all worth it.

Get the Pinwheel Cookies recipe.

8

Linzer Cookies

types of cookies linzer recipe
Hector Sanchez

Sandwich cookies are double the fun! These classic cookies get their subtle nuttiness thanks to almond flour, which pairs perfectly with the raspberry jam in the middle.

Get the Linzer Cookies recipe.

9

Danish Butter Cookies

types of cookies danish butter recipe
Will Dickey

Want to make a fancy molded cookie? Try your hand (literally!) at piping. The flavors may seem simple, but they are end up being truly impressive once baked and served.

Get the Danish Butter Cookies recipe.

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10

Gingerbread Cookies

types of cookies gingerbread recipe
Ralph Smith

Leave it to The Pioneer Woman to make the cutest version of this rolled cookie possible. The warm spices in the dough get a sugary pop on top with royal icing for a classic flavor combination.

Get Ree's Gingerbread Cowboy Boot Cookies recipe.

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11

Peanut Butter Cookies

types of cookies peanut butter
Caitlin Bensel

Some people may argue that peanut butter is best in a sandwich, but who needs that kind of negativity in their life? Especially when it's the main ingredient in these crosshatched cookies!

Get the Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.

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12

Biscotti

types of cookies biscotti recipe
Bridget Edwards

This is definitely the most dunkable cookie on the list! Biscotti are technically molded cookies because large logs are shaped and baked before being sliced and baked again. There's nothing quite like that extra crunchy texture!

Get the Biscotti recipe.

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13

Thumbprint Cookies

types of cookies almond raspberry thumbprint recipe
Johnny Miller

Molded cookies with a jewel-colored center, thumbprints are a classic treat. Speaking of classic, Ree's version has the delicious combo of almond and raspberry, making them practically irresistible.

Get Ree's Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies recipe.

14

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

types of cookies texas sheet cake recipe
Brian Woodcock

Drop what you're doing right now and make these drop cookies ASAP! They are a bite-sized version of Ree's super popular chocolate sheet cake. The smaller size also means they bake faster, which also means you can eat them faster.

Get Ree's Texas Sheet Cake Cookies recipe.

15

Madeleines

types of cookies madeleines recipe
Bridget Edwards

Are these drop cookies because the batter is dropped in a pan or are they molded cookies because of the pretty seashell shape? We're not really sure, but what we do know is that these delicate cake-like cookies are delicious with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Get the Madeleines recipe.

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16

Rainbow Cookies

types of cookies rainbow recipe
Caitlin Bensel

50% sandwich cookie, 50% bar cookie, and 100% delicious―we love these colorful treats. Get the flavors of almond, raspberry, and chocolate in every single bite.

Get the Rainbow Cookies recipe.

17

Orange Shortbread Cookies

types of cookies orange shortbread recipe
Julie Deily

While some shortbread cookies are rolled and cut out, this citrus-scented version is the refrigerator slice-and-bake kind. The otherwise simple shape gets an upgrade with drizzles of both white and dark chocolate.

Get the Orange Shortbread Cookies recipe.

18

Snickerdoodles

types of cookies snickerdoodles recipe
Sommer Collier

Another classic molded cookie that's a must-have in your recipe repertoire is the snickerdoodle. They get their tell-tale tang from cream of tartar in the dough and that spicy kick on the outside is from a lot of cinnamon.

Get the Snickerdoodles recipe.

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19

Breakfast Cookies

types of cookies breakfast recipe
Caitlin Bensel

You can't feel bad about craving cookies for breakfast when these are made for it! These drop cookies are packed with oats, dried cherries, and pumpkin seeds for nutrition and their delicious taste, of course.

Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe.

20

Spritz Cookies

types of cookies spritz recipe
Danielle Daly

Did we almost forget a category of cookies? Spritz are often referred to as pressed cookies because (you guessed it!) they are pushed out of a cookie press into fun shapes. The classics are trees but why stop there? Make these almond-flavored butter cookies any time of year with other shapes.

Get the Spritz Cookies recipe.

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