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
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.