23 Cookie Recipes Are My Go-To When I Just Need a Little Joy

If joy had a smell, it would probably be cookies baking. These 23 recipes know how to turn a regular afternoon into something worth smiling about. They don’t require an occasion—just a craving and maybe stretchy pants. No shame in licking the spoon either.

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board.
Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting bring the essence of a classic cake into handheld form. They offer a comforting combination perfect for any cozy mood. The smooth cream cheese frosting adds a rich finish. Perfect for when you need a break from everyday stress.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A stack of chocolate cookies with a bottle of milk in the background on a white surface.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re craving a rich treat, these cookies have a double dose of chocolate. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies instantly boost your mood, offering a quick indulgence. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself. Either way, they’re always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

A delectable close-up of Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies, adorned with spiral white icing on a parchment paper background.
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Inspired by a favorite bakery, Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies are simple yet satisfying. Their cinnamon swirl adds a fun twist. They’re great for a quick snack or a sweet midday break. Perfect when you’re looking for something a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Enjoy our chocolate cherry cookies, each topped with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting and a vibrant red cherry.
Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The mix of chocolate and cherry is always a good choice. Chocolate Cherry Cookies are proof of that with every bite. They’re perfect for those who enjoy a fruity touch with their chocolate. Gather a few friends and enjoy them together.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Enjoy these delectable cookies topped with white frosting, chocolate chips, and small cookie dough pieces—a perfect Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie recipe.
Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cookie dough lovers, this one’s for you. Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe embody that raw dough experience without the risks. Enjoy them during a movie night or as an afternoon treat. They’re a must-try for anyone who loves cookie dough.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface.
Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Shortbread has a simple appeal that never gets old. Shortbread Cookies are perfect for any time, offering a light and satisfying option. Have them with tea or coffee and enjoy a quiet moment. They’re classic for a reason and never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

A delectable close-up of a Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookie, crowned with a swirl of rich chocolate frosting, resting on a pristine white surface.
Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining cookies with chocolate cake? Yes, please! Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies are incredibly rich, making them a fun and unique choice. They’re fantastic for any fun gathering or personal indulgence. Make them when you’re in the mood for something unique.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

Spiced Apple Cookies

Close-up of three stacked cookies topped with a chunky fruit filling and a sprinkle of crumbs, placed near an apple.
Spiced Apple Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, Spiced Apple Cookies hit the mark. They mix sweetness with a hint of warmth, making them ideal for relaxing. Great for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Perfect anytime you need a break from routine.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Apple Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Close-up of spiral cookies with red jam filling on parchment paper, reminiscent of Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies, one partially eaten and surrounded by crumbs.
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Feeling nostalgic? Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie are the childhood classic made into a dessert. They’re a fun way to enjoy that peanut butter and jelly combo. Ideal for when you’re feeling a bit playful with your treats.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Known for their crinkly tops, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a visual treat, too. They’re soft inside and irresistibly chocolatey. Bake them when you’re craving something quietly indulgent. They’re a surefire way to treat yourself any day.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Cookie Monster Cookies

Close-up of a stack of vibrant blue Cookie Monster cookies with Oreo centers and chocolate chips. The cookies are cracked open, revealing the Oreo cookies inside.
Cookie Monster Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Packed with color and fun, Cookie Monster Cookies bring a smile to anyone’s face. They’re a mix of different flavors, making them exciting. A great option for parties or just because you feel like it. They’re bound to be a topic of conversation.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Monster Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Three stacked Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies, with vibrant red hues and white chocolate chips, the top cookie partially eaten.
Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Red velvet lovers are in for a treat with Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies. Their combination of red velvet and white chips is truly something special. They’re perfect for special occasions or any day you want to feel festive. Share them, or keep them all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Vegan Sugar Cookies

Close-up of six sugar-coated cookies on parchment paper.
Vegan Sugar Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Everyone loves a good sugar cookie, and these are vegan-friendly. Vegan Sugar Cookies are light, with a hint of sweetness that’s simply good. Bake them for yourself or share with friends, knowing everyone’s included. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sugar Cookies

Heart Shaped Cookies

Heart-shaped cookies partially dipped in red icing, decorated with pink, white, and silver sprinkles, including stars and hearts, scattered on a white surface.
Heart Shaped Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfect for expressing love or simply enjoying yourself, these cookies are shaped like hearts. Their shape makes them suitable for many occasions. Enjoy the simple sweetness and have some fun baking them. Heart Shaped Cookies are a charming little creation.
Get the Recipe: Heart Shaped Cookies

Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something refreshing about a Lemon Cookie. These cookies offer a bright hint of citrus. Perfect for bringing cheer to an ordinary day. Enjoy them with a cold drink or on their own—they’re simple, happy, and hard to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up of a vegan chocolate chip cookie on a piece of parchment paper, showcasing its delightful texture and rich chocolate chips.
The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookiess are a solid choice any time you’re craving something classic. These cookies are soft, chewy, and easy to make. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a twist on the classic, these never disappoint. A batch disappears faster than you think—just nobody tell the chocolate chip police.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background.
Marshmallow Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These cookies are all about that gooey center. Marshmallow Swirl Cookies add a fun twist without being overly sweet. You can make them for a quick snack or when you’re in the mood for something different. People always ask for extras when this recipe’s around.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Three sugar cookies stacked on top of each other.
Sugar Cookies Without Butter. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Butter-free doesn’t mean boring when it comes to these cookies. Sugar Cookies Without Butter stay light and crisp without feeling dry. Great for decorating or eating plain, they’re a quick option when you need something simple. You might end up eating more than planned just because they’re so easy to snack on.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Vegan Amaretti Cookies

A white cup of coffee next to a plate of crinkle cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a pink cloth.
Vegan Amaretti Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Amaretti Cookies pack a nice texture that stands out compared to the usual smooth cookie. These cookies are light and slightly crunchy, making them perfect for coffee breaks. Even non-vegan friends can’t tell there’s no eggs or dairy in here. They’re a great way to try vegan baking without anything complicated.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Banana Pudding Cookies

A stack of white chocolate chip cookies with a bite taken out of the top one, placed on a cooling rack with a banana and peeled banana in the background.
Banana Pudding Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pudding and cookies together? Spot-on. Banana Pudding Cookies are soft, easy to eat, and have a little hint of something nostalgic. The combo brings a change from basic cookie recipes while staying approachable. You’ll find them disappearing quickly—always a sign you’ve done something right.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies

No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

A stack of no-bake maple pecan cookies on a white plate, with syrup and a bowl in the background.
No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No oven? No problem with this recipe! No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies come together fast and keep it simple without skipping on texture. Maple vibes mix perfectly here, making them a fun and easy choice. It’s the kind of cookie you can throw together with very little effort when the craving hits.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Close-up of a classic peanut butter cookie with the iconic crisscross pattern on top, nestled among a delightful batch of similar peanut butter cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You already know these are going to be a hit. Peanut Butter Cookies are just sweet enough with a rich peanut butter flavor that steals the show. Nobody needs convincing when a tray of these is sitting around. Perfect for snacks or sharing—assuming you’re willing to share!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Close up image of lemon blueberry muffin cookies on a wooden board.
Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These cookies are a good change when you want something besides chocolate or vanilla. Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies bring a hint of tartness but stay easy to eat. Muffin-style cookies are fun because they’re soft and a little pillowy. They’re great for breakfast or dessert, depending on your mood.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *