15 Timeless American Cookies That Never Go Out of Style

Some American cookies never lose their charm. These classics have been baked in home kitchens and beloved bakeries for generations, each with a flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

The rich, chocolatey bite of a crinkle cookie, the nutty crunch of a cowboy cookie, and the delicate sweetness of a jam-filled thumbprint are just a few that have stood the test of time. These 15 American cookies have earned their place as all-time favorites.

Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy and Gooey Classic

The ultimate American cookie, chocolate chip cookies are the gold standard of homemade treats. With their buttery dough and gooey chocolate chunks, they’ve remained a favorite for generations. Whether you love them crispy, chewy, or bakery-style thick, this cookie is always a winner.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
2. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, followed by the chocolate chips.
3. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet. Chill the shaped cookies for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before enjoying warm and gooey!

M&M Cookies: Colorful, Chewy, and Packed with Candy

Bright, colorful, and irresistibly fun, M&M cookies combine the chewy goodness of a chocolate chip cookie with the crunch of candy-coated chocolate. These cookies are a hit for all ages and perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat. Check out this recipe to make festive Christmas M&M cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups M&M’s (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients, then fold in 1 cup of M&M’s.
4. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, pressing a few extra M&M’s on top. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. Let cool and enjoy!

Peanut Butter Cookies: Soft, Nutty, and Perfectly Crisscrossed

With their signature crisscross pattern and rich, nutty flavor, peanut butter cookies are a nostalgic favorite. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness, making them a go-to treat for peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
4. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and use a fork to create the signature crisscross pattern on each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool before enjoying!

Snickerdoodles: Classic Cinnamon-Sugar Cookies with a Soft Center

Snickerdoodles are the perfect balance of soft and chewy, with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating that gives them their signature flavor. These classic cookies are beloved for their slightly tangy bite, thanks to the cream of tartar, and their crisp edges with a soft center.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. Gradually combine dry ingredients to form a soft dough. In a separate bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool before enjoying the soft, cinnamon-kissed goodness!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Hearty, Chewy, and Full of Warm Spices

Soft, chewy, and packed with hearty oats and sweet raisins, oatmeal raisin cookies have a comforting homemade flavor. The warm cinnamon undertones and chewy texture make them a timeless classic.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Gradually combine dry ingredients, then fold in raisins.
4. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and slightly crisp around the edges. Let cool before enjoying!

Sugar Cookies: Buttery, Crisp, and Perfect for Decorating

Soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating, sugar cookies are a staple for holidays, celebrations, and everyday treats. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with icing, they have a light, sweet flavor with a delicate crumb.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Gradually combine the dry ingredients to form a smooth dough. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes, or roll into balls and slightly flatten.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are just golden. Let it cool before decorating or enjoying it as is!

NYC Red Velvet Cookies: Bakery-Style with White Chocolate Chips

These thick, bakery-style red velvet cookies bring the rich cocoa flavor and vibrant red color of classic red velvet cake into a chewy, decadent cookie. Often studded with white chocolate chips, they’re a favorite for those who love a touch of luxury in their cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg + one egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and red food coloring.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients, then fold in white chocolate chips.
4. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly firm at the edges. Let cool before enjoying the bakery-style chewiness!

No-Bake Cookies: Quick, Easy, and Packed with Oats

These quick and easy no-bake cookies are a favorite for their rich chocolate-peanut butter flavor and chewy oatmeal texture—all without needing an oven! They’re perfect for busy days or warm weather when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil and let cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from heat and quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Fold in oats until fully coated.
3. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let set for 30 minutes until firm. Enjoy chewy, chocolatey goodness—no oven required!

Molasses Cookies: Soft, Spiced, and Dusted with Sugar

Molasses cookies are rich, spiced, and wonderfully chewy, with a deep caramelized sweetness that makes them a cozy favorite. Their soft texture and warm ginger-cinnamon flavor make them perfect for the holidays or whenever you crave comfort.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg and molasses until smooth.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let cool before enjoying their chewy, spiced goodness!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Fudgy and Dusted with Powdered Sugar

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are fudgy, rich, and coated in powdered sugar, giving them a beautiful cracked exterior when baked. Their soft, brownie-like texture makes them a favorite, especially during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
2. Gradually combine with dry ingredients to form a thick dough. Chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in powdered sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cracks appear. Let cool before enjoying the soft, brownie-like center!

Cowboy Cookies: Loaded with Oats, Coconut, and Nuts

Cowboy Cookies are big, hearty, and packed with texture, featuring oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans. These cookies are chewy, nutty, and loaded with mix-ins, making them a satisfying treat.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ¾ cup shredded coconut
• ¾ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in oats, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans.
4. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before enjoying!

Whoopie Pies: Soft Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches with Creamy Filling

Whoopie Pies are soft, cake-like chocolate cookies sandwiched together with a fluffy, sweet filling. With their rich cocoa flavor and creamy center, they are a classic American treat, often found in bakeries and homemade lunchboxes alike.

Ingredients

• For the cookies:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the filling:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
3. Scoop small rounds of batter onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until set. Let cool.
4. For the filling, beat butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Spread filling onto half of the cookies, then sandwich with the remaining cookies. Enjoy soft, chocolatey, and creamy goodness!

Black and White Cookies: The NYC Classic with Vanilla and Chocolate Icing

A New York City bakery classic, Black and White Cookies are known for their soft, cake-like texture and their signature half vanilla, half chocolate glaze. They are a must-have treat for anyone who loves a balance of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• For the cookies:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the icing:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk until smooth.
3. Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet, shaping them into slightly domed rounds. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
4. For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread vanilla icing over half of each cookie.
5. Stir cocoa powder into the remaining icing and spread it over the other half. Let set before enjoying!

Thumbprint Cookies: Buttery and Filled with Jam

Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, soft, and filled with sweet jam, making them a classic favorite for holidays and everyday treats. Their slightly crisp edges and gooey jam center create the perfect bite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
3. Press a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb. Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of jam.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool before enjoying!

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies: Buttery, Crunchy, and Irresistible

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are a delightful combination of sweet, creamy white chocolate chips and rich, buttery macadamia nuts embedded in a soft, chewy cookie base. Their luxurious taste and texture make them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.