If you’re new(ish) to baking, cookies are a great place to start. That’s because most cookie recipes are incredibly forgiving. What’s more, you can use store-bought cookie doughs and mixes, and a few super-easy touches will make them taste homemade.

So if you’re ready for the easiest cookie recipes you’ve ever tried, read on.

Easy Cookie Recipes

1. SPICED HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIES

Sugar cookies top most holiday bakers’ lists, and this ultra-easy sugar cookie recipe is sure to please. This recipe delivers that warm, recognizable sugar cookie flavor thanks to McCormick® All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, with a spicy snap from McCormick Ground Cinnamon and McCormick Ground Nutmeg. They’re ready in about 30 minutes, and then you can take all the time you want to decorate them with festive icing and sprinkles.

2. GINGERBREAD COOKIE RECIPE

Next on your holiday baking list? (Checks notes. Yep, gingerbread!) This sweet and spicy take gets its depth from molasses and warmth from ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Once your dough is sufficiently chilled, roll it out into ginger people — or dogs, cats, or even reindeer.

3. PEANUT BUTTER CINNAMON COOKIES

Seeking an easy peanut butter cookie recipe? This one’s a breeze — with cinnamon both mixed into the dough and topping each cookie. While this recipe takes a little planning, since you need to chill the dough for 2 hours, it requires just 15 minutes of prep time. 

4. SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES

No list of classic cookie faves would be complete without the snickerdoodle (which is as much fun to say as they are to eat). With their signature crackly top, chewy center, and delightful coating of cinnamon-sugar, these cookies deliver a warmth and comfort that feels like a nostalgic hug. The distinguishing tang coming from cream of tartar — a secret ingredient that gives them their distinctive soft texture and subtle acidic note.

5. EASY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

You can’t go wrong with classic chocolate chip cookies — and they don’t get much simpler than this recipe. This easy chocolate chip cookie recipe gets added flavor from pure vanilla extract, while chopped walnuts add both richness and texture. They’re delicious on their own, or as a base for simple homemade ice cream sandwiches.

6. EASY THUMBPRINT COOKIES

Thumbprint cookies are just so cute, and, thankfully, they’re also very simple to make. You can whip up these Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies from scratch in under an hour. Or use pre-made cookie dough as a shortcut. Try making thumbprint cookies out of store-bought chocolate chip dough, topped with a dollop of hazelnut spread or a chocolate kiss. Or transform store-bought oatmeal cookie dough into a decadent thumbprint cookie by adding a square of caramel and a dash of sea salt. 

7. CHOCOLATE COVERED COOKIE DOUGH

Wait, what? We’re covering yummy cookie dough with yummy chocolate? Yep! Sounds…decadent…and it is! Cream cheese and butter create a rich, smooth base enhanced with McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract and McCormick Pure Almond Extract. The whipped topping lightens the texture; vanilla wafer crumbs provide structure; and miniature chocolate chips add bursts throughout. Once formed, dip the balls into melted chocolate for a professional-looking finish. And yes, they’re still considered “cookies,” even if there’s no cooking involved.