Celebrate National Cookie Day with These 15 Delicious Homemade Treats

National Cookie Day is a perfect reason to indulge in the delightful world of cookies. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these 15 homemade cookie recipes will cater to every palate.

Celebrate the day with a variety of flavors and textures, from classic favorites to innovative twists. Let’s dive into each scrumptious treat and discover the stories and recipes behind them.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

The classic chocolate chip cookie is a timeless favorite that never fails to bring comfort and joy. Its origin dates back to the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn, accidentally created this delightful treat.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to the batter along with salt.

Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are nicely browned.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies offer a wholesome and chewy texture, reminiscent of childhood afternoons spent in grandma’s kitchen. These cookies trace back to the Scottish oatcakes, a beloved snack for centuries.

Recipe:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 3/4 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture.

Mix in oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter blossoms, with their rich peanut butter base and chocolate center, are a beloved holiday classic. Created in the 1950s, these cookies have won hearts and bake-offs alike.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup additional sugar for rolling
• 36 chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into each cookie when removed from oven. Cool on wire racks.

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on sugar cookies, famous for their cinnamon-sugar coating. Their unique name and flavor have made them an enduring favorite since the late 1800s.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon.

Shape dough into balls and roll in cinnamon sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set. Cool on wire racks.

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon sugar cookies bring a burst of citrus freshness to the classic sugar cookie. Their zesty flavor and soft texture make them a refreshing treat for any occasion.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple, known for their warm spices and charming decorations. They date back to ancient times and have become a symbol of festive joy.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface and cut into shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks before decorating.

Double Chocolate Cookies

Double chocolate cookies are a chocoholic’s dream, with an intense cocoa flavor and gooey chocolate chunks. Perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.

Mix in chocolate chunks. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Almond Biscotti

Almond biscotti are twice-baked cookies known for their crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Originating from Italy, they are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and almond extract. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to the egg mixture. Stir in almonds. Divide dough in half and shape into two logs.

Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven to cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Slice logs into 1/2 inch thick slices and lay on sides. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

White chocolate macadamia nut cookies boast a luxurious combination of creamy white chocolate and buttery macadamia nuts, making them a gourmet treat.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Mix in white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Cranberry Orange Cookies

Cranberry orange cookies bring a delightful balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange, creating a refreshing flavor for any cookie lover.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and orange zest. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Stir in cranberries. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Salted Caramel Cookies

Salted caramel cookies combine sweet and salty in a luxurious treat that tantalizes taste buds. Their rich caramel flavor is perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel bits
• Sea salt for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in caramel bits.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle with sea salt. Cool on wire racks.

Red Velvet Cookies

Red velvet cookies, inspired by the classic cake, feature a rich cocoa flavor and striking red color. Their soft, chewy texture is enhanced with creamy white chocolate chunks.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, vanilla, and red food coloring. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Stir in white chocolate chunks. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin spice cookies capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and soft texture. Perfect for enjoying during chilly autumn days.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mint chocolate chip cookies offer a refreshing twist with cool mint flavor and rich chocolate chips. They’re a delightful treat for mint lovers everywhere.

Recipe:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and mint extracts. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Matcha Green Tea Cookies

Matcha green tea cookies offer a unique flavor profile with earthy matcha and sweet cookie dough. Perfect for those seeking a taste of Japan.

Recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine flour, matcha, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.