I Didn’t Think I Had Time To Bake—23 Cookie Recipes Proved Me Wrong

Time usually runs faster than a kid chasing the last cookie, so baking rarely makes the cut. But somehow, 23 cookie recipes managed to sneak past the excuse list. The steps didn’t take forever, and the results felt way more generous than expected. People were grabbing them off trays before they even cooled down.

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

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.

If you’re looking for something rich and fruity, Chocolate Cherry Cookies are the way to go. These cookies perfectly balance chocolate flavors with bits of cherry baked in for a delicious twist. They’re quick to make and bring a unique touch to classic cookie recipes, making them special yet still simple.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Sugar Cookies Without Butter

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

For something simple yet classic, Sugar Cookies Without Butter are a fantastic option. These cookies are light, sweet, and offer the perfect balance without a single need for butter. Whether you’re out of butter or just seeking a slightly different recipe, these cookies come together with ease.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookies Without Butter

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.

Fans of soft cookies will love Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies. This recipe replicates a bakery-fresh experience with moist red velvet bases and creamy white chips. The cookie’s texture really makes it stand out, and it’s much easier to make than you’d expect. Perfect for recreating a bakery favorite right in your own home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip 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.

Add a hint of warmth to your baking routine with Spiced Apple Cookies. These cookies blend mild fruitiness with a touch of spice, creating a balance that’s both comforting and flavorful. They don’t take long to prepare, but the result feels perfect for any informal gathering. You’ll love serving them when you want something just a little bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Apple 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.

There’s nothing quite like Peanut Butter Cookies when you’re craving something familiar yet flavorful. The signature nuttiness makes this treat stand out, while the easy process makes it a favorite for quick baking. These cookies come together quickly and taste fantastic fresh out of the oven or the next day. A staple recipe every baker should have in their collection.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter 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.

If you’re after something a bit more fun, Marshmallow Swirl Cookies are worth your time. The gooey marshmallow swirls offer a playful texture, making each bite something a bit different. They’re incredibly simple yet have that wow factor that appeals to kids and adults alike. This is a great recipe to bake for a mix of creativity and ease.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl 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.

For a fresh take on dessert, give Banana Pudding Cookies a try. These cookies bring the rich, creamy tones of banana pudding into a compact, handheld form. They’re easy to throw together but offer a larger-than-life flavor perfect for banana lovers. Trust me, these cookies are worth fitting into the busiest of schedules.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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

Fans of homemade classics will appreciate Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Inspired by carrot cake, this recipe packs those familiar spices and finishes off with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a great choice for those who want the essence of cake without the need for a full dessert.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cookies

Stacks of red sugar cookies, one with a bite taken out, are arranged next to a glass of milk and whole strawberries.
Strawberry Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh and light, Strawberry Cookies are a great option when you’re looking for a fruity dessert. These cookies pack subtle strawberry flavors into every bite, and they’re ready in no time. With their soft texture, they’re a real treat for something special without overcomplicating your bake. This recipe brings something a little extra sweet to your table.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry 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.

When you don’t even want to preheat the oven, No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies are your answer. These cookies combine the light sweetness of maple with a rich, nutty flavor from pecans. Quick and easy, this recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave cookies without the fuss of baking. Keep this one handy for those no-pressure dessert moments.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Colorful ladybug-themed cookies with red tops and chocolate bases, decorated with googly eyes, sit on a bed of rainbow paper shreds.
Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cookie decorating gets even better with Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos. This recipe is creative and fun, combining Oreo cookies with a playful design perfect for themed occasions. It’s as delicious as it is fun, making it an ideal option to enjoy with both kids and adults. They’re easy to make and sure to grab attention at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Vegan Sugar Cookies

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

For a reliable, plant-based option, Vegan Sugar Cookies set a high bar. These cookies are adaptable enough to please anyone, entirely free of animal products, and easy to bake. They have a soft texture and light sweetness, perfect for decorating or enjoying plain. A perfect solution for vegan or non-dairy bakers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sugar 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.

Fans of rich and soft textures will enjoy Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies. This recipe recreates the brownie-like flavor of this favorite dessert with a cookie twist. Perfect for chocolate cravings, they don’t take much effort at all to make. These will surely be a go-to recipe for anyone who loves bakery-style goods.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

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.

Sometimes classic and simple wins, and that’s what Shortbread Cookies deliver. Their crisp texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor are timeless and easy to recreate at home. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a cookie with a simple flavor profile that doesn’t overcomplicate baking. Whether plain or paired with tea, they’re always a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread 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.

If you love the PB&J flavor combination, Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie replicates it in a cookie form. The peanut butter base pairs perfectly with a dollop of sweet jelly for the best of your childhood sandwich in every bite. You’ll love how quick and fun these are to make for a creative baking spin.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Vegan Amaretti Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For a plant-based twist on almond flavors, Vegan Amaretti Cookies hit the spot. These cookies keep the crumbly, nutty texture you would expect, but they’re entirely egg-free. Simple and straightforward, this recipe shows how easy vegan baking can be without sacrificing flavor. They’re a great option whether you follow a plant-based diet or not.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Amaretti 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.

Combine the best of two worlds with Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies. These cookies have all the fruity goodness of a muffin in a quick and easy cookie form. They are soft and slightly chewy with bursts of blueberry in every bite. Great for when you’re in the mood for familiar flavors with a fun twist.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

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.

Go for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies if you’re looking for a cookie with deep chocolate flavors and a signature design. These cookies are striking with their crackled tops and soft, rich interiors. The best part? They’re straightforward to bake and always make a strong impression. Their texture and appearance are enough to keep this recipe in regular rotation.
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.

For a fun, whimsical bake, try Cookie Monster Cookies that look and taste just as playful as you’d expect. Decorated with blue hues and sometimes goofy candy eyes, they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat. These cookies combine traditional flavors with a creative look that will capture smiles instantly. Perfect for themed occasions or just because.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Monster Cookies

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 one dose of chocolate isn’t enough, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies will fix that. Adding chocolate chips to a chocolate base makes this recipe rich without being complicated. These cookies are quick to bake and remain a favorite for anyone who wants a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their simplicity makes them an excellent dessert whenever time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip 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.

Lovers of cookie dough will adore Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe for its fun concept. A bake that’s all about recreating those irresistible cookie dough flavors, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. Just the right level of sweetness makes these different from a traditional baked cookie.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Chip Cookies

A hand holding a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Of all cookie recipes, Chocolate Chip Cookies are a staple everyone needs. This classic bake is simple, fast, and perfect for that familiar taste of home. You can prepare them in no time, and they’re guaranteed to please every single time. Great for first-time bakers or anyone short on prep time.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Lemon Cookies

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

Bring bright flavors to the table with Lemon Cookies that are fresh and simple to make. These cookies offer a combination of sweet undertones and light citrus flavors, but they’re easy enough for busy schedules. Soft and lightly chewy, they stand out for their airy texture. A refreshing option for when you need a quick and easy dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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