Fill Your Cookie Jar with Our Best-Loved Cookies and Bars

Recipe: Kitchen Sink Cookies

Go ahead and throw everything in. Well, not quite everything. As the name implies, you throw just about everything but the kitchen sink into these ultra-decadent cookies. That means they are packed full of chocolate, almonds, corn chips, and oats—that's a lot of deliciousness. Bake these up and you'll find the kitchen sink in there somewhere.

Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter-Fudge Bars

The perfect mix of peanut butter and chocolate fudge, these bars are sure to impress.

Recipe: Fudgy Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cookies

This recipe gets rave reviews from our readers, who love how simple it is to get great flavors from such a small list of ingredients. You probably already have everything you need to put a batch of these together sitting on your pantry shelf. So if you want a great-tasting chocolate cookie recipe that is also gluten-free, this is the perfect dessert. And don't even give a second thought to the flour—these Fudgy Flourless Chocolate-Pecan Cookies are perfect as they are.

Recipe: Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies

If our Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies had any fewer ingredients you would literally be standing at your counter eating peanut butter out of a jar with a spoon. Still, you will impress your guests with these simple, four-ingredient peanut butter cookies. It is also incredibly easy to remember because you need one of everything: one cup of peanut butter; one cup of sugar; one egg; and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now bake! In fifteen minutes or so they are ready to go. Serve them warm from the oven with a tall glass of cold milk. And, if you want to mix it up a little, you can add in your favorite chocolate morsels, chopped peanuts, or other delicious ingredient.

Recipe: Ultimate Dark Chocolate Brownies

Chocolate brownies missing something? We thought so. This recipe calls for bourbon and espresso for extra decadent brownies.

Recipe: Crunchy Peanut Butter-Chocolate Swirl Bars

Peanut butter and chocolate unite to create a rich, delectable, and memorable bar. White and dark chocolate swirl with creamy peanut butter, punctuated by crisp rice cereal and roasted peanuts.

Recipe: Blackberry-Oat Crumble Bars

Pack a batch of these tart, fruity bars for your next picnic.

Recipe: Chewy Peanut Bars

We weren't exactly excited to test our old microwave column recipes again, but these chocolate-peanut blondies truly surprised us. You'll like their combination of sticky-sweet peanut butter and rich, gooey chocolate. But what you'll love is the crunch of peanuts, first from the salty sensations on top, then from the surprise in the center. Once this has cooled and been cut into squares, your guests won't know whether you've whipped it up in the microwave or baked it up in the oven, so take advantage of that often-overlooked kitchen appliance and make this tasty treat. When it comes out perfectly, you can surprise everyone, too.

Recipe: Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

Not in the mood for a whole pie? These Spiced Pecan Bars are a delicious alternative.

Recipe: Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Rolling these basic sugar cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture adds just enough spice and a bit of color. Brown butter makes it a sweet-and-spicy delight that practically melts in your mouth. 

Recipe: Red Velvet Brownies

These red velvet brownies taste as good as they look. They are moist, tasty, rich with cream cheese, and bursting with color. Let these Red Velvet Brownies be the star of your next dinner or get-together.

Recipe: Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies

Shaping with a cookie scoop helps to keep these rich cookies uniform in size.

Recipe: Cappuccino Swirl Bars

Grab one of the coffee bars for a quick jolt in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Recipe: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

We'll take your chocolate chip cookies and raise you a dose of brown butter.

Recipe: Pecan Pralines

You will love this cookie from the moment you speak its name. And what could be more Southern than pecans, except maybe making sure they are in the perfect pralines? The key to these is making sure to keep your eye on the heat—the temperature, that is. Making pralines is all about warming everything up, then cooling it down just right. For twists on the traditional, you can add chocolate, instant coffee granules, or even bourbon to this to create even more unique pralines. Whether you prefer the classic recipe, or want to put your best praline foot forward, everyone who has a bite will go nuts for these!

Recipe: Easy Sugar Cookies

This recipe creates cookies that look beautiful and taste delicious. To transform these from everyday to elegant, cut this dough into a variety of your favorite shapes. Then, glaze them. The dippable glaze will transform the cookies into works of art almost too pretty to eat. But eat them you will, because although they appear enticing, they taste incredible, and once you have your first bite of these sweet delights, it may just be difficult to stop. These are simple, classic cookies for a reason.

Recipe: Molasses Crinkles

People come together during the holidays to make these Molasses Crinkles. A heavy sugar crust and the peppery bite of ginger make these gingerbread cookies scrumptious. Be sure your spices are fresh; it will make a big difference in how these delicious cookies taste.

Recipe: Coconut Cheesecake Squares

These bars get their extra-tropical flavor from coconut milk, lime, and flaked coconut.

Recipe: Raspberry-Almond Crumble Bars

These layered fruit bars work well with fresh or frozen raspberries.

Recipe: Millionaire Shortbread

Consider this the homemade, way-upgraded version of your favorite candy bar.

Recipe: Best-Ever Brownies

Test Kitchen Professional Ivy Odom developed this recipe just in time for the holidays, but we have a feeling it'll be in our steady rotation all year round.

Recipe: Buttery Pineapple Crumble Bars

At once fruity and buttery, these crumble bars simply melt in your mouth.

Recipe: Old Fashioned Tea Cake

Whether the tea is for two, or just for you, you will love the taste of these Tea Cakes. Even though they're called cakes, tea cakes are actually easy to make—and easier to eat—old-fashioned cookies made with butter, sugar, buttermilk, flour, and lemon. Think of these as the perfect cookie to pair with afternoon tea, or one you could just as easily enjoy with a glass of lemonade. So brew a pot of Earl Grey or your favorite blend and bake a batch of Tea Cakes. Then settle in for a delightful, relaxing afternoon.

Recipe: Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls

This recipe brings together two classic tastes of the South. But at the holidays, the question becomes, "Who spiked the cookies?" Hardly a Christmas can pass in the South without these traditional ball-shaped, bourbon-flavored pecan cookies ending up on a dessert bar or in a gift box. And nor should it, for these two distinctive flavors combine to bring the true warmth and smokiness of the season together to be tempered by the sweet sensation of sugar. Together, this is a sweetness to be savored, and this is definitely a pairing to be wished for.

Recipe: Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are holiday classics. To bake truly authentic spritz cookies, you will want to invest in a cookie press. Then you will be sure to get that oh-so-perfect shape. This beautiful symmetry is actually part of the traditional spritz cookie, and you'll enjoy creating these gorgeous sweets on your baking sheets too. In the oven, these cookies bake to become light, crisp, golden delights. You can even add colored sugar crystals on top for an extra festive flair. Cool completely, then enjoy these festive delights.

Recipe: Brown Sugar Cookie Stars

With brown sugar mixed into the dough and sparkly gold decorations, this is definitely not your average sugar cookie.

Recipe: Cheesecake Cookies

Sure, cheesecake can be delicious, but baking one from scratch can be a whole day's work. Opt for these simplified (yet just as elegant) Cheesecake Cookies instead.

Recipe: Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies

These jumbo-sized cookies are sure to steal your heart.

Recipe: Cranberry-Orange Butter Cookies

These fragrant cranberry-orange cookies make a great holiday gift.

Recipe: Macaroon Sandwich Cookies

Although this kosher recipe is meant for Passover, the winning combination of coconut and strawberry jam makes these a favorite year-round.

Recipe: Daffodil Cookies

These fresh, floral, iced cookies are perfect for spring.

Recipe: Butter Cookies

Go back to basics with these sweet butter cookies that belong at any celebration.

Recipe: Butter-Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Slice n' bakes never looked so good.

Recipe: Pecan Sandies

Southerners will sneak pecans into just about anything, including our cookies.

Recipe: Magic Cookie Bars

This recipe takes the best parts of a cookie and a bar and combines them in one delightful dessert.

Recipe: Blueberry-Lemon Crunch Bars

Blueberry and lemon is one of our favorite warm-weather combinations, and these bars simply burst with fruity flavor.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

These easy, delicious cookies are ready for the oven in a matter of minutes. The most difficult part of this recipe will be unwrapping the chocolate kisses—especially since you may be tempted to eat some as you go. Once everything is ready, putting it together happens quickly. Then, sit back and get ready to put the kisses in the centers right when the cookies come out of the oven. The second most difficult part of this Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies recipe is simply waiting for the cookies to cool. Afterwards, the eating, and the enjoyment, are a given.

Recipe: Seven-Layer Cookies

These vintage cookies pack seven layers of heaven into one little bar.

Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake Bars

Complete with a stunning fruit swirl, these bars are the ultimate patriotic treat.

Recipe: No-Bake Fudgy Toffee Bars

For those days when you just can't bear to turn on your oven, but you still want your chocolate fix.

Recipe: Cream Cheese Brownies

These brownies may look fancy, but they only take 25 minutes of active time.

Recipe: Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

The famous cake takes the form of a cookie topped with its signature frosting.

Recipe: Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Bright lemon curd and a rich cheesecake mixture combine to create Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Bars. What's the big deal with Meyer lemons? They're a little sweeter, less acidic, and come with a heady floral aroma and flavor.

Recipe: Birthday Cake Cookies

These nostalgic cookies will take you straight back to childhood. Change the sprinkles to fit any occasion.

Recipe: Blueberry Breakfast Bars

With jammy centers and toasty tops, these bars make a great afternoon snack—and maybe a breakfast bite, too.

Recipe: Red Velvet Cake Crinkle Cookies

If you love this Southern classic, then you'll appreciate its cookie counterpart, too. They're rich, cakey, slightly fudgy—kids and adults will go crazy for them.

Recipe: Triple-Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Add these to your holiday cookie arsenal and you're pretty much guaranteed an invite to every cookie swap of the season.

Recipe: Basil-Lemon Bars

These are not your grandmother's lemon bars—and we're okay with that. The addition of basil provides a sophisticated twist on a well-loved dessert.

Recipe: Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are the ultimate fall pick-me-up. Cakey, warmly spiced, and topped with a sweet icing and crunchy pecans, they'll be impossible for company to resist.

Recipe: Tara Jensen's Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you haven't hopped on the sourdough wagon yet, here's an excellent place to start. Try 2021 cook of the year Tara Jensen's recipe, which is filled with generous chunks of bittersweet chocolate.

Recipe: Coconut-Citrus Bars

Move over, lemon square. Whether you find yourself in the throes of summer or a chilly winter, our Coconut-Citrus Bars are sure to brighten everything up.

Recipe: Carrot Cake Bars

Calling all carrot cake lovers. This one's for you: everything you love about it without the fussy frosting layers.

Recipe: Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you love a little kitchen drama, you'll want to add our Pan-Banging Chocolate Chip Cookies to your recipe tin. Let's just say these'll be a…smashing success.

Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Cake Mix Cookies

In a festive mood? These easy cookies do just the trick. Serve alongside a tall glass of lemonade, and switch out the sprinkles to suit any occasion and celebration.

Recipe: Raspberry-Rhubarb Bars

Take our Raspberry-Rhubarb Bars to your next spring picnic. A buttery cookie base balances out the tart rhubarb, and raspberries add sweetness.

Recipe: Raspberry-White Chocolate Meringue Sandwich Cookies

These delicate treats are a spot-on Valentine's Day or springtime offering. Crisp raspberry meringue roses sandwich a luscious white-chocolate filling tapered by tart raspberry preserves.

Recipe: Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Say hello to summer with this crumbly shortbread recipe, gently perfumed with lavender. You'll instantly be transported to the fields of Provence.

Recipe: Salted Caramel Popcorn Bars

These may sound fancy, but the truth is, the caramel sauce comes together quickly with the help of some caramel candies, a little water, and marshmallows.

Recipe: Blackberry-Apple Butter Pie Bars

Thanks to pre-made piecrust, it doesn't take much effort to pull together these fruity bars. Serve with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe: Cornmeal Thumbprint Cookies with Tomato Jam

Cornmeal may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you imagine making a deliciously sweet cookie, but this take on the traditional thumbprint cookie shows you just how it is done. Filled with tomato jam, these cookies are both sweet and savory. And, what is better is that when refrigerated, this dough keeps for days. If you prefer, you can bake these cookies in advance because they freeze well. Either way, the combination of cornmeal, sugar, and lemon zest turns into something simply amazing. This cookie gets the thumbprint of approval.

Recipe: Brown Butter-Maple-Pecan Blondies

These bars have a lot going on, and we're loving every part of it.