As kids, we looked forward to crunchy cookie snacks in our lunch box, and as adults we melt at the aroma of freshly baked cookies. But what makes us so cookie crazy? Why are cookies America's favorite baked good? Could it be the endless varieties, limitless flavors, and ease of popping the two-bite desserts into out mouth? We asked several professional pastry chefs their opinion about our favorite dessert and also gathered together some our favorite cookie recipes from award-winning professional chefs, home cooks, and top-selling food publications.
Chef Jansen Chan, pastry director at the International Culinary Center, tells us that "the mobility and transport of a solid, sweet pastry makes the cookie an ideal American snack. In a nation that's always on-the-go, the cookie is a manageable sweet snack that also showcases a wide variety of flavors." And here at The Daily Meal, we couldn't agree more. With plenty of cookies perfect for packing and eating while out and about during a busy day, a cookie is an excellent go-to snack for a sweet pick-me-up.
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We can all agree that cookies are musts for road trips, picnics, and well, for everyday snacking, but what are the advantages of baking your own cookies? Baking cookies teaches us about the fundamentals of baking and pastry. Jenny McCoy, pastry chef and author, tell us that "If you can master the simple technique with cookie dough, it will teach you the foundation for more complex baked good, like a variety of cakes and pastry doughs." Most cookies tend to follow a basic formula: cream together the butter and sugar, add eggs, add in dry ingredients, and finish by adding the flavorings. If you can master these skills, the possibilities for more advanced dough methods are endless. Our list of best cookies includes some simple butter and sugar cookies, and also more complex cookies like biscotti and macaroons.
Now that you're convinced that you can dive head first into the kitchen and whip up some cookies, we've compiled a list of tips that will help you make the perfect cookie. To chef Jansen, "The most crucial step to the cookie process is the bake. If it's a soft cookie, make sure to undercook your cookie slightly, as there will be carryover heat from the cookie sheet. With a crisp cookie, bake the cookie to a nice golden brown." He mentioned a trick is to bake on parchment paper to easily see the color of the cookie underneath by lifting up the paper.
Finally, what qualities should you look for in a good cookie? Chef Jansen says that "some of the common key attributes include portion size (not too small and not too big), freshness, balance in flavor and sweetness, and presentation." Our cookie recipes run the gamut of different types, from soft to crisp and from shortbreads to fruit-filled or double-chocolate. Chef McCoy tells us her favorite chocolate chip cookies are "crisp on the edge and chewy in the center… and must be baked to a golden brown and have large chunks of good-quality chocolate."
So what are you favorite cookies and how do you like them baked? We bet you could find a few new favorites and some familiar classics among our recipes.
Linzer Heart Cookies Recipe
These decorative cookies make beautiful and tasty gifts. An important tip: be sure to chop the nuts and chocolate very fine in a food processor, or the dough will be too rough-textured to roll out smoothly. You need a graduated set of heart-shaped cookie cutters to make these.
Click here to see the Linzer Heart Cookies Recipe
Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Oatmeal cookies garner their fame from their chewy consistency and adaptability. Raisins can be swapped out for other dried fruits, and chocolate chips can be added to make them extra indulgent.
Click here to see our Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Flourless Chocolate Cookie Recipe
We are all a fan of flourless chocolate cake, but Pastry Chef Mellisa Root of Madera, shares with us her recipe for the classic cake turned into a cookie.
Click here to see the Flourless Chocolate Cookie Recipe
Peanut Butter Cookies with Moonshine Cordials Recipe
These peanut butter cookies are sure to be a new favorite!
Click Here to see the Peanut Butter Cookies with Moonshine Cordials Recipe
Soft Molasses Cookies Recipe
These cookies are so soft and fluffy that they could float away on a cloud. Try these with a glass of milk after dinner.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup oat flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
Dash of salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup canned white beans, drained
DIRECTIONS
Mix the oat flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and spices together in a mixing bowl until well combined. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Drop 1 tablespoon of batter per cookie (14 total) onto the cookie sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake until the cookies are firm to the touch, about 10-15 minutes.
Recipe Details
Servings: 14
Special Designations: Kid-friendly
- Emily Jacobs, The Daily Meal
