There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, freshly baked cookie straight from the oven. Whether it’s a classic chocolate chip, a soft vanilla cookie, or a gooey caramel delight, cookies have a way of brightening even the busiest of days. The best part? You don’t need hours to enjoy them! With a few simple ingredients and under 20 minutes, you can whip up a batch of delicious treats that everyone will love. In this blog, we’ll share 10 easy cookie recipes that are perfect for quick baking sessions, busy afternoons, or last-minute dessert cravings.
Easy Cookie Recipes You Can Make in Under 20 Minutes
What makes these cookies extra special is that they combine speed with flavor. You’ll find recipes that are soft, chewy, and sometimes delightfully crisp—all crafted to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, we’ll include helpful tips on achieving the perfect texture, whether you prefer moist cookies, buttery cookies, or those with a melty chocolate center. Just like baking the perfect Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, timing and technique make all the difference in cookie baking too.
1- Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s nothing quite like a warm, soft, and chewy chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven. This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity, letting you enjoy delicious cookies in under 20 minutes. Each bite is packed with melty chocolate chunks, a buttery flavor, and a perfectly chewy texture that melts in your mouth. These cookies are ideal for busy afternoons, last-minute dessert cravings, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up without spending hours baking.
The secret to achieving that soft, tender bite—similar to the way Moist Vanilla Cupcakes stay irresistibly fluffy—is in balancing butter, sugar, and baking time. With this recipe, even beginners can create bakery-style cookies with minimal effort, ensuring every batch comes out golden on the outside and soft in the center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet (about 2 tbsp per cookie), leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter to achieve a tender crumb.
- Don’t overbake—cookies continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- For extra gooey chocolate, fold in a mix of chocolate chips and chunks.
- Like Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream, timing and ingredient ratios are key to soft, indulgent results.
2- Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
If you’re a fan of rich, nutty flavors, these soft peanut butter cookies are a must-try. Quick to prepare and perfectly tender, they are ideal for when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Each cookie has a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a slightly crisp edge and a soft, chewy center that keeps you coming back for more.
Just like achieving the delicate crumb in Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, the secret here is in the butter-to-sugar ratio and careful baking. Even beginners can create cookies with a bakery-quality finish that are flavorful, aromatic, and utterly irresistible. These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee, making them a quick comfort food favorite for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.
- Scoop dough (about 2 tbsp per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Press down slightly on each cookie with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter and peanut butter for the best consistency.
- Don’t overbake; slightly underdone centers create that soft, chewy texture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture, similar to keeping Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream fresh.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
3- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
For a wholesome twist on classic cookies, these oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and full of comforting flavors. Packed with hearty oats, plump raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for a quick snack, an afternoon treat, or even a lunchbox surprise. Despite their rich texture, these cookies come together in under 20 minutes, making them an easy go-to for busy days.
Much like Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture is all about balancing ingredients and baking time. The oats provide a tender bite, while the raisins add natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring every bite feels indulgent yet wholesome. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe guarantees consistent, bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in rolled oats and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet (about 2 tbsp per cookie), spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until cookies are golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- For extra softness, soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough.
- Avoid overbaking; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, similar to how Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream retain their soft, fluffy texture.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve chewiness.
- Cinnamon enhances the flavor, but you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a cozy, aromatic touch.
4- Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft, buttery, and coated in a delicate layer of cinnamon sugar, snickerdoodle cookies are a timeless favorite. Their slightly crisp edges give way to a soft, pillowy center, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Best of all, these cookies can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for a quick homemade treat that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Like Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, achieving that perfect soft and tender bite requires the right balance of ingredients and careful baking. The cinnamon-sugar coating not only adds a sweet, aromatic flavor but also gives the cookies a beautiful, golden appearance. Even beginners will be able to create bakery-quality snickerdoodles that are soft, chewy, and packed with warm, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon for rolling.
- Scoop dough (about 1.5 tbsp per cookie) and roll into balls, then coat evenly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter for a tender, moist texture.
- Slightly underbaking ensures a soft, chewy center, similar to the perfect crumb in Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little more cinnamon-sugar on top immediately after baking.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness.
5- Quick White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both luxurious and easy to make, these white chocolate macadamia nut cookies are a must-try. Soft, buttery, and studded with creamy white chocolate chunks and crunchy macadamia nuts, they deliver a delightful contrast of textures in every bite. Best of all, this recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick homemade treat that feels indulgent and special.
Just like achieving the soft, tender crumb in Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, the key to these cookies is balancing butter, sugar, and baking time. The white chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness, while the macadamia nuts add a subtle crunch. Even beginners can create bakery-quality cookies that impress with both flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in white chocolate chunks and macadamia nuts until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet (about 2 tbsp per cookie), spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft and chewy.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter to create a tender texture.
- Slightly underbaking ensures a soft, chewy center, similar to how Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream stay fluffy and moist.
- Toast macadamia nuts lightly for added depth of flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve softness and prevent the white chocolate from hardening.
6- Lemon Zest Sugar Cookies
Bright, zesty, and delightfully soft, lemon sugar cookies are a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. With a tender crumb and a subtle citrus flavor, these cookies are perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want a sweet treat with a little zing. Best of all, this recipe can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, making it an easy, quick-bake option for busy bakers.
Similar to Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, achieving a soft and tender cookie requires precise balance in ingredients and baking time. The lemon zest infuses every bite with freshness, while the buttery sugar dough ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Even beginners can achieve professional-quality cookies with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, then mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls (about 1.5 tbsp each), then roll in 2 tbsp sugar to coat.
- Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter for a tender, moist crumb.
- Slightly underbaking preserves a soft, chewy center, similar to Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream.
- Add a little extra lemon zest for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness.
7- Double Chocolate Fudge Cookies
For chocolate lovers, these double chocolate fudge cookies are pure bliss. Rich, indulgent, and ultra-soft, they combine cocoa powder in the dough with melty chocolate chunks for an intense chocolate experience in every bite. Best of all, this quick recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, so you can enjoy decadent homemade cookies without the wait.
Like achieving the soft, tender crumb in Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, the secret to these cookies lies in balancing ingredients and careful baking. The result is a fudgy, slightly chewy texture with a rich chocolate flavor that feels indulgent yet comforting. Even beginners can create cookies that rival bakery-quality treats with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough (about 2 tbsp per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft and fudgy.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter to achieve a tender, moist texture.
- Slightly underbaking keeps the centers fudgy, similar to Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream.
- Mix in a combination of chocolate chunks and chips for gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness and fudginess.
8- Almond Joy Cookies
These Almond Joy cookies are a delightful combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds, inspired by the beloved candy bar. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, they bring together a coconut base, crunchy almonds, and melty chocolate for a quick, indulgent treat. With this recipe, you can enjoy homemade, bakery-style cookies in under 20 minutes.
Like Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, achieving a tender, soft texture requires the right balance of ingredients and careful baking. The coconut adds natural moisture, while the almonds provide a satisfying crunch. Even beginners can create these crowd-pleasing cookies that are rich, flavorful, and perfectly soft in the center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Fold in coconut, chopped almonds, and chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet (about 2 tbsp per cookie), spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter to ensure soft, moist cookies.
- Slightly underbake for chewy centers, similar to Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream.
- Toast almonds lightly to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve softness and freshness.
9- Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies
These salted caramel pretzel cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Soft, buttery cookies are studded with crunchy pretzels and gooey caramel pieces, creating a flavor combination that’s irresistible. Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a quick, decadent treat for busy bakers.
Like achieving the tender crumb in Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, creating the perfect texture in these cookies requires precise ingredient ratios and careful baking. The pretzels add a salty crunch, while the caramel melts slightly to give a soft, chewy center. Even beginners can make these cookies look and taste like they came from a bakery.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually combine with wet ingredients.
- Fold in crushed pretzels and caramel bits until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet (about 2 tbsp per cookie), spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft and chewy.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter for tender, moist cookies.
- Slightly underbake for gooey caramel centers, similar to Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream.
- Crush pretzels coarsely to retain crunch and texture.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness and prevent caramel from hardening.
10- Cinnamon Roll Cookies
These cinnamon roll cookies capture all the sweet, warm flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a quick, bite-sized cookie. Soft, tender, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, they’re perfect for a cozy treat without the lengthy baking time of traditional cinnamon rolls. With under 20 minutes of prep and bake time, these cookies are a fast way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Similar to achieving the moist, fluffy texture in Moist Vanilla Cupcakes, the secret here lies in careful mixing and proper baking. The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds both flavor and a visually appealing pattern, while the cookies remain soft and chewy in the center. Even beginners can create bakery-quality cinnamon-flavored cookies effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Roll dough into balls (about 1.5 tbsp each). Press a small indentation in the center of each and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Gently roll the dough around the cinnamon-sugar to create a swirl effect.
- Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Moist Tips
- Use room temperature butter for a tender texture.
- Slightly underbake to retain soft, chewy centers, similar to Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream.
- Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to your taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve softness and prevent drying out.
Final Thought
Baking doesn’t have to be time-consuming to be delicious. With these 10 easy cookie recipes you can make in under 20 minutes, you can enjoy soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies anytime without hours in the kitchen. From classic chocolate chip and peanut butter to indulgent double chocolate fudge and almond joy cookies, there’s a flavor for every craving. Each recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly while delivering bakery-quality results, much like how Moist Vanilla Cupcakes or Moist Vanilla Cupcakes With Buttercream achieve that perfect tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
These quick recipes prove that convenience and flavor can go hand in hand. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a last-minute dessert, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Remember, small touches like using room temperature butter, slightly underbaking, and carefully balancing ingredients make all the difference in achieving soft, chewy, and moist cookies that everyone will love.
