Comforting Cookie Recipes

Every stage of the cookie-baking process — from licking the batter to succumbing to seconds — is therapeutic. Just as soon as you slide them from the pan, any kind of work-, traffic- or weather-induced woe will meet its end. But let’s be realistic; cookie comfort isn’t one-size-fits-all.

You may need to bake up some solid recipes for old-school classics, or try your hand at new creations you might not have considered. All that’s left is a non-negotiable glass of cold milk, since cookies are simply better when they’re dunked.

The Classics

A no-fail recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies is vital for any baker. Consider this easy, versatile dough a jumping-off place; whatever you add beyond chocolate chips is up to you.

For those who prefer these classics with a crunch, Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies are baked until just brown around the edges.

Chewy Sugar Cookies; Linda McClure

Chewy Sugar Cookies; Linda McClure

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

The average sugar cookie lover will likely tell you one thing: Sugar cookies are better when they’re soft and chewy. Roll these Chewy Sugar Cookies in sugar sprinkles for an extra-special treat.

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

What’s a bake sale without a good snickerdoodle? These cinnamon-sugar treats are soft, thick and best enjoyed straight out of the oven.

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Chock-full of nuts and dried fruit, Loaded Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies are so lovely that it’ll be hard to resist eating them for breakfast.

The Newbies

Ree’s Monster Cookies take the cookie game by storm. Jam-packed with chocolate chips, M&Ms, pecans and rice cereal, they live up to their name with each bite.

Scrap the traditional squares for Trisha’s chocolatey Brownie Batter Cookies. They pack all the fudgy goodness of classic brownies into cookie form.

FN_NewYorkCheesecakeCookies_SandraLee_s4x3

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Rethink another dessert favorite with Sandra’s New York Cheesecake Cookies, complete with graham cracker bases and creamy, tangy centers.

Ree Drummond's Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies for Food Network

WU0105H_Chocolate-Chip-Cookies

Ree Drummond's Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies for Food Network

Photo by: Tara Donne ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Tara Donne, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Bring on the distinctive sweetness of your favorite milkshakes and candies with Ree’s Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies: Helen Ostrosky

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies: Helen Ostrosky

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Tara Donne, Tara Donne

Sometimes a good cookie doesn’t even need the oven. Peanut Butter-Chocolate No-Bake Cookies may get their foundation from a few scoops of oatmeal, but the taste is all chocolate and peanut butter.

More comforting cookie recipes:

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