There are lots of fan-favorite cookie recipes out there—some are chocolaty; others are nutty. Although everyone might have a different opinion on what makes a truly decadent cookie, it often includes rich nodes, unique textures, and unexpected flavor combinations. We gathered our best party cookie recipes that will fit any and every occasion. Holiday cookie swap? Bring a cheesecake cookies. School bake sale? Whip up a batch of peanut butter cookies. Trying to impress your in-laws? You can never go wrong with a praline (and maybe serve a bottle of their favorite wine). With this paramount list of our best party cookies, there’s a recipe for everyone to love.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
When baking for a celebration, presentation is (almost) as important as the flavor, and these fudgy, white-chocolate-studded cookies are a surefire crowd pleaser. Plus, they only require 20 minutes of hands-on prep time.
Will Dickey; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee
Short on flour and short on time? These decadent chocolate flourless cookies will be your next dessert fix.
Molly Bolton
With snowy, crackly tops and a light, yellow-tinted center, these cookies are sure to be a bright spot on any dessert table.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
These will be the first sweet gone at any party. The warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar are like a hug.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These tender cookies double down on nutty flavors, and of course includes plenty of creamy peanut butter, for a classic flavor everyone will crave.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Fresh strawberries and crushed freeze-dried berries make each bite of these cookies feel like a party.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Never underestimate the flavor of a simple, classic cookie. You can serve them as they are or level up the fun by adding sprinkles, frosting, or sanding sugar.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Plump raisins stud each bite of this classic cookie recipe that will take you right back to Grandma’s table.
Molly Bolton
Crushed pecans add a crunchy texture to these extra rich chocolate chip cookies.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These five-ingredient chocolate cookies are some of the easiest cookies you’ll ever bake.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox
Every Southerner needs a trusty praline recipe and ours is simply award worthy.
Lace Cookies
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
These thin and delicate cookies, that call for just seven ingredients, just might be your new signature party cookie.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These candy-studded cookies are over-the-top fun and colorful. You can use candies to match your party’s colors, and use the entire rainbow for a perfectly festive treat.
Jessica Furniss
You don’t have to be an expert baker to try this festive smashed cookie recipe.
Emily Laurae
Outlined in red and green sprinkles and filled with crushed pecans, these Southern cookies are as festive as they come.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
This recipe is topped with a honey butter frosting, so it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living
If you’re in a time crunch, this 4-ingredient cookie recipe is here to save the day.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
These melt-in-the-mouth cookies are particularly fun during the holidays—they’re even rolled in powdered sugar twice.
Caitlin Bensel
Heavenly cheesecake was our inspiration for these buttery and creamy bite-sized treats.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
A staple in Granny’s kitchen, these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies belong on your cookie short list.
Emily Laurae
No one will ever know that these delicious cookies start with cake mix, and you’ll be able to whip them up in no time.
Southern Living
Filled with raspberry jam, these cookies are a light and refreshing treat against the crowded dessert spread.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Going to a cookie swap this holiday season? Bake these festive and cheerful Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
We elevated the traditional butter cookie by adding in bits of dried cranberries and orange zest.
Katie Strasberg Rousso
No baking expertise necessary to whip up these cake-like chocolate cookies.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Savory to the last bite. These pecan tassies are filled with buttery, nutty, and tangy flavors.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Add a little extra spice to your baking routine by getting the kids involved in this recipe. Little hands can easily help roll the dough in cinnamon sugar.
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
No one can resist the buttery flavor that shortbread cookies provide and to top it off, these treats are packed with delicious toasted pecans.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Create a batch of these pecan-studded cookies for your next winter gathering.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
In order to bake these festive holiday treats, you must be a rule-breaker baker. Ditch the parchment paper and place dough on an ungreased baking pan (an important note for the Spritz Cookies to take their shape).
Zoe Denenberg, Styling: Rachel Mulcahy
These bright, no-bake cookies are adored by all and famously make their appearance at church potlucks.
An irresistible mixture of peanut butter and chocolate makes for an extra indulgent treat.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Use up leftover egg whites to whip up this classic party treat.
Zoe Denenberg; Prop Styling: Rachel Mulcahy
These classic sugar cookies are intricate by design, but easy enough to make for first-time cookie decorators.
Emily Laurae/Southern Living
Buttermilk is the secret ingredient that makes these pralines ultra-rich.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
These one-of-a-kind loaded cookies are First Lady approved.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Loaded with a medley of heavenly spices, these cookies deserve an appearance at the holiday cookie swap.
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Fall is calling and these delicious Pumpkin Spice Cookies are on the menu.
Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
Snickerdoodles are delicious as is, but the addition of brown butter makes these cookies extraordinary.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Lovers of textured cookies will go wild for this recipe: They’re crispy on the edge with a chewy center.
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
These crowd-pleasures are sweet and salty, crispy and chewy all at once, so there’s something for everyone to love.