We scoured the deepest corners of the internet and tested the most viral, five-star-rated sensations to find the absolute “holy grail” of baking. From the buttery crunch of hotel classics to the gooey, over-the-top decadence of TikTok’s most famous treats, these 10 recipes are officially the only ones you’ll ever need again.
Banana Bread Cookies
All the moist, comforting flavor of your favorite banana bread is transformed into a delightful handheld cookie. These treats are easy to make and are perfect for using up ripe bananas in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread Cookies
Snowball Cookies
These beloved holiday treats feature a simple, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture packed with chopped pecans and generously dusted with powdered sugar. They are simple to prepare and a guaranteed nostalgic hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Snowball Cookies
Gingersnap Cookies
Known for their signature crackled tops and spicy chew, these cookies deliver a warm, bold combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. They are the perfect deeply flavored cookie for the cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Gingersnap Cookies
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These traditional pecan shortbread balls, often known as Russian Tea Cakes or Snowballs, are rich, buttery, and heavily coated in powdered sugar. Their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture is an irresistible holiday classic.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Wedding Cookies
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
This festive twist on a classic crinkle cookie combines rich, spiced gingerbread flavor with a sweet, snowy powdered sugar coating. They are both beautiful on a platter and satisfyingly chewy.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Maple Pecan Bars
These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, caramelized layer of pecans and rich maple syrup. They offer the decadent taste of pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-share bar format.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Bars:
Italian Biscotti
These crunchy, almond-studded cookies are twice-baked until dry and crisp, making them the ultimate accompaniment for dipping into coffee or espresso. Their simple elegance and long shelf-life make them a perennial favorite..
Get the Recipe: Italian Biscotti
French Vanilla Cake Mix Cookies
These incredibly easy cookies start with a French vanilla cake mix base, yielding a perfectly soft, chewy, and tender texture with minimal effort. They are ideal for quick baking when you need a simple sweet treat fast.
Get the Recipe: French Vanilla Cake Mix Cookies
Linzer Cookies
These delicate Austrian sandwich cookies feature a nutty shortbread base traditionally flavored with almonds and filled with a vibrant raspberry or apricot jam visible through a small cutout. They are beautiful, buttery, and perfect for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Linzer Cookies
Conchas
While technically a sweet bread, this popular Mexican pastry has a soft, brioche-like texture topped with a sugary, streusel-like crust that resemble
Deni
Thanks for including regular baking directions, as I don’t have, nor do I plan to get, an air fryer! These are good recipes.
Laurie Fleming
Always ask if you need oven directions, I am trying to now include them, but most of them started off as my mom’s recipes, and she basked them, I just air fry them now.