Whether you like them soft and warm, cool and crispy, sweetened with chocolate chips, or spiced with molasses and cloves, there are countless kinds of terrific cookies out there. Some, like Ruth Wakefield’s Original Toll House Cookies, are tried-and-true classics, while others, such as maple pecan refrigerator cookies, are a little more unusual. Either way, we think you can’t go wrong with any of these favorite cookie recipes from the Yankee archives.
Today the most popular cookie in America, the Toll House Cookie was invented right here in New England by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, during the 1930s. Here’s the official recipe!
Toll House Cookies | Favorite Cookie Recipes Photo Credit : Adam Detour
Fragrant and buttery with crackled tops and slightly crisp bottoms, these cinnamon and sugar snickerdoodles are an old-fashioned favorite.
Snickerdoodle Cookies | Favorite Cookie Recipes Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
What makes these chocolate crinkle cookies so good? Intensely rich chocolate flavor and a texture that’s the perfect mix of crisp exterior and chewy, brownie-like interior.
Earthquake Cookies | Favorite Cookie Recipes Photo Credit : Amy Traverso
These sugar cookies are based on a recipe that ran in December 1939. With small adjustments, we ended up with delicious cookies perfect for cutting and decorating — and eating.
Spicy, sweet, and studded with raisins and currants, hermit cookies are a classic New England treat. This recipe was a first-place winner in our August 1952 issue.
Hermit Cookies | Favorite Cookie Recipes Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
We love this recipe for tasty, spicy, soft cookies made with pumpkin puree and packed with nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies | Favorite Cookie Recipes Photo Credit : Aimee Tucker
With their maple goodness, these treats are very New England — but with a Southern twist, thanks to the pecans’ nutty flavor. Use grade B maple syrup if you can find it, or else grade A dark amber will do.
These richly spiced cookies get their sparkle from a quick dunk in sugar before baking.
Molasses Clove Cookies | Favorite Cookie Recipes Photo Credit : Amy Traverso
What are your favorite cookie recipes to make?
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
As Digital Assistant Editor, Cathryn writes, manages, and promotes content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics. Originally from New Hampshire, Cathryn spends most of her time out of the office on the trails, slopes, or by the water.
