When it comes to baking cookies, there are various categories that can be explored. Each category offers a unique set of flavors, textures, and techniques. I broke the categories into 10 Types of Cookies.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro, understanding these cookie categories can help you gain confidence and enhance your cookie baking skills.
The 10 Types of Cookies Explained
Let’s dive right in and learn about the 10 different types of cookie categories. You will notice that some of the categories of cookies overlap. For example, Molded Cookies usually have to be Rolled Cookies first or Sandwich Cookies usually have to be made with either Drop Cookies or Rolled Cookies.
1. Bar Cookies
Unlike traditional cookies, bar cookies are made by baking the dough in a single sheet and then cutting them into individual bars or squares. It’s important to mention that some bakers do not consider “bars” cookies, however, we chose to include them in our “cookie” category anyway.
One of the great things about bar cookies is their versatility. They come in a wide variety of flavors and textures, from gooey and fudgy to crispy and crumbly. Some popular types of bar cookies include brownies, blondies, lemon bars, and oatmeal bars.
Bar cookies are easy to make and require minimal effort compared to drop cookies or rolled cookies. The dough is typically pressed into a baking pan and then baked until golden brown. Once cooled, they can be easily cut into uniform pieces.
These sweet treats can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add various ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of caramel or peanut butter to take your bar cookies to the next level.
Bar cookies are not only delicious but also convenient. They can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days, making them perfect for busy schedules or when you need a quick dessert option.
2. Drop Cookies
Drop cookies are a popular type of cookie that is made by dropping a spoonful of dough onto a baking sheet. They are known for their soft and chewy texture, and they come in a variety of flavors and variations.
The process of making drop cookies is simple and straightforward. The dough is typically made by creaming together butter and sugar, and then adding in eggs and vanilla extract. Flour, baking soda, and salt are then incorporated into the mixture to create the base dough. From there, additional ingredients such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit can be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Once the dough is prepared, it is dropped onto a baking sheet using a spoon or a cookie scoop. The dough is not shaped or rolled into balls like other types of cookies, hence the name “drop cookies”. The dough spreads and flattens out as it bakes, resulting in a soft and slightly crispy cookie.
Some popular variations of drop cookies include chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, and sugar cookies. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile and texture, making them a favorite among cookie lovers.
3. Filled or Stuffed Cookies
Filled or Stuffed cookies are a type of cookie that have a delicious filling sandwiched between two layers of cookie dough.
The filling can vary greatly, offering a wide range of flavors and textures. Some popular fillings include chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, caramel, peanut butter, and cream cheese. These fillings not only add a burst of flavor but also provide a delightful contrast to the cookie’s texture.
One popular variation of stuffed cookies is the classic chocolate chip cookie with a gooey caramel center. As you bite into the cookie, the warm caramel oozes out, creating a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Another favorite is the peanut butter stuffed cookie, where a creamy peanut butter filling adds richness and depth to the cookie.
Stuffed cookies come in a wide variety of flavors and fillings to suit every taste. From Nutella-filled cookies to fruity jam-filled ones, the possibilities are endless. Some bakers even experiment with savory fillings like cheese or bacon for a unique twist.
The process of making stuffed cookies involves shaping the cookie dough around the filling, ensuring that it is completely enclosed. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking, resulting in perfectly formed and deliciously gooey cookies.
4. Molded Cookies
Molded cookies are made using specially designed molds or cookie cutters that give them distinct shapes and patterns. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a popular choice for special occasions and holidays.
Molded cookies can be made using various types of dough, such as shortbread, sugar cookie, or gingerbread dough. The dough is typically chilled before being rolled out and cut into shapes using the molds or cookie cutters. The molds can be made of metal, plastic, or even silicone, depending on personal preference.
Once the dough is shaped, it is baked in the oven until golden brown. The result is a batch of beautifully molded cookies with intricate details and designs. These cookies can be decorated further with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to enhance their appearance.
One of the advantages of molded cookies is their versatility. They can be made in various shapes and sizes, allowing for endless creativity. From holiday-themed cookies like Christmas trees and Easter eggs to everyday shapes like hearts and stars, there is a mold for every occasion.
Not only are molded cookies visually appealing, but they also offer a delightful taste. The texture of the cookie can vary depending on the recipe used, but they often have a buttery and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
5. No Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies are a delicious treat that require minimal effort and no oven time. These cookies are perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. They are quick, easy, and delicious.
No-bake cookies are typically made with a combination of ingredients such as oats, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and milk. The exact recipe may vary, but the process remains the same. The ingredients are mixed together and then dropped onto a baking sheet or parchment paper to set. One of the great things about no-bake cookies is their versatility.
You can customize them to suit your taste preferences by adding ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter. This allows you to create a variety of flavors and textures with just a few simple additions.
No-bake cookies are a wonderful option for anyone who wants a homemade treat without the hassle of baking. They are especially wonderful to make in the summertime when it’s too hot to turn the oven on.
6. Piped Cookies
Piped cookies, also known as “decorated cookies” or “icing cookies,” are beautiful cookies that have gained popularity in recent years. These cookies are not your ordinary baked goods; they are artfully designed and decorated with colorful icing or frosting.
The process of creating piped cookies involves using a piping bag or a cookie press to apply the icing or frosting onto the cookie’s surface. This allows for intricate designs, patterns, and even personalized messages to be added to each cookie.
The icing or frosting is typically made from a mixture of powdered sugar, butter, and flavorings, which can be tinted with food coloring to achieve the desired hues. Piped cookies come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple round cookies to elaborate designs such as flowers, animals, or holiday-themed motifs.
They are often served at special occasions like birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and holidays, as they add a touch of elegance and creativity to any event. These cookies not only look visually appealing but also offer a delightful taste. The combination of the soft, buttery cookie base with the sweet and creamy icing or frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors in a true edible form of art.
7. Pressed Cookies
These cookies are made using a special cookie press, which allows you to create unique and intricate designs. Unlike traditional drop cookies, pressed cookies are formed by forcing the dough through a small opening in the cookie press, resulting in beautifully shaped cookies.
One of the key features of pressed cookies is their texture. These cookies have a delicate and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. They are often made with butter, sugar, and flour, which gives them a rich and buttery flavor.
Some popular flavors for pressed cookies include vanilla, chocolate, almond, and citrus. Pressed cookies are versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add various ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the dough to enhance the flavor and texture.
Additionally, you can decorate pressed cookies with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to make them visually appealing. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or parties, as they can be made in different shapes and sizes. From simple round cookies to intricate designs like flowers or animals, the possibilities are endless with a cookie press.
To make pressed cookies, you will need a cookie press, which can be found in most kitchen supply stores. The dough is prepared by creaming together butter and sugar, then adding in the dry ingredients. Once the dough is ready, it is loaded into the cookie press, and the cookies are formed by pressing the dough onto a baking sheet.
8. Refrigerator Cookies
Refrigerator cookies, also known as icebox cookies, are a type of cookie dough that is chilled in the refrigerator or freezer before baking. This dough is typically shaped into a log or a cylinder and then sliced into individual cookies before baking. The name “refrigerator cookies” comes from the fact that the dough needs to be refrigerated to firm up before it can be sliced and baked.
One of the main advantages of refrigerator cookies is their convenience. By preparing the dough in advance and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer, you can have freshly baked cookies whenever you want them. This makes them a great option for busy bakers or for those who want to have a batch of cookies on hand for unexpected guests or cravings.
Refrigerator cookies come in a variety of flavors and textures. You can find recipes for classic chocolate chip refrigerator cookies, as well as variations like oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, and even lemon or ginger flavored cookies. The dough can also be rolled in sugar or chopped nuts before slicing to add extra texture and flavor.
To make refrigerator cookies, you simply need to mix the dough ingredients together, shape the dough into a log or cylinder, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and chill it in the refrigerator or freezer until firm.
Once chilled, you can slice the dough into individual cookies and bake them according to the recipe instructions. Overall, refrigerator cookies are a versatile and convenient option for cookie lovers. With a little bit of preparation and some chilling time, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes.
9. Rolled Cookies
Rolled cookies are made by rolling out a dough and then cutting it into various shapes before baking. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple afternoon treat.
One of the great things about rolled cookies is that you can get creative with the shapes and decorations. From classic round shapes to intricate designs, the possibilities are endless. You can use cookie cutters in different shapes and sizes to create cookies that match the theme of your event or reflect your personal style.
Another advantage of rolled cookies is that they can be customized to suit different tastes. You can add various flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or citrus zest to the dough to create unique and delicious cookies. Additionally, you can decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar to make them even more visually appealing.
Rolling out the cookie dough may seem intimidating, but with a little practice, it becomes easier. It’s important to chill the dough before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking. Then, using a rolling pin, roll the dough to the desired thickness. Be sure to flour the surface and the rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Once the dough is rolled out, you can use cookie cutters to cut out the shapes. Carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them according to the recipe instructions. The result? A batch of delicious, perfectly shaped cookies that are beautiful.
Try our super easy Classic Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
10. Sandwich Cookies
Sandwich cookies consist of two cookies with a creamy filling sandwiched in between.
The cookies used for sandwich cookies are typically round and flat, with a slightly crispy texture. They can be made with various flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, or even oatmeal. The filling is usually a sweet and creamy mixture that can be flavored with chocolate, vanilla, or fruity flavors like strawberry or lemon.
Sandwich cookies are loved by people of all ages. They are perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or even as a special treat for parties and gatherings. The combination of the crunchy cookies and the smooth, creamy filling creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
One of the most well-known brands of sandwich cookies is the Oreo. Oreo cookies have a chocolate-flavored outer cookie with a sweet and creamy vanilla filling. They are a classic favorite and have become a staple in many households.
Not only are sandwich cookies delicious on their own, but they can also be used in various recipes. Crushed sandwich cookies can be used as a topping for ice cream or as a base for pie crusts. They can also be incorporated into desserts like cheesecakes, brownies, and milkshakes for an extra flavor and texture.
Hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. It is always my intention to leave you with a little bit of knowledge after reading my posts.
