14 Delicious Back to School Cookie Recipes Your Kids Will Love
Back to school season isn’t just about fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils—it’s also the perfect excuse to fire up the oven and bake a batch of cookies. There’s something about having a homemade treat waiting at the end of the day that makes settling back into the school routine a little sweeter. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack to slip into lunchboxes, a quick pick-me-up for after-school cravings, or a fun weekend baking project with the kids, cookies are always a win.
Plus, baking together is one of those simple joys that turns a regular afternoon into quality family time. Kids love getting hands-on with mixing, scooping, and of course, taste-testing along the way. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-baked cookies filling the kitchen? You can go classic with chocolate chip, sneak in some oatmeal for a bit of heartiness, or get playful with sprinkles and themed shapes that make snack time even more fun.
If you’re ready to celebrate the new school year with something sweet, I’ve rounded up some of the best cookie recipes to try. These treats are easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing—whether it’s with classmates, teachers, or just your own family around the table.
Peanut Butter Cookies With Crisscross Tops

Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that kids love, especially when they come with those iconic crisscross tops. They’re easy to make and perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying after school. Grab a glass of milk, and you’re all set for a cozy snack time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, baking soda, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic treat that brings comfort and nostalgia. They are chewy, sweet, and packed with wholesome oats and plump raisins. Perfect for a back-to-school snack, these cookies are sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Stir in the oats and raisins until evenly combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Funfetti Sugar Cookies

Funfetti sugar cookies are a delightful way to kick off the school year! These colorful treats are soft, sweet, and packed with sprinkles that make every bite feel like a celebration. Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks, they’ll bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Fold in the sprinkles.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are a quick and tasty treat for back-to-school season. They come together in no time and are perfect for busy days. Just mix, scoop, and enjoy these delicious bites!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, let it cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in oats and vanilla extract.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper and let them cool until set. Enjoy your cookies!
Back To School Apple-Shaped Sugar Cookies

These apple-shaped sugar cookies are a fun treat to celebrate the back-to-school season. With their bright red icing and cute little leaves, they’re sure to bring smiles to kids and adults alike. Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks, these cookies are a sweet way to kick off the new school year!
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red icing (for decoration)
- Green leaves (candy or icing)
- Chocolate chips (for stems)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, then place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly and shape them into apples.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Once cooled, decorate with red icing, add chocolate chips for stems, and place green leaves on top. Enjoy your delicious back-to-school cookies!
Monster Cookies With M&Ms

Monster cookies are a fun treat that kids love, especially when school starts up again. These cookies are packed with oats, chocolate chips, and colorful M&Ms, making them a perfect snack for lunchboxes or after-school cravings. Bake a batch and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and M&Ms until evenly distributed.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodle cookies are the perfect treat to kick off the school year! Their soft, chewy texture and sweet cinnamon flavor make them a favorite among kids and adults alike. Bake a batch to share with friends or pack in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough into balls and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double chocolate chip cookies are a perfect treat to kick off the school year! These cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with chocolate goodness. They make for a delightful snack after a long day of classes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
