Cookies have a way of sticking with us—flour-dusted memories passed down in recipe cards and lunchboxes. Each decade added its own flavor, literally, to the cookie jar.
From crunchy spice to trendy matcha, some cookies feel like home while others surprise with a new twist.
Let’s take a sweet stroll through time, one bite at a time.
1. Ginger Snaps – 1900s
Hard and spicy with a snap that lives up to the name, these cookies were once baked for shelf life and full flavor.
Molasses, cinnamon, and cloves pack in warmth that lingers long after the last bite. They’re still perfect dunked in tea on a rainy afternoon.
2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies – 1910s
Old-fashioned oats, chewy raisins, and a whiff of cinnamon make these feel like they belong in a farmhouse kitchen.
What started as a wholesome alternative to candy soon became a bake sale staple. Their soft centers and golden edges never go out of style.
3. Sugar Cookies – 1920s
Buttery, delicate, and ready for any celebration, these cookies were a favorite during the Jazz Age for their simplicity and sweet flair.
Cut into hearts, stars, or initials, they’ve long been a canvas for sprinkles and icing. Even plain, they melt like memories on the tongue.
4. Peanut Butter Cookies – 1930s
Born during the Great Depression, these cookies used pantry staples and offered rich, nutty comfort.
The crisscross fork marks are iconic and signal that soft, crumbly goodness is just a bite away. A hint of salt balances the sweetness in a way that never feels outdated.
5. Chocolate Chip Cookies – 1940s
Invented by accident at the Toll House Inn, they went from homemade treat to all-American icon almost overnight.
Crispy at the edge and gooey in the center, the balance of butter, sugar, and chocolate chips is magic. They remain the undisputed king of cookie jars everywhere.
6. Snickerdoodles – 1950s
Rolled in cinnamon sugar and slightly tangy from cream of tartar, these cookies popped up in kitchens during the postwar boom.
Their name alone is pure fun, but their crackly tops and chewy bite seal the deal. A favorite with kids, grandmas, and everyone in between.
7. Thumbprint Cookies – 1960s
A dollop of jam tucked into buttery shortbread gave these treats their signature look and nostalgic charm.
Popular during holidays and tea parties, they combined soft textures with a fruity burst. Whether filled with raspberry, apricot, or lemon curd, they remain a colorful addition to cookie trays.
8. No-Bake Cookies – 1970s
Cocoa, peanut butter, oats, and no oven required made these a hit in homes and lunchboxes alike.
They’re sticky, rich, and wonderfully lumpy—like fudge disguised as a cookie. On hot days or busy nights, they deliver fast comfort without fuss.
9. Molasses Crinkle Cookies – 1980s
Deep spice flavor and sugary cracked tops made these a go-to for cookie swaps and cozy fall gatherings.
They offer more chew than ginger snaps and more warmth than sugar cookies. Each bite tastes like cinnamon-dusted nostalgia wrapped in a napkin.
10. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies – 1990s
Chocolate dough studded with chocolate chips turned up the volume on an old favorite.
These became a coffee shop standard, rich and indulgent with a brownie-like center. For a generation raised on decadence, these cookies hit all the right notes.
11. Monster Cookies – 2000s
Oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s all crammed into one over-the-top treat.
The chaotic, colorful creations became popular with bake sale parents and anyone who couldn’t decide on just one mix-in. Every bite is a surprise, which might be why they’ve stuck around.
12. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies – 2010s
Borrowing from the beloved cake, these cookies brought cocoa, buttermilk tang, and bright red color to dessert tables.
Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they crackled into dramatic treats that looked as good as they tasted. Instagram-worthy before that was even a thing.
13. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – 2020s
A modern twist on the classic, these cookies use browned butter to add a nutty, caramel-like richness.
They’re slightly crisp, a bit chewy, and elevated without being fussy. Even one batch smells like something extra special is happening in the kitchen.
14. Gluten-Free Almond Cookies – Modern Trends
In recent years, gluten-free almond cookies have gained popularity, catering to those with dietary restrictions. Made with almond flour and sometimes just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are naturally gluten-free.
The delicate crunch gives way to a soft center that feels almost like marzipan. They’re proof that simplicity can still taste luxurious.
15. Matcha White Chocolate Cookies – Trending Today
Bright green matcha powder blends with creamy white chocolate for a dessert that’s equal parts earthy and sweet.
Their bold color and unique flavor have made them a hit in bakeries and home kitchens alike. One bite feels like a sip of green tea with a hug.