15 5-Ingredient Cookies You Need to Try Now

Hey, remember those days when you’d crave cookies but stare at a recipe calling for a dozen ingredients and think, nope, not today? I sure do, and that’s why I rounded up these 15 gems that stick to just five items each. They’re quick, they’re foolproof, and they hit that sweet spot without turning your kitchen into a war zone. I’ve baked my way through most of these on lazy weekends, and trust me, they deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

These simple recipes prove you don’t need a pantry overhaul to make something delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or just short on time, five ingredients keep things straightforward. Plus, many allow easy swaps for dietary needs, like gluten-free flour or plant-based alternatives.

Why 5-Ingredient Cookies Are a Game-Changer

Let’s be real—who has time for complicated baking? These cookies cut the hassle while keeping the joy intact. You mix, scoop, bake, and done. No fancy equipment required, though a good cookie scoop makes portioning effortless and ensures even baking every time.

Ever wondered why simple recipes often taste better? Fewer ingredients let the stars shine without competition. I’ve found that on busy weeks, these save my sanity. They’re perfect for last-minute treats or involving kids in the kitchen.

Speaking of easy bakes, if chocolate calls your name, you might also enjoy these fudgy no-bake bars or a quick chocolate mug cake.

1. Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Nothing beats the timeless peanut butter cookie. Grab creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, one egg, and vanilla extract. That’s it for chewy, crisscross classics.

Cream the peanut butter with both sugars until smooth, beat in the egg and vanilla, then shape into balls. Press with a fork for that signature pattern and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. They come out golden with cracked tops.

Why do these never get old? The nutty richness balances sweetness perfectly. For crunch, use chunky peanut butter instead. Peanuts pack healthy fats and protein, making these a smarter snack option.

I always reach for this sturdy cooling rack to let them crisp up without sogginess. FYI, natural peanut butter works too, just stir well first.

Get Full Recipe

2. Chocolate Chip Shortbread

Butter lovers, listen up. Use unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla, and mini chocolate chips. These melt-in-your-mouth bites feel fancy but take minutes.

Beat softened butter with sugar and vanilla, fold in flour and chips, then chill briefly. Slice into rounds and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes. Buttery edges with chocolate bursts.

Have you tried shortbread with mix-ins? It elevates the basic version. For dairy-free, coconut oil swaps nicely. Shortbread’s high butter content creates that tender crumb everyone craves.

This silicone baking mat prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—I use mine for everything.

3. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Rolled oats, banana, raisins, cinnamon, and peanut butter make these naturally sweet and wholesome. Mash a ripe banana, stir in the rest, and bake.

Scoop onto a sheet and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. Chewy with natural caramel notes from the banana.

Who needs added sugar when fruit does the trick? Bananas bind everything while adding potassium. Swap raisins for dried cranberries for tang.

Speaking of oats, these remind me of overnight oats parfaits or simple granola clusters for breakfast vibes.

Get Full Recipe

4. Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies

Almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, baking soda, and dark chocolate chunks. Gluten-free and rich.

Mix dry ingredients, add syrup, fold in chunks. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Fudgy centers.

Ever notice how almond flour keeps cookies moist? Its natural oils shine here. Almonds offer vitamin E for skin health perks.

I swear by this offset spatula for transferring delicate cookies without breaking them.

5. Coconut Macaroons

Shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, egg whites, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Crisp outside, chewy inside.

Whip egg whites slightly, fold in the rest, scoop, and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes until golden.

Why condensed milk? It binds and sweetens effortlessly. For vegan, try coconut condensed milk alternatives.

This parchment paper liner ensures easy release every time.

If coconut’s your thing, check out these coconut lime energy bites or a tropical coconut chia pudding.

6. Lemon Sugar Cookies

Flour, butter, sugar, lemon zest, and one egg yolk. Bright and tangy.

Cream butter and sugar with zest, add yolk and flour. Roll, cut, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Lemon zest infuses fresh flavor without juice mess. Have you baked with zest alone? It packs punch.

Get Full Recipe

7. Nutella Swirl Cookies

Nutella, flour, egg, baking powder, and sugar. Hazelnut heaven.

Mix batter, swirl in Nutella, bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

The swirl creates pockets of gooey spread. Nutella’s roasted hazelnuts add depth.

This small whisk blends batters quickly without overmixing.

8. Cinnamon Snickerdoodles

Flour, butter, sugar, egg, and cream of tartar—plus cinnamon sugar coating.

Classic tang from cream of tartar. Roll balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.

Cinnamon not only tastes amazing but offers antioxidants, as noted in this Healthline article on cinnamon benefits.

This dough scraper helps portion sticky mixes cleanly.

Speaking of warm spices, you might love ginger molasses bites or spiced apple oatmeal cookies.

9. Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate

Peanut butter, sugar, egg, cocoa, and baking soda. Dense and satisfying.

Stir cocoa into the classic base for chocolate twist.

Peanuts provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, supporting overall wellness.

I use this electric hand mixer for creamy consistency in seconds.

10. White Chocolate Cranberry

Butter, sugar, flour, egg, white chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.

Balance sweet and tart. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Cranberries add chew and antioxidants.

Get Full Recipe

11. Ginger Spice Cookies

Flour, molasses, butter, egg, and ground ginger. Chewy spice.

Molasses brings deep flavor and moisture.

Ginger aids digestion—bonus for holiday indulgences.

This rolling pin evens dough without sticking.

12. Matcha Shortbread

Butter, powdered sugar, flour, matcha powder, and salt. Earthy green tea notes.

Matcha provides calm energy from L-theanine.

For more green treats, try matcha energy balls or a simple matcha latte mix.

13. Toffee Bit Cookies

Flour, butter, brown sugar, egg, and toffee bits. Caramel crunch.

Fold bits into basic dough.

Toffee melts slightly for pockets of buttery goodness.

This cookie stamp adds fun patterns if you’re feeling creative.

14. Espresso Chocolate Chip

Flour, butter, sugar, egg, and instant espresso plus chocolate chips (counting as one).

Coffee enhances chocolate flavor dramatically.

Have you amplified chocolate with coffee? It deepens notes.

15. Lavender Sugar Cookies

Flour, butter, sugar, egg, and dried lavender. Floral and unique.

Infuse butter with lavender first for subtle aroma.

Lavender promotes relaxation—perfect evening treat.

Get Full Recipe

If nuts feature heavily, consider almond joy bars or hazelnut truffles for similar vibes.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more simple sweets? These build on the five-ingredient theme.

More Classic Comforts:

• Chewy chocolate brownies
• Vanilla sugar cutouts

Nutty and Wholesome Options:

• Almond butter thumbprints
• Cashew date bites

Fruity Twists:

• Lemon blueberry scones
• Strawberry oat bars

These keep prep minimal while varying flavors.

Wrapping It Up

There you go—15 straightforward cookies ready to brighten any day. I’ve shared the ones I turn to repeatedly because they work without fail. Pick one, gather those five ingredients, and bake something comforting. Your future self will thank you when warm cookies emerge from the oven. Which will you try first?