27 After-School Cookies Kids Will Devour

When I made these cookies for my boys while they were growing up, it was a real challenge to keep them away from the kitchen to let these cookies cool. I still make these mouthwatering morsels for my “boys” today. —Ardys Smith, Palo Alto, California

Turn classic cookies into a platter of autumn leaves. Make them in solid colors, or combine pieces of tinted dough for a multicolored effect. — Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Crazy about chocolate chips? This chewy, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie has plenty, not to mention lots of heart-healthy oatmeal. The gang’ll come back for seconds so this big batch recipe is perfect.—Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota

These easy-to-make, old-fashioned sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I’ve passed the recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won the best of show prize! —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri

During college, my student job was in the bakery. These Red Velvet Cookies take me back to that special place and time. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota

You only need three ingredients to make these super simple acorn cookies! —Jane Stasik, Greendale, Wisconsin

The history of this whimsically named treat is widely disputed, but the popularity of this classic cinnamon-sugar-coated cookie is undeniable! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I make these almond butter cookies for all occasions. In the spring, I cut them in flower shapes and insert a lollipop stick in them to make a bouquet. Using candies, food coloring and a wild imagination, try your hand at this Halloween-inspired version. —Kristine Fossmeyer, Huntley, Illinois

This cookie recipe—a favorite of our four children—has been in my collection for years. Sometimes I’ll substitute mint-flavored chips for the semisweet chocolate ones. Either way, the chocolate cookies disappear quickly.

These cookie pops are downright adorable. They might look exotic, but they use everyday ingredients. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

These soft banana cookies have a cakelike texture and lots of flavor that everyone seem to love. It’s one of the best banana cookie recipes I’ve found. —Vicki Raatz, Waterloo, Wisconsin

It looks like a caramel apple but it’s really a chocolate chip cookie. You can coat the caramel with your favorite type of nut, sprinkles or mini chips. I am often asked to bring these to parties.—Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio

Guests will stand in line to kiss the cook when these treats are served! For a change of pace, try them with chunky peanut butter, too. —Canada60, Tasteofhome.com Community

This recipe is one of my family’s favorites, and I make these treats a lot, especially at Christmas. I have 3 children and 8 grandchildren, and every one of them loves those “peanut butter thingies,” as the grandchildren call them! —Jodie McCoy, Tulsa, Oklahoma

A miniature candy bar is hidden inside these fun pops. Colored frosting and candy faces make these addicting cookie pops the perfect Halloween treat. —Martha Hoover, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

“Hey, these are good!” is the surprised remark I hear when I bake these for the family. As simple as it may seem, all I do is follow directions. This works exceptionally well when it comes to making cookies. —Ian Badeer, Hickman, Nebraska

I’m a busy mother of two young children. I work in our school office and help my husband on our hog and cattle farm. When I find time to bake a treat, I like it to be special. The creamy filling gives traditional peanut butter cookies a new twist. —Debbie Kokes, Tabor, South Dakota

These treats are my family’s favorite, and it seems no matter how many I make, they always disappear too soon. —D. Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Capture the taste of campfire s’mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies’ marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa

Chocolate lovers will get a double dose when they bite into this cake-like cookie. The cookies are especially popular served alongside a big scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream! —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota

I came up with these cookies as a treat for my kids class parties. Not only do they look cute but they are also delicious.—Starrlette Howard, Ogden, Utah

A friend gave me the recipe for these cookies many years ago, and they’re as delicious as the ones Mom used to make. The secret to the recipe is to measure exactly (no guessing on the amounts) and to not overbake. —Wendy Coalwell, Abbeville, Georgia

My granddaughter helped create these cookie cups for the first time by using ingredients from my pantry and fridge. We used trail mix to jazz them up. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

This butter cookie recipe is a favorite of my nephews, who love the creamy frosting. —Ruth Griggs, South Hill, Virginia

Who can resist gigantic monster cookies chock-full of goodies like chocolate chips, M&M’s and peanut butter? If your appetite isn’t quite monster-size, make them by heaping tablespoonfuls. —Judy Fredenberg, Missoula, Montana

My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven’t met a person yet who doesn’t like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

These buttery little rounds add beautiful color to a platter of treats. Fill the thumbprint in the center with any fruit preserves you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen