15 Father's Day Cookies Dad Will Love

When it comes to Father’s Day, I always think about what would make the day extra special for the dads in our life. Honestly, there’s something about a fresh batch of homemade cookies that just feels like a big warm hug. My dad has always had a sweet tooth (especially for anything with peanut butter or chocolate), so baking cookies has kind of become our little tradition.

This year, I wanted to round up 15 Father’s Day cookies that are truly dad-approved. Some are classic favorites that never get old, and a few are a little more creative just to keep things fun. Whether your dad loves a good old fashioned chocolate chip or something a little more decadent like an Espresso Chocolate Chunk cookie, there’s a little something here for every kind of sweet tooth.

So if your planning on whipping up something homemade this Father’s Day, I got you covered! These cookies are easy, delicious, and guaranteed to put a big smile on Dad’s face. Plus, you might just want to double the batch… trust me, they’ll disappear fast.

Table of Contents

1. Brown Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’ve never tried brown butter in cookies before, oh man, you are in for a treat. It adds this rich, nutty flavor that makes everything taste a little fancier without even trying. Mix that with some ripe banana and melty chocolate chips, and you’ve got a cookie that’s basically impossible to resist. These ones feel a little extra special but still super cozy, just the kinda thing Dad would love with a big cup of coffee.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 18 cookies

Ingredients:

1 stick butter (½ cup), browned and cooled
1 medium overripe banana, mashed (¼ cup)
1 egg yolk, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
⅓ cup sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
⅔ cup chocolate chips (optional: plus a little extra for topping)
Optional: Flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
To brown the butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan or small pot over medium-low heat while stirring constantly to ensure the butter does not burn. After about 5-10 minutes the butter will begin to foam. Continue stirring until the butter smells nutty and turns a golden amber color with browned bits forming. Immediately remove from the heat and pour into a heat-proof dish to cool. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes (until it is lukewarm or room temp).
While the butter is cooling, mash your banana and make sure it measures ¼ cup.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until blended.
Once your brown butter has cooled for about 10-15 minutes, add both of the sugars to the brown butter and whisk together until combined. Add the mashed banana, egg yolk, and vanilla, and whisk until smooth and well combined.
Add the flour mixture into the wet mixture, and gently stir until well combined being careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly incorporated.
Using a medium scoop (I used a #40 scoop equal to 1.5tbl), scoop the dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets about 3 inches apart.
Top each ball of dough with a few extra chocolate chips by gently pushing a few of the chips into the tops of the doughballs.

2. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

You really can’t go wrong with a good old classic chocolate chip cookie. Sometimes simple is best, especially when you get that perfect mix of crispy edges and soft, gooey centers. These cookies are like a little bite of childhood, and honestly, I don’t know any dad who could turn one down. Bake up a batch and watch them disappear faster than you can say Happy Father’s Day!

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup mini chocolate chip morsels
1 egg
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 9-11 minutes or until golden brown around edges. Cool on wire racks.

3. Lavender Cookies with Icing

Ok, hear me out, lavender in cookies might sound a little fancy, but it’s actually so good. The flavor’s light and kinda floral without being too much, and the sweet icing on top just ties it all together. If your dad’s the kinda guy who likes trying new things (or just loves a good buttery cookie), these are a fun and different treat to bake for him this year.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds, finely ground (optional for a milder lavender taste)

For the lavender icing:

1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams)
2 tablespoons milk (30 ml, or more for desired consistency)
1/4 teaspoon lavender extract
1/2 tsp acai powder (for coloring)

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 and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Gradually add the flour, salt, and ground lavender buds, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
For easier handling, cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes (optional).
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Use a round or flower-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, placing them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

For the icing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lavender extract until smooth. Add more milk as needed for a drizzling consistency.
If desired, add a drop or two of purple food coloring to give the icing a light lavender color.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies or use a piping bag for more precise designs. Allow the icing to set before serving.

4. Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

If your dads anything like mine, he’s all about those big, hearty desserts, and this chocolate chip skillet cookie totally delivers. It’s warm, gooey, and you can just plop it right in the middle of the table with some ice cream on top. No fuss, just pure, melty goodness. Perfect for a Father’s Day that’s all about kicking back and enjoying the simple stuff.

Read more about this recipe and print off a recipe card here.

Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg (50 g)
1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda (2 g)
1/4 tsp salt (1.5 g)
3/4 cup (130 g) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup (40 g) dark chocolate chunks (optional)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) cast iron skillet with butter or nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks (if using).
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared skillet and spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set. For a gooier cookie, bake for less time; for a firmer cookie, bake slightly longer.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cookie cool for about 5 minutes. The skillet will continue to cook the cookie slightly as it cools.
Serve warm, directly from the skillet, with scoops of vanilla ice cream on top if desired.

5. Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

These Peanut Butter & Jelly Thumbprint Cookies are like a sweet little throwback to every dad’s favorite sandwich. Soft, peanut-buttery cookies with a dollop of jam right in the center, honestly, it’s kind of impossible to eat just one. They’re fun to make too, especially if you get a little messy with the jam (not that anyone’s complaining).

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup your favorite jelly or jam

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets. Press thumb into center of each ball to create an indentation.
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 tsp jelly.
Bake 12-14 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.

6. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies might not be the flashiest, but they always hit the spot. They’ve got that chewy texture and just the right amount of sweetness from the raisins. Plus, they feel a little more hearty, which dads always seem to appreciate. If you’re looking for something classic and cozy, these are a solid choice for Father’s Day.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add to wet ingredients.
Stir in oats and raisins.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on wire racks.

7. Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodles are one of those cookies that just never go outta style. Soft, chewy, and coated in cinnamon sugar, they’re simple but seriously delicious. Every time I bake a batch, the whole kitchen smells amazing, and honestly, dads can’t resist ‘em. Perfect for adding a little extra sweetness to Father’s Day.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

For rolling:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on baking sheets.
Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are set. Cool on wire racks.

8. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

If your dad’s a chocolate lover, these Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are pretty much a no-brainer. They’re rich, fudgy, and packed with melty chocolate chips in every single bite. Kinda like a brownie and a cookie had a really delicious baby. Definitely a must-bake if you wanna score some extra brownie points this Father’s Day!

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 9-11 minutes until set. Cool on wire racks.

9. Lemon Sugar Cookies

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are so light and fresh, they’re like a little burst of sunshine. They’ve got just the right amount of sweet and tart, and they’re soft with those slightly crisp edges that make every bite perfect. If your dad’s into lemon desserts (or just likes something a little different), he’s gonna love these.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet ingredients.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets. Flatten slightly.
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.

10. Maple Pecan Cookies

Maple and pecan just feel like such a cozy combo, and these cookies are no exception. They’re soft, a little chewy, and packed with that warm maple flavor plus crunchy bits of pecan. If your dad’s a fan of nutty desserts or anything with a hint of fall vibes, these are definitely worth baking up for him.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in maple syrup, egg, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in pecans.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on wire racks.

11. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

There’s just something about White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies that feels a little extra special. They’re sweet, buttery, and have that perfect bit of crunch from the macadamias. If your dad’s a fan of rich, bakery-style cookies, he’s gonna be all over these. Definitely one of those treats that disappears way too fast.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks.

12. Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s sweet, salty, and a little bit crunchy, these Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies are it. They’ve got gooey bits of caramel, crispy pretzel pieces, and just the right sprinkle of sea salt on top. Honestly, they’re the kinda cookie that dads (and pretty much everyone else) won’t be able to stop eating.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup crushed pretzels
1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in pretzels and caramel bits.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto baking sheets. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
Bake 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on wire racks.

13. Coconut Macaroons

If your dad’s a coconut fan, these Coconut Macaroons are a must-make. They’re chewy, sweet, and packed with so much coconut flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which makes them perfect when you wanna spend less time baking and more time hanging out with Dad. Simple, classic, and so good.

Servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large egg whites
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold egg whites into coconut mixture.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

14. Espresso Chocolate Chunk Cookies

If your dad loves coffee as much as mine does, he’s gonna flip for these Espresso Chocolate Chunk Cookies. They’ve got a rich, bold flavor from the espresso and huge melty chunks of chocolate in every bite. Perfect for the dad who needs a little pick-me-up with his sweet treat on Father’s Day.

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp espresso powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups dark chocolate chunks

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chunks.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are set. Cool on wire racks.

15. Maple Bacon Cookies

Now if you really want to surprise Dad, these Maple Bacon Cookies are the way to go. They’re sweet, a little smoky, and loaded with crispy bacon bits that make every bite seriously addictive. It’s like breakfast and dessert all rolled into one, and honestly, what dad wouldn’t be into that?

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup cooked bacon bits (crispy)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in maple syrup and egg.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
Fold in bacon bits.
Drop dough by tablespoons onto baking sheets.
Bake 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on wire racks.

And there you have it, 15 Father’s Day cookies that are sure to make Dad’s day a little sweeter. Whether you stick with a classic or try something new, baking something homemade always feels like such a special way to celebrate. I know my dad’s favorite changes every year (pretty sure it depends on what he sneaks off the tray first), but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these.

Hope you have fun baking, sharing, and making some sweet memories this Father’s Day! Let me know which one you think your dad would love most, I’m always looking for more ideas to try next year!

15 Father’s Day Cookies Dad Will Love