These Are Hands-Down the Most Beautiful Cookies You Can Possibly Bake

Want more cookie tips? Check out our everything guide to cookies.

Some of the greatest cookies on the planet have humble exteriors (I'm looking at you, classic chocolate chip). But sometimes we need our cookies to be a bit more awe-inspiring, the kind of treat that makes you alternate appreciative bites with admiring glances at the cookie in your hand. Whether you're baking for the holidays, for family and friends, or for the photo, sometimes you need cookies that don't just taste amazing, but look amazing, too. This lovingly assembled assortment is for you.

Cookies with Color

From green-tinged matcha cookies and jewel-colored jam cut-outs to spice-scented shortbread bedecked with shiny gold leaf and edible blossoms, these multi-hued cookies are sure to please and bring a pop of color to any cookie tray.

Thumbprints That Dazzle

The shortest distance between simple butter cookies and stunning confections? A thumb. Thumbprint, that is. The simple act of pressing an indentation into the center of each ball of dough, baking them up, and filling them with jam (or cajeta, or Nutella) delivers cookies that always look lovely.

Stuffed Delights

Given that cookies are usually quite flat, making a cookie that reaches for the stars ensures an impact. These crisp chocolate-wafer towers, layered with fluffy cream, are designed for drama, while these ganache-stuffed chocolate chip cookies are impressively indulgent. For the ultimate in height (and flavor), set aside a weekend to make these dazzling chocolate krembos.