Back to School Cookie Recipes: Easy Treats for Kids’ Lunchboxes
Need some back to school cookie recipes?
From classic chocolate chip cookies to vintage treats, these recipes are perfect for your little ones to enjoy after a long day of learning.
With a variety of flavors and textures to suit all palates, these back-to-school cookie recipes cater to young taste buds and guarantee a home-run with picky eaters.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking these classic cookies that will have your kiddos looking forward to the end of each school day.
Bake Ahead for School Lunches
Back-to-school time can be hectic, but with a little planning, you can ensure that your kids have delicious and homemade cookies for their school lunches. By baking ahead and using your refrigerator and freezer, you can save time and always have tasty treats on hand. Here’s how:
First, choose a freeze-friendly cookie recipe that the kids will love.
Once you’ve chosen your recipe, go ahead and mix up the dough according to the instructions. To make things even easier, consider making a double or triple batch so you can rotate between different cookie flavors throughout the week. This not only saves time but will also keep the kids looking forward to their lunchtime surprise.
Now it’s time for storage. For drop cookies, use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet – don’t worry if they’re too close together at this stage. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the cookie dough balls are solid, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
Label the dough with the cookie type, date, and any baking instructions, so you’ll remember later. For best results, store the dough in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Whenever you need a batch of fresh cookies for school lunches, take the dough out of the refrigerator, place the frozen cookies onto a baking sheet, and follow the original recipe’s temperature and time instructions. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of bake-ahead school lunch cookies, knowing you’ve got a friendly and homemade treat ready to go whenever your kids need it.
Our Favorite Easy to Bake Cookie Recipes
The Best Peanut Butter Cookies
These peanut butter cookies combine shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, egg whites, and vanilla with a mix of flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
Brownie Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese
When you’re short on time, these brownie mix cookies with cream cheese are a quick and easy option. All you need is a box of brownie mix, cream cheese, eggs, and oil. Mix the ingredients together and bake for a delicious, gooey cookie.
Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies use white sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and baking powder to create a soft and sweet treat. Leave them naked or spread with a simple icing made from confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice. Sprinkles make everyone happy!
McDonald’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
McDonald’s chocolate chip cookies are famous for their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor. To recreate these at home, mix together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, and chocolate chips. Bake them until golden brown, and enjoy!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
A classic favorite, these oatmeal raisin cookies combine oats, raisins, cinnamon, and other staple ingredients to create a mouthwatering and nutritious snack. Make sure to let the dough chill for about an hour before baking to ensure a consistent texture.
Ranger Cookies
A vintage recipe, and sometimes called Cowboy Cookies! These cookies contain a little bit of everything – oats, chocolate chips, and even cereal for a unique and delightful crunch. The inclusion of brown sugar and vanilla gives them an irresistible sweetness.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Pizookie
A giant chocolate chip cookie baked in a skillet and served with ice cream, this Pizookie is meant to be shared. Make this crowd-pleaser by preparing a standard chocolate chip cookie dough and spreading it in a skillet, then baking it until golden and gooey. Great for afterschool snacks or sleepovers!
Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These cookies are for the chocolate and nut lovers. Combine butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and baking soda with chocolate chunks and chopped walnuts to create a rich and delectable homemade cookie. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee.
Remember, these easy cookie recipes are perfect for back-to-school snacks or a treat to share with friends and family. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making these homemade cookies will be a breeze, so get started and enjoy!
Tips to Make the Best Cookies
To make delicious cookies for back to school, follow these helpful tips. First, when preparing your cookie dough, start by using an electric mixer or a stand mixer for a smooth and even texture. Make sure all ingredients including butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
When it’s time to shape the cookies, using parchment paper or wax paper helps to prevent sticking to the baking sheets. Ensure that you give enough space between cookies on the cookie sheet to allow them enough room to expand during baking.
Preheat your oven to the correct temperature. A properly preheated oven ensures that the cookies bake evenly and avoids overbrowning. Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake and rotate the baking sheets if necessary to ensure even baking.
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes on the cookie sheet. Afterward, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling the cookies on wire racks will prevent them from becoming too soft or soggy.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with delicious homemade cookies perfect for back to school. Happy baking!
What Was My Inspiration to Write This Recipe Roundup Post?
One of my favorite memories has always been bringing homemade cookies to school parties. There’s something about the anticipation of seeing your friends’ reactions when they take their first bite. The assortment of flavorful ingredients and unique cookie shapes sparks instant conversation and a sense of togetherness.
With that in mind, I wanted to create a roundup that’s a collection of easy-to-follow recipes and caters to your taste buds. From classic chocolate chip cookies to fun ranger cookies, there’s something for everyone. After all, the beauty of back-to-school cookie recipes lies in the freedom you have to personalize each batch and make them memorable.
Ultimately, the goal of this roundup is to bring smiles to faces and make the beginning of the school year a little sweeter. So, go ahead and explore these marvelous cookie recipes that are just waiting to be a part of your back-to-school celebrations!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy cookie recipes for school lunches?
There are plenty of simple cookie recipes that are perfect for your child’s school lunch. One such recipe is the Chocolate Chip Sprinkle Cookies, which are not only easy to make but also fun and colorful. Another option is the classic Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies. Both of these options are sure to be a hit with your child and their friends at school.
What are the best cookie recipes for freezing?
Well, almost any cookie will freeze for up to three months. I would stick with the classics though and stay away from cream filled, or stuffed cookies. Peanut butter cookies, sugar cookies, ranger cookies – all freeze extremely well and are easy to bake in batches.
What is a good cookie recipe for a school bake sale?
When it comes to school events, it’s always a good idea to bring cookies that are both delicious and easy to share. Our favorite is Sugar Cookies – no nuts or chocolate, they are so each to make, and you can get your kids to help with the decorating! They can be frosted and sprinkled – use school colors, there are so many variations. Pack them in half dozens on a tray and slide them into a freezer bag. You can even print up copies of the recipe and hand them out!
Enjoy!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the Pie Lady Bakes community where you will find vintage recipes like Mom and Grandma used to make, but that are so easy!
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Judy
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Back to School Cookie Recipes
The yummiest peanut butter cookie recipe that doesn't use brown sugar. A classic cookie that melts in your mouth. You can also freeze your PB cookies for up to 3 months.
A chewy soft cookie on the inside and crunchy on the outside, these Ranger Cookies made with rice krispies cereal will become your new favourite cookie.
a soft and chewy sugar cookie without vanilla recipe that is full of old fashioned goodness. We include two ways to make them in the instructions!
A buttery, chewy cookie filled to the brim with chunks of luxurious dark chocolate, chocolate chips and sprinkled with just the right amount of crunchy walnuts. Walnuts Chocolate Chunk Cookies are almost perfect!
A chewy oatmeal cookie with a slight crunch is packed with sweetness. Mixins include raisins or you can choose chocolate chips or chunks!
A delicious chocolate chip skillet cookie, stuffed with Nutella
A soft baked chewy cookie that is just like McDonald's but these ones are better because you bake them at home!
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Judy Kahansky
Judy Kahansky is an experienced writer and baker, creating delicious desserts (including pie!) for over 40 years. She loves to take classic and vintage recipes and update them to fit the busy lives of her readers. When not baking, Judy and her husband Mark are passionate golfers, travelers and dog lovers, spending as much time as they can with their sweet pup Millie.
