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

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Some of the greatest cookies on the planet have humble exteriors (I'm looking at you, classicchocolate chip)。但有时我们需要饼干有点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.

Fromgreen-tinged matcha cookies,emerald macaronsandjewel-colored jam cut-outstospice-scented shortbreadbedecked 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.

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 (orcajeta, or Nutella) delivers cookies that always look lovely.

There's something about the combination of cleanly cut cookies and creamy filling that looks especially lovely. Especially when we're talking about pairings like crunchy milk-chocolate cookies and nutty malted cream. For sandwich-cookie take on a classic sandwich, try thesepeanut butter and jelly sandwich cookies.

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

Holiday-friendly candy canes don't just add a zingy taste to cookies—their vibrant pink color makes any cookie glow. These chocolate peppermint marshmallow cookies get two hits of candy-cane color, while thesefudgy triple-chocolate cookiesare topped with homemade peppermint bark.