Head down, lost in their imaginations, a wooden spoon and a beat-up bowl in hand, ready for the magic to be made — that’s where the journey starts for many bakers. The humble cookie is often the path to more elaborate pâtissiere, chibousts, macarons, and mignardises. But cookies remain the unfailing, unsung hero of pastry and a tried-and-true treat for chefs and home bakers. We asked a chef, two bakers, a chocolatier, and a pâtissier to share their most beloved cookie recipes. Check out Laura’s PB & J Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches, Shani’s Snickerdoodles, Seadon’s Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies, Kimberly’s Pumpkin, Spice & Pecan Cookies, and Rousseau’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.