Cookie Clicker is an “idle” or “incremental” game, meaning it progresses even when you’re not actively playing. Here’s a breakdown of how to play:

The Basics:

Click the Big Cookie:
This is your primary action. Every click earns you one cookie.
Buy Upgrades:
As you accumulate cookies, you can purchase upgrades that automate cookie production.
These include:
Cursors: Automatically click the cookie for you.
Grandmas: Bake cookies passively.
And many more increasingly productive buildings.
Golden Cookies:
Occasionally, golden cookies will appear. Clicking them grants temporary bonuses, like increased cookie production or a surge in cookies. These are very important.
Upgrades:
There are also upgrades to purchase that increase the production of your buildings, or the likely hood of golden cookies, and many other things.