When you first start playing, you'll notice it's all about clicking on this giant cookie to get more cookies. It's pretty simple, but it's also really satisfying to see your cookie count go up. As you get more cookies, you can buy upgrades like cursor upgrades or grandma helpers to help you get even more cookies.
The core loop of the game is all about optimizing your cookie production. You'll need to balance buying upgrades with saving up for new buildings or special items. It's a lot of fun to experiment with different strategies and see what works best for you.