How to Get Cookies in Express: Simple Guide with Examples

To get cookies in Express, use the cookie-parser middleware which parses cookies attached to the client request object. After installing and using cookie-parser, access cookies via req.cookies inside your route handlers.

Syntax

First, install and import cookie-parser. Then add it as middleware to your Express app. Inside a route, access cookies with req.cookies.

• cookieParser(): Middleware to parse cookies.
• req.cookies: Object containing cookie key-value pairs.

javascript

import express from 'express';
import cookieParser from 'cookie-parser';

const app = express();
app.use(cookieParser());

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  const cookies = req.cookies;
  res.send(cookies);
});

Example

This example shows a simple Express server that reads cookies sent by the client and sends them back in the response.

javascript

import express from 'express';
import cookieParser from 'cookie-parser';

const app = express();
app.use(cookieParser());

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  // Access cookies from the request
  const userCookie = req.cookies.user || 'No user cookie found';
  res.send(`User cookie value: ${userCookie}`);
});

app.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log('Server running on http://localhost:3000');
});

Output

Server running on http://localhost:3000

// When visiting http://localhost:3000 with cookie 'user=Alice', response shows:
// User cookie value: Alice

// Without cookie, response shows:
// User cookie value: No user cookie found

Common Pitfalls

Not using cookie-parser middleware: Without it, req.cookies will be undefined.

Forgetting to install cookie-parser: You must install it with npm install cookie-parser.

Trying to read cookies before middleware: Always use app.use(cookieParser()) before your routes.

javascript

import express from 'express';

const app = express();

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  // This will be undefined because cookie-parser is not used
  console.log(req.cookies);
  res.send('Check console');
});

app.listen(3000);

Output

undefined

Quick Reference

• Install cookie-parser: npm install cookie-parser
• Import and use middleware: app.use(cookieParser())
• Access cookies: req.cookies.cookieName
• Cookies are key-value pairs sent by the client

Key Takeaways

Use the cookie-parser middleware to access cookies in Express.

Always call app.use(cookieParser()) before your routes.

Access cookies via req.cookies inside route handlers.

Without cookie-parser, req.cookies will be undefined.

Install cookie-parser with npm before using it.