Cookie Clicker might seem simple, but maximizing your cookie production requires strategy. Here's a breakdown of tips for optimal clicking:

Early Game (Clicking Focused):

Golden Cookie Frenzy: Click every Golden Cookie that appears. These are crucial early on for boosting your click power or giving you a lump sum of cookies. Don't neglect clicking just because you're saving for something.
Cursor Mania: Your first priority should be buying as many Cursors as possible. They provide a base level of passive income. Prioritize these over other buildings initially.
Grandmapocalypse Avoidance (Initially): Don't rush the Grandmapocalypse too early. While it eventually provides massive boosts, the Wrinklers can be a drain in the very early game. Focus on building up a solid base of Cursors and a few other buildings first.
Upgrades First: Buy upgrades from the upgrades menu as soon as you can afford them, especially the click-related ones. They significantly improve your clicking efficiency.
Mid Game (Building Focus):

Building Variety: Start diversifying your buildings. While Cursors are important early, you'll need a mix of other buildings to generate significant passive income. Follow a loose progression, buying a few of each building type as you can afford them.
Golden Cookie Strategy: Golden Cookies become even more important. Learn the different Golden Cookie effects (Frenzy, Click Frenzy, Lucky, etc.) and how to maximize them. Use the Golden Cookie Grimoire (once unlocked) to predict and prepare for them.
Prestige Early and Often (Initially): Don't be afraid to prestige. The Heavenly Chips you earn provide a permanent boost to your cookie production. Prestige multiple times in the mid-game for faster progression. A good rule of thumb is to prestige when you feel your progress is slowing down significantly.
Research and Heavenly Upgrades: Focus on researching new upgrades in the Lab and purchasing Heavenly Upgrades in the Ascension menu. These provide long-term benefits.
Garden and Pantheon: Once unlocked, the Garden and Pantheon offer additional layers of strategy. Experiment with different plant combinations in the Garden for buffs, and assign gods in the Pantheon for powerful passive effects.
Late Game (Automation and Optimization):

Garden and Pantheon Synergies: Master the Garden and Pantheon. Certain plant combinations and god pairings can drastically increase your production.
Grimoire and Spellcasting: Utilize the Grimoire to cast powerful spells, like Force the Hand of Fate for Golden Cookies or Conjure Baked Goods for bursts of cookies.
Cookie Storms: Click Cookie Storms aggressively. They can provide a massive amount of cookies.
Golden Cookie Timing: Learn to time your clicks and spells to coincide with Golden Cookie effects for maximum impact.
Macros (Use with Caution): Some players use macros to automate clicking or Golden Cookie collection. Be aware that this can be considered cheating and might take away from the enjoyment of the game. Use at your own discretion.
Calculators and Spreadsheets: For hardcore optimization, many players use Cookie Clicker calculators or spreadsheets to determine the most efficient building and upgrade paths.