As the temperature rises and the sun shines bright, our cravings for sweet treats only intensify. What’s better than a cool glass of lemonade or iced tea on a hot summer day? A plate of freshly baked cookies, of course! This season, we’re trading in our heavy, rich desserts for lighter, brighter options that incorporate the freshest flavors of the summer. From fruity and floral to nutty and creamy, these 20 refreshing summer cookie recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.
Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies
Lemon Glazed Sugar Cookies Recipe
Brighten up your holiday baking with these tangy and sweet lemon glazed sugar cookies! These classic treats get a refreshing twist with a burst of citrus flavor from the lemon glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Lemon glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 tsp salt
Whisk together ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Strawberry Shortcake Thumbprint Cookies
These bite-sized cookies are a delightful twist on the classic shortcake, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a tender crumb and a hint of strawberry flavor, these thumbprint cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Use a glass or cookie cutter to create shapes.
6. Place a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or a spoon.
7. Spoon strawberry jam into the indentation.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tropical Coconut Lime Cookies
Tropical Coconut Lime Cookies: A sweet escape from reality!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup coconut flakes
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add coconut flakes, eggs, lime zest, and lime juice. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Blueberry Lemonade Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the sweetness of blueberries with the tanginess of lemonade, perfect for a refreshing snack or dessert. With a hint of citrus and a burst of fruit flavor, you’ll be hooked on these unique treats.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup blueberry jam
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add blueberry jam and lemon juice; mix well.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in blueberries.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Peach Cobbler Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the warmth of peach cobbler with the comfort of a classic cookie. Perfect for a sweet treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup diced peaches (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in diced peaches and white chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Raspberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the tartness of raspberries with the creaminess of white chocolate, creating a match made in heaven. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh raspberries, chopped
– 1 cup white chocolate chunks
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in chopped raspberries and white chocolate chunks.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Watermelon Slice Sugar Cookies
Beat the heat with these sweet and refreshing sugar cookies shaped like watermelon slices! Perfect for a summer gathering or as a fun treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Green and pink gel icing (for watermelon slice design)
– Watermelon-shaped cookie cutter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Use the watermelon-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool before decorating with green and pink gel icing.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mango Macadamia Nut Cookies
A tropical twist on traditional cookies, these Mango Macadamia Nut Cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe mango with the crunch of macadamia nuts. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup ripe mango puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Stir in mango puree, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Fold in chopped macadamia nuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pineapple Coconut Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of coconut, perfect for a snack or dessert. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a batch ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Stir in pineapple chunks, shredded coconut, and baking powder.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Key Lime Pie Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the brightness of key lime zest with the richness of condensed milk, making them a unique and delicious treat. Perfect for a dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup condensed milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp key lime zest
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add condensed milk and whisk until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and key lime zest.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cherry Almond Biscotti
A sweet and crunchy Italian cookie, perfect for dipping into your favorite coffee or tea. This recipe combines the flavors of cherry and almond to create a delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add almonds, cherries, and butter; mix until a dough forms.
4. Beat in egg and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 12-inch log.
6. Place logs on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven; let cool for 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch thick biscotti.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blackberry Basil Cookies
These unique cookies combine the natural sweetness of blackberries with the bright, herbaceous flavor of basil, creating a refreshing twist on traditional cookie flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh blackberries
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in blackberries and basil leaves. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Brighten up your day with these citrusy treats that capture the essence of a classic summer treat – the orange creamsicle. With their creamy texture and vibrant orange hue, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Orange zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add marmalade and mix until combined.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Passionfruit Coconut Macaroons
These chewy macaroons are infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of passionfruit, paired with the creamy richness of coconut. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they’re sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 tablespoon passionfruit puree
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Add passionfruit puree to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each macaroon.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Peach Melba Cookies
Get ready to bite into the perfect peachy keen cookies with our Peach Melba Cookies recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Add the diced peach to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lavender Honey Cookies
These tender cookies combine the subtle charm of lavender with the warm richness of honey, creating a unique and mouthwatering treat. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 tbsp dried lavender buds
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add honey and whisk until combined.
4. Stir in dried lavender buds.
5. Beat in egg.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pistachio Rosewater Cookies
Pistachio Rosewater Cookies: A Delicate Fusion of Flavors
These cookies are a unique blend of crunchy pistachios and fragrant rosewater, perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon rosewater
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– Fresh rose petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add rosewater and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pistachios.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Apricot Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies are perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day. With the sweetness of apricots and the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and oats. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the apricots and flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Beat the heat with these refreshing mint chocolate chip cookies that combine the bright zing of peppermint and the richness of dark chocolate chips. Perfect for a summer treat or a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp peppermint extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Pineapple Cookies with Caramel Drizzle
Elevate your baking game with these sweet and tangy cookies, featuring grilled pineapple and a rich caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– Caramel drizzle (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Add crushed pineapple and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Drizzle caramel over cooled cookies and serve.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing cookie recipes! From classic lemon and strawberry to tropical coconut and mango, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste. Try making watermelon slice sugar cookies for a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies. Or, go exotic with passionfruit coconut macaroons or pistachio rosewater cookies. With over 20 unique recipes, you’re sure to find the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on a warm summer day.