Summer is a time for sunshine, vacations, and of course, delicious treats! But when the temperatures soar, firing up the oven can feel like a daunting task. Fear not, fellow cookie lovers!
This collection of 25 easy summer cookie recipes is here to satisfy your cravings without breaking a sweat (or overheating your kitchen).
We’ve got something for everyone, from refreshing fruit-filled delights to cool takes on classic favorites. Many of these recipes use pantry staples and require minimal prep work, perfect for those last-minute barbecues or poolside gatherings.
Fruity Freshness:
Lemon Drop Cookies:
Capture the essence of summer with these sunshine-yellow cookies bursting with bright lemon flavor. A simple glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies:
Tangy and sweet, these cookies combine the refreshing flavors of strawberry lemonade in a chewy, delightful treat.
Blueberry Pie Cookies:
These cookies are like miniature blueberry pies! A buttery crust filled with juicy blueberries is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Watermelon Slice Cookies:
Fun and festive, these cookies are colored green on the outside and red on the inside, resembling a juicy watermelon slice. Decorate with white chocolate chips for “seeds.”
Peach Melba Cookies:
These elegant cookies combine the flavors of peaches, raspberries, and almonds for a taste of summer sophistication.
Citrus Sensations:
Orange Creamsicle Cookies:
Evoke childhood memories with these cookies that taste just like a creamsicle popsicle. A creamy orange center nestled inside a soft vanilla cookie is pure summertime bliss.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies:
A classic for a reason, these cookies are light and airy with a delightful crunch from the poppy seeds. Perfect for an afternoon tea party.
Grapefruit Cookies with Pistachio Glaze:
This recipe offers a sophisticated twist on citrus cookies. The tangy grapefruit flavor is balanced by the sweetness of the glaze and the nuttiness of the pistachios.
Key Lime Pie Cookies:
Tangy key lime filling nestled inside a buttery cookie crust is a taste of the tropics in every bite.
Pineapple Coconut Cookies:
Island vibes abound with these cookies. Juicy pineapple chunks and shredded coconut transport you to a beachy paradise.
Cool Classics with a Twist:
Snickerdoodles with Lemon Glaze:
Take your snickerdoodles to the next level with a bright lemon glaze that cuts through the richness of the cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Cherry Crinkle Cookies:
These festive cookies are perfect for any summer celebration. The red and white crinkled exterior hides a chewy chocolate center studded with juicy cherries.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies:
Turn a childhood favorite into an adorable cookie. Top your peanut butter cookies with a dollop of your favorite jelly for a nostalgic treat.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Cool and refreshing, these cookies are perfect for a hot summer day. The addition of mint extract and chocolate chips creates a delightful flavor combination.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies:
These cookies capture the essence of a summery dessert. Buttery cookies are topped with a sweet strawberry glaze and a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat.
Easy Breezy Treats:
M&M Cookies:
A colorful and fun option, these cookies are always a hit with kids and adults alike. Use your favorite variety of M&Ms for endless possibilities.
Brownie Mix Cookies:
Shortcut your way to deliciousness with this recipe. Simply doctor up a box of brownie mix for chewy, fudgy cookies that are ready in no time.
Fruit Pizza Sugar Cookies:
This recipe is a fun activity for kids! Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on a giant sugar cookie and top it with your favorite sliced fruits.
No-Bake Cookies:
Beat the heat completely with these no-bake cookies. Made with oats, chocolate, and peanut butter, they’re a healthy-ish treat that requires no oven time.
Funfetti Cookies:
These festive cookies are perfect for birthday parties or any summer celebration. Rainbow sprinkles add a pop of color and fun to any occasion.
Bonus: Breakfast Cookies for Summer Mornings:
Zucchini Bread Breakfast Cookies:
Sneak in some veggies with these healthy and delicious breakfast cookies. Packed with grated zucchini, spices, and nuts, they’re a satisfying way to start your day.
Peach Pie Oatmeal Cookies:
This recipe combines the comforting flavors of oatmeal cookies with the sweetness of peaches. Perfect for a quick and easy on-the-go breakfast.
Beyond the delicious recipes, here are some additional tips, tricks, and decoration ideas to elevate your summer cookie game:
Tips and Tricks:
- Pantry Staples: Many of these recipes rely on ingredients you likely already have on hand, like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. This makes them perfect for last-minute baking emergencies.
- Chill that Dough: For chewier cookies, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin.
- Portion Control: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie size and baking times.
- Lining Matters: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Top your cookies with chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, or even edible flowers for a touch of summer flair.
- Leftovers? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Decoration Ideas:
- Food Coloring Fun: Use food coloring to create vibrant summer hues in your dough or icing.
- Sprinkle Extravaganza: Rainbow sprinkles, colored sanding sugar, and edible glitter add instant festivity to any cookie.
- Royal Icing Decorations: Pipe intricate designs or messages onto your cookies with royal icing for a professional touch.
- Fresh Fruit Fancy: Top your cookies with fresh berries, sliced mango, or kiwi for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chocolate Dipping: Dip half of your cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent and visually appealing treat.
- Cookie Cutters Galore: Use cookie cutters in fun summer shapes like suns, flip-flops, or watermelons to create adorable cookies.
Final Thoughts:
With a little creativity and these easy recipes, you can whip up a batch of delicious summer cookies that are perfect for any occasion. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat your oven (if necessary!), and get ready to bake some summertime sweetness!
