Summer is the perfect time to enjoy sweet treats with your loved ones. Cookies are a classic dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year, but summer cookies are something special. The warm weather and seasonal ingredients give them a unique flavor that is perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and BBQs. In this article, I will share ten of my favorite summer cookie recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
The first recipe on my list is the classic chocolate chip cookie. This timeless treat is perfect for any occasion and is always a crowd-pleaser. For a summery twist, try adding some fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to the recipe. Another great option is to add some orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try making some watermelon sugar cookies. These colorful treats are perfect for a summer party and are sure to impress your guests. To make them, simply cut the dough into watermelon shapes and decorate with pink and green icing. Other fun summer-themed cookie shapes include flip flops, sunglasses, and beach balls. Sounds really fun (and delicious!) to me!
Top 10 Summer Cookie Recipes
As a baking enthusiast, I love trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. Summer is the perfect time to whip up some delicious cookies that are sure to impress your friends and family. Here are my top 10 picks for summer cookie recipes:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who doesn’t love a classic chocolate chip cookie? This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any summer gathering. You can even add some chopped nuts or dried fruit to mix it up.
Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a blank canvas for creativity (remember the flip flops, sunglasses, and beach balls!). Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes and decorate with colorful icing. They’re perfect for summer parties and kids love them.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a staple in my house. They’re easy to make and always a hit. You can even add some chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or mini marshmallows for extra flavor.
Marshmallow Thumbprint Cookies
These delicious cookies are a fun twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. Fill the indentation with a gooey marshmallow and top with chocolate or caramel sauce. They’re sure to impress your guests.
Lemon Meltaways
Lemon is the perfect summer flavor and these cookies are light and refreshing. They melt in your mouth and are perfect for a hot day.
Sand Dollar Cookies
These scrumptious cookies are shaped like sand dollars and are perfect for a beach-themed party. They have a delicate almond and cinnamon flavor.
Pineapple Star Cookies
Pineapple Star Cookies are the star of your party! These fun cookies are shaped like stars and have a tropical pineapple flavor. They’re perfect for a summer luau or pool party.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
These palatable cookies taste just like strawberry shortcake and are perfect for summer. They’re made with fresh strawberries and are light and fluffy.
Orange Creamsicle Cookies
Orange creamsicles are a classic summer treat and these cookies capture that flavor perfectly. They’re soft and chewy and have a creamy orange flavor.
Coconut Clouds
Coconut is a classic summer flavor and these cookies are light and airy like a cloud. They’re made with shredded coconut and are perfect for a summer picnic.
I’m sure that these 10 summer cookie recipes are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity flavors, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try them out and let me know which one is your favorite!
Special Mention: Unique Summer Cookie Recipes
I don’t want to leave you just with a bunch of links and ideas! Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of my top five favorite summer cookie recipes that you can try out and get glowing reviews from your friends, guests, and family.
Lemon Zucchini Drops
These Lemon Zucchini Drops are a refreshing twist on traditional lemon cookies. The addition of zucchini adds a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch to the cookies. They’re perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue.
To make these cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the grated zucchini.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 12—15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Rainbow S’moreo Cookies
These Rainbow S’moreo Cookies are a colorful and fun take on classic s’mores. These incredibly easy treats are made with Oreos, marshmallows, and rainbow sprinkles for a festive summer treat.
To make these cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 package Oreos
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package mini marshmallows
- Rainbow sprinkles
Crush the Oreos in a food processor until fine. Mix in the melted butter and stir until well combined. Fold in the mini marshmallows and rainbow sprinkles.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Homemade Oreo-Style Cookies
These Homemade Oreo-Style Cookies are a classic summer treat that everyone will love. They’re made with a rich, chocolatey cookie and a creamy filling that’s just like the real thing.
To make these cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Let cool before filling.
To make the filling, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Let cool to room temperature before spreading onto the cookies.
Chewy Coconut Macaroons
These Chewy Coconut Macaroons are a simple and delicious summer treat. They’re made with just a few ingredients and are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Moreover, they please the palate of those who are following a gluten-free diet.
To make these cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Mix together the shredded coconut, sugar, egg whites, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Watermelon Slice Cookies
These Watermelon Slice Cookies are a fun and festive summer dessert. They’re made with sugar cookies, frosting, and candy for a sweet and fruity treat.
To make these cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 package sugar cookie mix
- Red and green food coloring
- Vanilla frosting
- Mini chocolate chips
- Green candy slices
Prepare the sugar cookie mix according to the package instructions. Add red food coloring to one portion of the dough and green food coloring to another portion of the dough. Roll out the red dough and cut out circles for the watermelon slices. Roll out the green dough and cut out the rind for the watermelon slices.
Place the red circles on a baking sheet and place the green rind on top of each circle. Bake according to the package instructions.
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, spread a small amount of frosting on the back of each chocolate chip or green candy slice. Add mini chocolate chips to the frosting to represent the watermelon seeds. Cut the green candy slices into small triangles and place them on the frosting to represent the watermelon rind. Press the chocolate chip or candy slice onto the top of the cooled cookie, holding it in place for a few seconds to allow it to stick.
Serve and enjoy your Watermelon Slice Cookies!
Baking Tips for Perfect Summer Cookies
Summer is the perfect time to bake delicious cookies that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a classic sugar cookie or a more unique spiced cookie, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some baking tips to help you create perfect summer cookies every time.
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
When baking cookies, it’s important to use room temperature ingredients. This includes butter, eggs, and cream cheese. Room temperature ingredients will mix together more easily and create a smoother dough. If you forget to take your ingredients out of the fridge ahead of time, you can soften butter in the microwave or place eggs in warm water for a few minutes.
2. Brown Your Butter
For a unique twist on classic cookies, try browning your butter. This will give your cookies a nutty, caramel flavor that pairs well with chocolate and spices. To brown butter, simply melt it in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
3. Chill Your Dough
Chilling your cookie dough before baking will help your cookies keep their shape and prevent them from spreading too much. This is especially important for cut-out cookies like sugar cookies. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and cutting it into shapes.
4. Use Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is a delicious and tangy alternative to traditional buttercream frosting. It pairs well with spiced cookies and carrot cake cookies. To make cream cheese frosting, simply beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. (Check the exact measures from my linked post.)
5. Add Chocolate Crinkles
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a classic favorite that are perfect for summer. They’re soft, chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. To make chocolate crinkle cookies, roll your dough into balls and coat them in powdered sugar before baking.
6. Experiment with Spices
Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are perfect for adding warmth and depth to your cookies — they are not only for fall but make also the summer tasty! Try adding them to your dough or sprinkling them on top of your cookies before baking.
7. Try a Blossom Cookie
Blossom cookies are a fun and unique twist on classic cookies. They’re made by rolling your dough into balls and pressing a chocolate kiss or other candy into the center before baking. They’re perfect for summer parties and events.
8. Use High-Quality Ingredients
When baking cookies, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. This includes flour, sugar, and chocolate. High-quality ingredients will give your cookies a better flavor and texture. You want to please your loved ones, so they deserve the best!
9. Don’t Overmix Your Dough
When mixing your dough, it’s important not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause your cookies to become tough and chewy. Mix your ingredients together until they’re just combined.
10. Decorate Your Cookies
Decorating your cookies is a fun way to add a personal touch to your baking. Try using colored frosting, sprinkles, or edible flowers to make your cookies stand out.
With these baking tips, you’ll be able to create perfect summer cookies that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, there’s a cookie recipe out there for everyone.
Summer Cookie Decoration and Presentation
Talking about decorating your cookies, there are endless possibilities for decoration and presentation. Here are a few tips to help you impress your friends and family at your next potluck, BBQ, pool party or any summer gathering.
Use Colorful Icing
One of the easiest ways to make your summer cookies stand out is by using colorful icing. You can use store-bought icing or make your own using food coloring. Use a piping bag to create intricate designs or simply drizzle the icing on top of the cookies for a more casual look.
Add Fresh Fruit
Summer is the perfect time to incorporate fresh fruit into your cookie decoration. You can add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top of your cookies for a burst of color and flavor. You can also use fruit puree to create a glaze or filling for your cookies.
Use Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters are a fun way to add some personality to your summer cookies. You can find cookie cutters in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as flip flops, sunglasses, or palm trees. Use different colors of icing to decorate each cookie and make them look unique.
Try Different Textures
Another way to make your summer cookies stand out is by using different textures. You can add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even crushed cereal to your cookie dough for a crunchy texture. You can also use edible glitter or sanding sugar to add some sparkle to your cookies.
Make Cookie Sandwiches
Cookie sandwiches are a fun and easy way to impress your guests. Simply take two cookies and sandwich them together with a filling of your choice, such as ice cream, whipped cream, or fruit jam. You can also roll the edges of the cookie sandwiches in sprinkles or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Pairing Summer Cookies with Other Dishes
When it comes to summer cookies, they are best enjoyed with other dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some pairing suggestions that will impress your friends and family:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Who doesn’t love an ice cream sandwich on a hot summer day? Sandwich your favorite summer cookies with vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Citrus Fruits: Pair citrusy summer cookies, such as lemon butter meltaway cookies or lemon butter cookies, with slices of oranges, grapefruits, or limes for a refreshing and zesty combination.
- Corn: Corn is a staple of summer, and it can be paired with rhubarb-filled cookies for a sweet and savory snack. The tartness of the rhubarb filling complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Fruit Salads: Fruity cookies, such as peach cobbler cookies or strawberry shortbread cookies, pair perfectly with fruit salads. The combination of fresh fruits and sweet cookies is a match made in heaven.
- Iced Tea: Pair your summer cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea for a classic summer treat. The sweetness of the cookies is balanced out by the bitterness of the tea.
- Milk: For a classic pairing, enjoy your summer cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creamy milk complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthy and delicious pairing for summer cookies. The tanginess of the yogurt balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese: Soft cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, pair well with fruity summer cookies. The creaminess of the cheese complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, pair your summer cookies with a rich and decadent chocolate sauce. The combination of sweet cookies and rich chocolate is irresistible.
- Wine: For an elegant pairing, enjoy your summer cookies with a glass of wine. Pair fruity cookies with a crisp white wine, or chocolatey cookies with a full-bodied red wine.
With these pairing suggestions, you can take your summer cookies to the next level and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best summer cookie recipes?
The best summer cookie recipes are those that feature light and refreshing flavors. Lemon, lime, strawberry, and blueberry are all great options. You can also try using tropical flavors like pineapple, mango, and coconut.
How can I make my summer cookies stand out?
To make your summer cookies stand out, try experimenting with different shapes and sizes. You can also add fun decorations like sprinkles or edible flowers. Using fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations can also make your cookies stand out.
Which summer cookie recipes are easy?
Some easy summer cookie recipes include lemon sugar cookies, iced tea cookies, and watermelon sugar cookies. These recipes require minimal ingredients and are easy to make.
What are some creative ways to decorate summer cookies?
Some creative ways to decorate summer cookies include using edible flowers, adding colorful sprinkles, and using cookie cutters to create fun shapes. You can also try using different types of frosting or glazes to add a unique touch.
Which are popular summer cookie flavors?
Some popular summer cookie flavors include lemon, lime, strawberry, blueberry, and coconut. You can also try using tropical flavors like pineapple and mango.
Tips for baking perfect summer cookies
To bake perfect summer cookies, make sure to use fresh ingredients and measure them accurately. Softened butter and room temperature eggs can also help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly. Don’t overmix the dough and make sure to chill it before baking. Finally, keep a close eye on your cookies while they are baking to prevent overbaking.