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The Summer of Cookies

Updated July 22, 2024
Air fryer recipes like these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a great no-oven way to bake up a batch of cookies, even when it’s hot outside.
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Summer is here, and you know what that means—long, sunny days, trips to the beach, and not enough extra time to savor the sweet things in life. While ice cream often steals the summer spotlight, there's another treat that deserves just as much seasonal love: cookies. Whether it’s a classic chocolate chip, a chewy snickerdoodle, or a zesty lemon shortbread, cookies have a way of making our favorite summer moments even more fun.

Why are cookies such a perfect summer treat? For starters, they’re super portable. It’s easy to pack a batch for a picnic, a day at the beach, or a road trip without worrying about them melting or getting too messy. Plus, they come in endless varieties, so there’s always a flavor to match your mood or the occasion. Craving something light and fruity? Go for a strawberry thumbprint cookie. Need a decadent chocolate fix? Double chocolate chip cookies have got you covered.

Another reason cookies shine in the summer is the fun of baking them. Summer is a season where friends and family naturally gather. And getting together to whip up a batch can be a great group activity, especially if you're trying out new recipes or decorating them with sunny, summery designs. And let’s not forget the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home—something that’s absolutely wonderful, no matter what the season.

So, the next time you’re thinking about what treat to make for your next backyard barbeque or poolside hangout, remember that cookies aren’t just a winter comfort food. They’re giving ice cream a run for its money as the ultimate summer treat!

Ovens-Off Cookies for Summer

We often think of cookies only for the cooler months. When it’s blazing hot outside, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven and turn your kitchen into a makeshift sauna! But not to worry, because there are plenty of ovens-off varieties to satisfy any cookie craving.

No-bake cookies are just as easy as their name implies. They use ingredients that don’t need cooking. Just mix them up, chill in the fridge and voila! You've got a batch of deliciousness without breaking a sweat. We happen to love this no-bake recipe for Cookie Dough Truffles - because cookie dough is the ultimate sweet treat, even when temperatures soar.

Air fryer cookies are a summer game-changer. If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, summer is the perfect time to start. These magical machines can whip up a batch of cookies in minutes without heating up your entire house. You get that perfect crispy outside and gooey inside, all while staying cool as a cucumber. And the best part? They’re super fast, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the sun.

Try these Air Fryer Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies for the ultimate decadent dessert. With only two ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have melty caramel-chocolate goodness in no time flat. Or try out these Air Fryer Snickerdoodles for an ultra-easy spin on a classic cookie recipe. They use refrigerated Pillsbury™ Ready to Bake!™ Sugar Cookie Dough and cinnamon and sugar for a perfect snickerdoodle every time. Or, if you’ve got a chocolate craving that just won’t quit, our Air Fryer Rocky Road Cookies will definitely hit the spot. They’re made with Pillsbury™ Ready to Bake!™ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, chocolate chips, and chocolate almond candies, along with fluffy marshmallows, to create that timeless rocky road flavor combo. 

Both no-bake and air fryer cookies are summer game-changers. They’re easy, quick, and keep you cool while still delivering delicious, homemade goodness. So grab your ingredients, skip the oven, and treat yourself to some summer sweetness!

Fruity Cookies That Taste Like Summer

Summer is all about vibrant flavors and sunny vibes, and what better way to celebrate it than with a batch of cookies that capture the essence of the season? Whether you’re hosting a backyard soiree, lounging by the pool, or just need a sweet escape, these cookies are like a little ray of sunshine. 

Tropical flavors say summer like nothing else. And these Coconut Macaroon Cookies practically whisk you away to your own private beachside paradise. These chewy, coconutty delights are like a vacation in every bite, just right for those hot summer days when you’re dreaming of the ocean. Or there’s this melt-in-your-mouth delicious Lime in the Coconut Cookie Fudge. It’s a totally unique treat that combines the the flavors of lime and coconut in a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s sure to satisfy those summer sweet cravings.

And speaking of citrus, we absolutely love these zesty Lemonade Pie Cookies. They bring all the tart freshness of lemonade into an adorable bite-sized treat. They’re tangy, sweet, and just the thing to cool you down on a hot afternoon. Or our Key Lime Pie Thumbprints are another must-try for citrus-fiends. They pack the tart and tangy flavor of key lime pie into a delightful thumbprint cookie, making them a refreshing treat that's hard to resist.

The tang of citrus also plays perfectly with the flavor of juicy summer berries, just like in these Strawberry-Lemon Cookie Cups. They’re one of our all-time favorites for how they combine the sweetness of strawberries with the bright zing of lemon. These little cups of joy are not only delicious but also adorable and perfect for sharing. Or these Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies are a berry-licious must-bake. These cookies combine the tartness of lemon, the sweetness of blueberries, and the creaminess of cheesecake, all in one irresistible bite.

And with honorable mentions in the flavors of summer category, you’ve got peaches and cream and cherry pie—as in these Peaches and Cream Cookie Bars layered with a decadent, creamy filling and juicy peach slices and our sweet Cherry Pie Cookies, which are every bit as good as their namesake dessert. With a sweet cherry filling and a buttery crust, these cookies are a delightful nod to that nostalgic, classic summer pie.

Each of these incredible cookies captures the bright, bold flavors of summer. They’re positively perfect for enjoying with friends and family, so grab your ingredients, fire up the mixer, and let these summer-inspired cookies add a dash of sunshine to your day!

Incredible Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

We already know summer and ice cream are a match made in heaven, but when you add cookies to the mix, you've got a treat that's practically perfection! Ice cream cookie sandwiches combine the best of both worlds—creamy, cold ice cream nestled between two delicious cookies. And we just so happen to have some of the coolest variations around to help you enjoy this summer even more.

Start with our Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches for a guaranteed hit. The combination of soft cookies with your favorite ice cream flavor is absolutely amazing on a hot summer day. And they’re as easy to make as they are fun to eat. But when it comes to fun, our Birthday Cake Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches can’t be beat. They’re fabulous, festive, and fantastic for any summer celebration. Picture this: funfetti cookies with rainbow sprinkles hugging a generous scoop of birthday cake ice cream. It’s like a party in your mouth! 

For chocolate lovers, Fudgy Ice Cream Sandwiches are a summer dream come true. Rich, fudgy cookies paired with creamy ice cream create a decadent treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These are especially great if you're a fan of double chocolate goodness.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, try Frozen Cookie-Wiches. Frozen whipped topping stands in for ice cream here, for a light, fluffy texture that’s just right on even the most sweltering summer day. Or give these Ice Cream Sandwich Bars a try for another fun twist on an ice cream cookie sandwich. Layered with chocolate chip cookies and ice cream, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for summer picnics or barbecues.

Cool and creamy, and packed with flavor, ice cream sandwiches are the ultimate summer treat. Because when ice cream and cookies join forces, there’s nothing they can’t accomplish!

Summer is Cookie Season

It’s easy to see, cookies are the unsung heroes of summer. From their portability to their endless variety of flavors and the sheer joy of baking them, cookies bring a lot to the (picnic) table. Whether you’re indulging in no-bake or air fryer cookies to beat the heat, or savoring summer flavors like lemon, coconut, and berries, there’s a cookie for every sunny occasion. Get ready, it’s about to be the summer of the cookie!