I Swapped My Usual For These 25 Cookie Recipes—And They’re Great Year-Round
Most cookie recipes end up tied to a season, then forgotten until the right holiday rolls around. These 25 broke that pattern and somehow stayed in rotation long after they were supposed to be a one-time thing. They fit whatever mood, weather, or excuse is happening, and people never seem tired of them.

Marshmallow Swirl Cookies

Adding something unexpected to your baking can really bring excitement. Marshmallow Swirl Cookies offer a fun twist with their creamy, gooey texture that melts into every bite. The light contrast between the soft cookie base and the sweet swirls makes it stand apart from others you’ve tried.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
Spiced Apple Cookies

Spiced Apple Cookies combine rich warmth and subtle fruitiness in a way that brings depth to each bite. Every bite layers comforting flavors while offering a softer texture that feels different from typical cookies. They’re proof that the classics can always have refreshing updates without going too far.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Apple Cookies
Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet baked goods can surprise when they borrow from other desserts. Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting give you the familiar layers of carrot cake but in a smaller, handheld form. The cream cheese topping adds that recognizable tang, turning each bite into a fun twist on what you might expect from a cookie.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Sometimes recipes simplify things without cutting back on boldness. Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a great example, combining cookie textures with the richness you expect from a dense bar dessert. It’s just a little different from your everyday cookies, yet familiar enough to quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Strawberry Cookies

Strawberry Cookies offer the fresh, bright taste you’d expect, paired with a lightly tender texture that makes them different from heavier choices. They also give a refreshing feel compared to chocolate-heavy treats without feeling too far off from your usual picks. Adding these into rotation makes it easy to keep things lively and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cookies
Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Blending cookie butter with brownies is something you’ll wish you tried sooner. Decadent Biscoff Brownies have a smooth texture and deep notes that make each bite fulfilling on multiple levels. Stepping away from typical brownies gives you a new way to enjoy this universally loved dessert without going too far from the familiar.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies
Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies

Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies have both visual appeal and a soft texture, combined with bursts of sweetness from the white chips. This recipe stands out among cookie options without feeling too complicated or over-the-top. They give a fun break from everyday baking, offering depth and richness unique to red velvet.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Red Velvet White Chip Cookies
Shortbread Cookies

Clean and simple choices can still be intriguing options to try. Shortbread Cookies might seem basic at first glance, but their buttery, crumbly texture makes them worth the change. There’s something satisfying in picking a recipe like this, especially if you’re into lighter treats.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies

Switching up textures can refresh your lineup. Peanut Butter Cookies give a slightly nutty twist to basic cookie expectations without requiring too much effort. The soft chew combined with peanutty richness creates a nostalgic yet bold flavor that you won’t quickly move past.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies
Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Cookies offer a combination of bold chocolate with a burst of fruitiness that’s not overly common in most cookie recipes. Adding fruit to chocolate treats breaks the norm without feeling too far off from what you love. It’s a recipe that’s easy to swap in when you’re looking for something new.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Cookies
No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies

Skip the baking while maintaining the rich textures and nutty sweetness that make them so memorable with No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies. Lighter steps don’t mean cutting back on flavor, and these prove that effortlessly. Adding these options into your lineup is a simple way to keep things fresh without much effort.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Maple Pecan Cookies
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Soft cookies with a little texture make a nice change from regular options. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have a balance of powdered sweetness outside and rich cocoa flavors inside. They’re both visually appealing and flavorful, breaking up typical cookie rotations without requiring much extra.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Sugar Cookies Without Butter don’t skimp on flavor or texture, giving the classic cookie feel with a bit less heaviness. They’re easy to fit into your rotation without feeling unfamiliar, and work well when you’re craving something light. Swapping in this style adds variety without feeling too out of place.
Get the Recipe: Sugar Cookies Without Butter
Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos

Oreos take on a playful twist with this fun recipe. Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos stand out with their colorful design, making them perfect for any occasion, not just themed gatherings. The combination of chocolate and cookies creates a crowd-pleasing duo that’s always nice to have.
Get the Recipe: Ladybug Chocolate Covered Oreos
Lemon Cookies

Sometimes a lighter cookie can hit the spot, and this recipe does just that. Lemon Cookies offer a soft texture with a bright citrus kick that isn’t overwhelming. Great for adding variety to typical cookie rotations, they work well when you’re craving something fresh. These cookies bring a casual balance to sweeter options any time you want them.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate lovers might agree that doubling up on this ingredient makes a cookie even better. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for when you want something rich but not over-complicated. Their chocolate-packed flavor goes beyond your usual cookie expectations, delivering a treat that keeps people coming back.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookie Monster Cookies

These cookies deliver on both visuals and flavor with their playful style. Cookie Monster Cookies combine different elements into a fun design that’s hard to resist. They’re ideal for adding a bit of whimsy when usual options feel too basic. Switching to these cookies can make desserts more interactive and memorable for just about anyone.
Get the Recipe: Cookie Monster Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies

A chocolate twist is never wrong, especially in cookie form. Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies mimic the famous treat with their indulgent texture and bold flavor. They’re a great choice for anyone who enjoys something richer without diving into traditional cake recipes. Making these can offer a nice alternative to standard sweets.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies
Vegan Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a plant-based option, this recipe might be worth trying. Vegan Sugar Cookies provide a great alternative without skimping on the classic sugar cookie taste everyone knows. They’re perfect when you want an effortless swap without changing the dessert lineup too much.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sugar Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie

Peanut butter and jelly take their iconic pairing into dessert form with this simple recipe. Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie offers a nostalgic twist for anyone who likes comforting, familiar flavors. They’re an excellent step away from overly sweet choices when regular cookies feel boring. This recipe makes old favorites feel new again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookie
Vegan Amaretti Cookies

Gluten-free, dairy-free options can feel unexpected but rewarding for snack lovers. Vegan Amaretti Cookies deliver a slightly nutty flavor with a great crunch that works whether you’re vegan or not. Offering dietary balance, these cookies mix things up for daily snacking or entertaining. Adding these to the rotation might be just what’s needed for variety.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Amaretti Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe

Sometimes cookie dough is what people truly want, and this recipe proves it. Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe brings that classic flavor into a full-baked option that feels satisfying. It’s a fun twist for dessert spreads and creates a cookie experience that feels more indulgent without adding extra layers of effort.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie Recipe
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Traditional recipes stick around for a reason, they always work. Chocolate Chip Cookies give people the classic treat they know, with no need to overthink the options. This dessert remains timeless for almost any occasion without needing changes or updates. If you’re not sure where to start, this is usually a safe and familiar pick year-round.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Dessert rotations get a warming option with this recipe inspired by a bakery favorite. Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies offer a layered texture and bold cinnamon flavor that’s not frequently found in normal cookie recipes. This is a creative pick for changing up dessert patterns without requiring something out of your comfort zone.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies
Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies

Mixing fruit flavors can feel experimental, but this option gets it right. Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies blend their refreshing flavors into a fine balance. These cookies go beyond ordinary choices, offering a unique twist that’s distinct but still approachable. If variety feels overdue, moving away from classics could start right here.
Get the Recipe: Lemon and Blueberry Muffin Cookies
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
