7 Summer Cookie Recipes That Beat the Heat

Summer calls for treats that are refreshing, light, and perfect for sharing at picnics, barbecues, or just enjoying on a hot afternoon.

These seven cookie recipes capture the season’s best flavors while keeping your kitchen cool and your sweet tooth satisfied.

1. No-Bake Coconut Lime Cookies

this recipe ⇨

When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, these tropical no-bake cookies come to the rescue.

The bright lime zest cuts through the rich coconut for a refreshing treat that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

2. Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Bars

These buttery bars combine the classic comfort of shortbread with summer’s star fruit.

The lemon glaze adds brightness that makes these irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar. Add flour and salt until dough forms.
3. Press half the dough into the pan. Sprinkle with blueberries, then crumble remaining dough on top.
4. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
5. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over bars before cutting.

3. Frozen S’mores Cookie Sandwiches

Transform the campfire classic into a frozen treat perfect for hot summer days.

These cookie sandwiches bring together all the beloved s’mores flavors in a cool, creamy package.

Ingredients:

• 24 chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Scoop ice cream onto half the cookies, top with remaining cookies.
2. Mix graham crackers and marshmallows on a plate.
3. Roll cookie sandwich edges in the mixture.
4. Freeze for 2 hours until firm.
5. Wrap individually in plastic wrap for longer storage.

4. Peach Cobbler Thumbprints

These cookies capture all the comfort of peach cobbler in a handheld treat.

The oat streusel topping adds the perfect crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup peach jam
• 1/3 cup oats
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, cold

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Mix in flour and salt. Roll into balls and place on baking sheet.
4. Make thumbprints and fill with jam.
5. Mix oats, brown sugar, and cold butter. Sprinkle over jam.
6. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden.

5. Watermelon Sugar Cookies

These playful cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Kids love helping with the decorating, and they’re perfect for summer parties.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pink food coloring
• Green icing
• Mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg, vanilla, and pink coloring.
3. Add dry ingredients gradually. Wrap dough and chill 1 hour.
4. Roll out and cut into watermelon slice shapes.
5. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
6. Cool, then decorate with green icing and chocolate chip “seeds.”

6. Strawberry Basil Shortbread

This unexpected combination creates a sophisticated cookie that’s perfect for garden parties.

The basil adds a fresh herbal note that complements the sweet strawberries beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped finely

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in flour and salt, then fold in strawberries and basil.
4. Roll into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill 30 minutes.
5. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds and place on baking sheet.
6. Bake 15-18 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

7. Frozen Yogurt Bark Cookies

This healthy-ish treat satisfies your cookie craving while keeping things light.

It’s more like edible art than traditional cookies, and everyone loves breaking off their own piece.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix yogurt and honey until smooth.
3. Spread mixture evenly on the prepared sheet.
4. Sprinkle with crushed cookies, berries, and almonds.
5. Freeze for 3 hours until solid.
6. Break into pieces and store in the freezer.

Keep these recipes cool by storing them in the refrigerator or freezer, especially on hot days.

Many of these treats actually taste better when chilled, making them perfect for summer entertaining!