Cookies. Large, small, delicate, decadent, they come in many shapes, sizes, flavors, and many varieties can be found all across the world. Cookies are possibly the best dessert (in my opinion) it can be hard to decide what exactly to make when you're craving a sweet bite of a delicious cookie. Do you want something soft and gooey? Maybe a bit of a snap like a British biscuit? Or maybe tart? What about chocolatey? The options are literally endless!
Nevertheless, I have compiled a few of my favorites that I think are suited to different months based on ingredient availabilities and the festivities that normally happen during those times. At a few points in this article I couldn't resist adding a few more cookies to the calendar selection. I hope you enjoy and get some inspiration from this post for your next bake!
January
What’s a better way to start off the year than with a classic chocolate chip cookie? A childhood staple, serve warm with a cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative) while sitting by the fire after a day of snowy fun. Want to mix it up? Try adding other ingredients like oatmeal or various sizes of chocolate chips. You could also switch up the flavors by using white chocolate chips instead or doing a mix of several different flavors!
February
Now’s the time to get fancy, especially if you have something sweet planned for Valentine’s Day. Are there any cookies fancier than macarons? Coming in all shapes and sizes this French dessert can be tricky to make but worth the effort. Some awesome flavor combinations include: chocolate cookie with hazelnut filling, strawberry cream, coconut and lime, lavender and honey, and so much more! Check out these 20 Macaron Recipes if you want some inspiration.
March
Biscotti, a traditional Italian cookie, is prefect to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee. Some flavors include almond, chocolate and orange, or pistachio; all topped with a drizzle of chocolate. Try this almond-cranberry-pistachio recipe for a winning flavor combination. If you want to get into the holiday spirit to celebrate Purim, try making hamantashen! These triangular cookies are filled with prunes or apricots, or even chocolate!
April
Fluffy sugar cookies are prefect to herald in the first full month of spring. Top with colorful frosting and fun sprinkles to brighten up and cloudy day. In a pinch? Skip the frosting and add some sprinkles right into the batter! You If you want to try to recreate a childhood favorite, make this take on the classic Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies.
May
Summer is just around the corner- celebrate by making some delicious white chocolate cookies! These lighter cookies can be combined with other ingredients for some fun remixes. Try this white chocolate chip matcha recipe or make your own raspberry cheesecake cookies by using white chocolate chips, a sugar cookie base, and some freeze dried raspberries
June
When life gives you lemons, make lemon cookies! Reminiscent of a lemon bar, these tart treats will have you puckering up in joy for the sunny season. Top with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness. Serve with lemonade of course.
July
Feeling patriotic? Try making red velvet cookies and top with white and blue cream cheese frosting and star shaped sprinkles. (PS: Red velvet cake balls are another yummy option).
Pro tip! Vegan cream cheese like Tofutti is an awesome substitute for dairy free folks when making something with cream cheese frosting.
August
Hit up the outdoors before school gets back in session and make sure to fuel up with some trail mix cookies! Put all of your favorites into these treats including some type of nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, walnut, etc), craisins or raisins, chocolate chips, oatmeal, other nuts, or even pretzels!
September
Fall has arrived and pumpkins are in season! Make these soft, scrumptious pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting or Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pice Spice Cookie Butter (which could have been made for this recipe) and eat with a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea. After all, can you really ever have too much pumpkin?
October
Scare away any spooks with some decadent chocolate peanut butter treats! Take a basic recipe and add in some chocolate, or try making chocolate cookies and swirling in peanut butter or peanut butter chips. You could also make peanut butter cups with chocolate kisses for some ‘witches’ hats’ cookies if you’re in the mood for some be-witching snacks.
November
Fall is slowly starting to cool down into winter, warm yourself up with some cozy snickerdoodles! Another favorite of mine are stroopwafels from the Netherlands, which are two thin cookies (pressed like a very thin waffle) held together by a layer of carmel and dipped halfway in chocolate. To. Die. For.
December
What better time to make gingerbread than December? Make some traditional ginger bread men, go all out and build your dream house, or try some variations of this holiday favorite by making ginger snaps or molasses cookies instead!
Hope you enjoyed this list and test out some of these recipes (maybe one a month?). Leave a comment below on some of your favorite cookies and seasonal sweets that you love to eat!