A fun list of some of the best creative cookies from scratch! These cookies are great year-round but also for the holidays, Christmas, and cookie swaps.
Every year, I get lots of emails and questions looking for the best creative cookies from scratch that are perfect for cookie swaps and exchanges. So I thought I’d put together a list of some of my favorites.
Before you get started baking, be sure to visit my How to Bake Cookies for 11 tips and tricks for the best results every time. I know some of you have been baking your whole life, but I think there are some tips and tricks in there for everyone.
Best Creative Cookies From Scratch
I always love a good cookie swap, don’t you? Such a fun activity this time of year to do with family, friends, and/or neighbors. As I mentioned above I always get asked this time of year for ideas of what to bring to cookie swaps and exchanges.
I’ve gathered up some of my favorites from over the years here at Snappy Gourmet for you, but first here’s a fun video from my son Jordan going through the cookies…
<video below at bottom of post>
1. Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts, a step up from a traditional chocolate chip cookie. Perfect for purists out there who maybe aren’t ready to get out of there comfort zone. These banana oatmeal cookies are loaded with fresh banana, chocolate chips, and walnuts. And the banana makes them healthy right? Ok, not really, but still delicious!
Buckeye Thumbprints, a great combo of chocolate and peanut butter. These do take a little time to make, but the results are definitely worth it. Chocolate and peanut butter are one of the best combos, right? These cookies are a fun twist on the popular buckeye candy.
Cannoli Cookies, where do I even start with these? If you are a fan of the popular Italian pastry, you will probably love these cookies. No, they don’t taste EXACTLY like a cannoli (only a cannoli tastes exactly like a cannoli, duh), but they have a lot of the same flavors. These cannoli cookies are also one of my most popular recipes on Snappy Gourmet. People seem to go crazy for them!
Chocolate Turtle Cookies, an easy drop cookie loaded with chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Rich, and decadent, but also really easy to make.
5. Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cookie Poppers
Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cookie Poppers, are full of chocolate and peanut butter. Plus, did I mention they have a “secret” popping ingredient.
6. Chocolate Hazelnut Pie Cookie Bars
Chocolate Hazelnut Pie Cookie Bars, an ooey gooey decadent chocolate dessert. These are perfect for chocolate lovers! These are half cookie, and half pie. You can dress these up in bigger slices and top with ice cream or whipped cream for a nice dessert.
Elvis Cookie Cups, inspired by the popular Elvis sandwich. These cookies have peanut butter, honey, banana, and bacon. YES, bacon!
8. Mexican Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Mexican Chocolate Snowball Cookies, a fun twist to traditional snowball cookies. This Mexican chocolate version has not only chocolate, but also vanilla, cinnamon, almonds, and even a little ancho chile pepper for a slight kick.
Mojito Cookies, a creative twist to the popular cocktail. These cookies have lime, fresh mint, and rum extract. If you have kids, and don’t want to go by the cocktail name, you can just call these Mint Lime cookies.
10. Mudslide Cookies
Mudslide Cookies, another fun twist on a cocktail. These chocolate cookies are a bit like a brownie in a cookie. They also are loaded with chocolate chunks and contain a little coffee liqueur and Irish cream. One of the best creative cookies from scratch!
11. Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, a great chocolate and peppermint cookie! Chocolate cookies with an easy peppermint cream middle and crushed candy canes or peppermint candy.
12. S’mores Bars
S’mores Bars are perfect for s’mores lovers! No fire or roasting needed for these kid-friendly cookies with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow fluff. People can’t get enough of them!
13. Strawberry Daiquiri Cookies
Strawberry Daiquiri Cookies, these strawberry cookies also have a little lime and rum extract like the popular drink. They can also easily be made kid-friendly!
Time to get yourself a big cup of hot chocolate or a fun holiday cocktail like this Holiday Cosmo, and get baking.
Need even more ideas? Be sure to visit my list of Italian Christmas Cookies. Some traditional and not so traditional Italian Christmas cookies from not only me, but other bloggers and websites.
Hope you enjoy this list of some of the best creative cookies from scratch! Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie? Would love to hear about it in the comments!
Here’s a quick video with my son Jordan sharing these favorites…
Theresa Wealton says
I made the Cannoli cookies with no problems, but have to say they were just meh. Wonder if more orange zest would have helped or adding a flavored oil almond or? Any ideas? I love the way you presented the recipe and the added tips. I used Ghirardelli dark melting wafers and they were perfect.
Lisa Huff says
It’s really personal preference. You can definitely add more orange zest (I personally like more orange zest but some people hate the orange in the cookies). Almond extract or Fiori di Sicilia, or even lemon zest. Or you could even add a little bit of your favorite liqueur (like Amaretto, Nocello, limoncello, etc). Some people have also added chopped dried cherries (or maraschino cherries may work too but haven’t tried) or different nuts.