Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to bake something sweet and spread a little love, and these 15 best cookie recipes are all about that easy, fun California vibe.
Last Valentine’s, I threw together a batch of dark chocolate, toasted coconut, and orange zest cookies on a whim—a total hit at a spontaneous beach bonfire.
It was all about that feel-good energy, where the cookies were just the start of the fun.
These recipes aren’t about perfection—they’re about flavor, creativity, and good times. With simple ingredients from your local market, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time. So, embrace that “throw it together” spirit and let the cookie chaos begin!
Don’t forget to share your cookie creations on social—let’s see what magic you come up with! How do you make Valentine’s treats extra special?
1. Apple Pie Cookies
Think of these as the best parts of apple pie but in a bite-sized, handheld treat. Buttery, flaky crust wraps around a spiced apple filling, with just the right balance of sweetness and warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg.
A drizzle of caramel or a dusting of sugar on top takes them over the edge. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in, they bring all the nostalgia of homemade pie—minus the fork and plate. If you love apple desserts but want something fun and snackable, these cookies are your new favorite.
View The Recipe
2. Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies
Soft, sweet, and beautifully simple—these vegan sugar cookies prove you don’t need eggs or dairy for a perfect bake. A blend of plant-based butter and vanilla gives them that classic bakery-style flavor, while the dough rolls out like a dream for perfect cut-outs.
Whether you decorate them with icing for the holidays or enjoy them plain with a cup of tea, they’re a must-have for any cookie lover. Plus, they stay soft for days—because no one wants a dry sugar cookie!
View The Recipe
3. Valentine’s Day Cookies
Nothing says “I love you” quite like homemade cookies, especially when they’re as gorgeous as these. Whether you go for classic heart-shaped sugar cookies with glossy icing, rich chocolate shortbread, or strawberry-filled thumbprints, these treats are made to impress.
Bright pops of red and pink, buttery textures and just the right amount of sweetness make them the perfect way to celebrate love—romantic or otherwise. Whether you’re baking for a partner, friends, or just yourself (because you deserve it), these cookies bring all the Valentine’s Day magic.
View The Recipe
4. Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake
This dessert is pure fun in every bite. A creamy, no-bake cheesecake sits on a buttery, pink-and-white-flecked animal cookie crust, with crushed cookies mixed right into the filling. The topping? Even more frosted animal cookies, because why not? It’s sweet, a little nostalgic, and irresistible.
If you grew up loving those sprinkle-covered cookies, this cheesecake will bring back all the childhood joy—just in a more grown-up (but still playful) form.
View The Recipe
5. Peanut Butter Lasagna with Nutter Butter Cookies
Layers of peanut butter goodness? Yes, please. This no-bake dessert stacks crushed Nutter Butter cookies, a fluffy peanut butter cream cheese layer, silky chocolate pudding, and a whipped topping for the ultimate indulgence.
Each spoonful is a perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey—kind of like a peanut butter cup in dessert form. Best part? No oven is required, making it a dream for hot days or last-minute dessert cravings.
View The Recipe
6. Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
Thick, chewy, and packed with rich peanut butter flavor, these cookies prove that gluten-free baking can be just as delicious—if not better. Made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, sugar, and eggs (or an egg substitute), they come together in minutes and bake up with perfectly crisp edges and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
Bonus: They’re naturally flourless, so there’s no need for fancy gluten-free blends. Whether you’re gluten-free or just love peanut butter, these cookies are a must-bake.
View The Recipe
7. Soft Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
There’s something nostalgic about rolling out soft sugar cookie dough, pressing in your favorite festive shapes, and watching them puff up into buttery perfection. This recipe makes cookies that are thick, tender, and just the right balance of vanilla and buttery sweetness.
They hold their shape beautifully but stay soft—not crunchy—thanks to a touch of cornstarch and a foolproof chilling method. Perfect for decorating with royal icing or a simple dusting of sugar, these cookies are a holiday classic that never gets old. Grab your cookie cutters and let’s bake—these beauties are too good to save for just one season!
View The Recipe
8. Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
Buttery, crumbly, and packed with the nutty richness of pistachios, these shortbread cookies are pure elegance in every bite. Pistachios have been prized in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, and here they shine, finely ground into the dough for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
A hint of vanilla and a pinch of salt brings out their natural sweetness, while a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar makes them even more irresistible. Whether served with tea or gifted in a pretty tin, these cookies are the definition of simple luxury.
View The Recipe
9. Shortbread Cookies
Few cookies are as effortlessly delicious as classic shortbread. With just butter, sugar, and flour, this recipe proves that simplicity is the key to perfection. Originating in Scotland, shortbread has been a beloved treat for centuries, with its delicate crumb and rich, buttery flavor.
The trick? High-quality butter and a slow, low bake for that signature sandy texture. Whether you cut them into traditional fingers or press them into rounds, these cookies are a cozy, everyday indulgence—perfect with a cup of tea or as the base for a million delicious variations.
View The Recipe
10. White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Cool peppermint, creamy white chocolate, and a perfectly chewy cookie base—these festive treats are everything you love about the holiday season in one bite. Crushed candy canes melt into the dough as they bake, creating little pockets of minty goodness, while the white chocolate keeps things decadently smooth.
The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a winter wonderland! Whether you’re filling a cookie tin or pairing them with hot cocoa by the fire, these cookies bring the magic of the holidays to every bite.
View The Recipe
11. No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are the ultimate quick and easy treat—no oven required! A rich, fudgy mixture of cocoa, peanut butter, and butter comes together in minutes, coating hearty oats for the perfect chewy texture.
First made famous in Southern kitchens, these cookies have been a go-to for decades because they’re simple, satisfying, and downright addictive. They set up beautifully as they cool, with just the right amount of chew and crunch. Whether you need a last-minute dessert or just want something sweet without the fuss, these are the cookies to make.
View The Recipe
12. Witch Finger Cookies
Creepy, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet, these witch finger cookies are the perfect addition to your Halloween treat lineup. The buttery almond-flavored dough bakes into eerie, gnarled shapes, complete with a blanched almond “fingernail” and a touch of red gel for a gory effect.
Inspired by old-world almond cookies, these are equal parts spooky and delicious, with a texture that’s crisp on the outside and just soft enough inside. Whether you’re making them for a haunted house party or just to scare up some fun in the kitchen, these cookies are a Halloween must-bake.
View The Recipe
13. Peanut Butter Spider Cookies
Halloween just got a whole lot cuter (and tastier) with these peanut butter spider cookies! A classic soft peanut butter cookie forms the base, but the real magic happens on top—a chocolate truffle “spider body” with candy eyes and little pretzel or piped chocolate legs.
The contrast between the rich chocolate and the nutty, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookie is pure perfection. Kids love helping to assemble these adorable, spooky treats, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any Halloween party. Get ready to make the cutest (and tastiest) spiders you’ve ever seen!
View The Recipe
14. lemon sandwich cookies
Bright, buttery, and sandwiched with a tangy-sweet lemon filling, these lemon sandwich cookies are pure sunshine in every bite. The crisp, melt-in-your-mouth cookies have just the right balance of sweetness and zest, while the silky lemon buttercream in the middle adds a luscious citrusy punch.
Inspired by classic European tea cookies, this version leans into vibrant, fresh flavors—perfect for spring gatherings or a summery treat. Whether you dust them with powdered sugar or enjoy them straight from the fridge for an extra refreshing bite, they’re impossible to resist. Ready to bake a batch? Click below for the full recipe!
View The Recipe
15. Protein Oatmeal Cookies
These protein-packed oatmeal cookies are the perfect snack to keep you going through busy mornings or long afternoons. With a hearty blend of oats, nut butter, and a touch of honey, they strike the ideal balance between satisfying and nourishing.
The warm, comforting smell of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen as they bake, filling the air with a cozy vibe. Expect chewy goodness, a slight crunch, and a subtle sweetness in every bite. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in a little extra protein without the guilt. Ready to get baking? Click to find out how to make these wholesome treats!
View The Recipe
