Cookies are one of the easiest and most fun treats to customize. Whether you want to tweak flavors, swap in new mix-ins, or make a traditional recipe your own, these 20 highly-swappable cookie recipes offer endless possibilities. From classic sugar cookies to creative cocktail-inspired treats, you’ll never run out of ideas for your next cookie swap!
1. Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tahini adds a rich, nutty depth to the classic chocolate chip cookie. You can swap out tahini for peanut butter or almond butter, and if you love texture, toss in some sesame seeds or chopped nuts for extra crunch.
2. Brownie Whoopie Pies
These soft, cakey cookies sandwich a creamy filling, making them perfect for swapping flavors. Try vanilla or peppermint buttercream instead of chocolate filling, or experiment with different cookie bases like red velvet or peanut butter.
3. Holiday Crinkle Cookies
Their signature cracked surface and fudgy center make them a favorite. You can swap out cocoa powder for matcha, espresso, or even peanut butter powder for a unique twist.
4. Snowball Cookies
Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these buttery, crumbly treats are easy to modify. Swap pecans for almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios, and try rolling them in cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a new take.
5. Swedish Pecan Praline Cookies
These crunchy, caramelized cookies are a mix of shortbread and toffee. Instead of pecans, use walnuts or macadamia nuts, and swap the caramel drizzle for dark chocolate if you prefer a less sweet version.
6. Classic Sugar Cookies
The ultimate blank canvas, sugar cookies can be cut into any shape and decorated however you like. Experiment with extracts—try lemon, almond, or maple instead of vanilla—or mix in citrus zest for extra brightness.
7. Fruitcake Cookies
A chewy, bite-sized version of fruitcake, these cookies allow for easy substitutions. Swap out dried cherries for cranberries, add white chocolate chips, or use spiced rum instead of brandy for a different depth of flavor.
8. Leftover Halloween Candy Cookies
A creative way to use up extra candy, this recipe is endlessly swappable. Mix in crushed peanut butter cups, chopped candy bars, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet combination.
9. Red Velvet Cookies
Red velvet’s signature color and mild cocoa flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. Try white chocolate chunks instead of chips, or add a cream cheese swirl for a richer experience.
10. Figgy Pudding Butter Cookies
Inspired by the traditional British dessert, these cookies are packed with warm spices and dried figs. Swap out the figs for dates or raisins, and try adding orange zest for an extra festive touch.
11. Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies are packed with cozy flavors. Swap maple syrup for honey, add toasted coconut for extra texture, or mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
12. Rum Ball Cookies
These no-bake cookies combine cocoa, crushed cookies, and a boozy kick. Use bourbon or brandy instead of rum, and roll them in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts for different finishes.
13. Salted Rosemary Shortbread
An elevated twist on classic shortbread, this recipe balances sweet and savory. If rosemary isn’t your favorite, try swapping in thyme or lavender for a different herbal note.
14. Roasted Chestnut and Fig Thumbprint Cookies
These thumbprints feature a unique combination of roasted chestnuts and sweet fig jam. You can swap in hazelnuts for chestnuts or use raspberry or apricot jam for a different flavor profile.
15. Espresso Martini Cookies
A cocktail-inspired treat, these cookies combine espresso and chocolate for a bold kick. Swap out the espresso for chai spice or cinnamon for a different type of warmth.
16. Flourless Salted Hot Chocolate Cookies
Rich and fudgy, these gluten-free cookies are packed with chocolate flavor. Try adding marshmallow bits for a s’mores-like effect, or swap the sea salt for chili flakes to add a spicy twist.
17. Ginger Cookies
These soft, spiced cookies are a holiday must-have. Swap out molasses for honey or maple syrup, and try adding chopped candied ginger for an extra bite of warmth.
18. Chocolate Peppermint Sables
A crisp, chocolatey cookie with a peppermint kick, these are great for holiday swaps. Substitute peppermint extract for orange or almond extract, or dip them in white chocolate for extra indulgence.
19. Spritz Butter Cookies
These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies can be shaped and decorated however you like. Swap vanilla extract for anise or lemon, or press nuts or sprinkles into the tops before baking for added crunch.
20. Chocolate Almond Cherry Cookies
A sophisticated combination of dark chocolate, almonds, and tart cherries makes these cookies stand out. Swap almonds for hazelnuts or pecans, and try dried cranberries or blueberries instead of cherries for a new flavor profile.
These 20 cookie recipes prove that baking is all about creativity. Whether you’re swapping nuts, extracts, or mix-ins, each recipe offers a deliciously customizable experience. Try a few different versions for your next cookie swap, and enjoy the endless possibilities!
