21 after-dinner sweets that won’t keep you up at night

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Finding the perfect after-dinner sweet that won’t disrupt your sleep can feel like a culinary challenge, but with these 21 recipes, it’s a breeze. Imagine ending your meal with a dessert that’s just the right amount of sweet and won’t have you counting sheep later. It’s all about ending the night on a high note, with sweets that promise to keep your nights calm and your dreams sweet.

Chocolate overload cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Overload Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Turtle Brownies

A piece of Turtle Brownie with ice cream on a plate.
Turtle Brownies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

End your meal on a decadent note with Turtle Brownies, a perfect blend of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate. They’re just the right amount of sweet for an after-dinner treat that won’t have you bouncing off the walls. It’s a luxurious bite that’s sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Get the Recipe: Turtle Brownies

Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Zucchini Cookies on a parchment-lined tray.
Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans turn a classic garden vegetable into a sweet surprise. These cookies are soft, packed with flavor, and a great way to sneak in some veggies in your dessert. It’s a clever twist on a cookie that’s both delicious and somewhat guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Cookies with Chocolate & Pecans

Mango Curd

A jar of mango curd next to a mango and a mint leaf.
Mango Curd. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Lighten up your dessert menu with Mango Curd, a tropical delight that’s smooth, tangy, and bursting with fresh mango flavor. It’s the perfect topping for a light biscuit or toast, making it an ideal sweet treat that won’t weigh you down. This curd brings a bit of sunshine to the end of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mango Curd

Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies on a plate next to a glass of milk.
Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies offer a new twist on a classic favorite, proving that air fryers can do much more than just savory dishes. These cookies come out perfectly chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet, plump raisins.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble in cast iron with vanilla ice cream on top.
Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into the sweet and tart world of Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble, a dessert that perfectly balances flavors. With its crumbly topping and juicy filling, it’s a comforting dish that’s not overly sweet. This crumble is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal fruits in a dessert that’s simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble

Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Two bowls of salted caramel snickerdoodle cookies on a plate with lavender flowers on the table.
Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dessert takes the cozy classic to luxurious new heights. This version introduces the nutty depth of brown butter and the irresistible pull of gooey salted caramel, wrapped in the cinnamon-sugar warmth of a traditional snickerdoodle. Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a texture that melts in your mouth, making them a sophisticated twist on the beloved original.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Brown Butter Snickerdoodles

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Molly Bars are a unique treat that’s rich, chewy, and utterly indulgent. Named after a beloved family member or friend, they often feature a combination of chocolate, nuts, and a graham cracker base. It’s a dessert that feels like a special family secret shared at the dinner table, warming hearts and bellies.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet Potato Cookies on a baking sheet with icing and nuts.
Sweet Potato Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet Potato Cookies are a tasty twist on the classic cookie, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures. They bring the natural sweetness and rich color of sweet potatoes into a soft, comforting treat. Perfect for those looking to mix up their cookie game, these cookies are not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cookies

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

An apple cinnamon roll on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Merge breakfast with dessert in the best way possible with Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls. These treats take the comforting flavors of apple pie and wrap them in soft, doughy cinnamon roll bliss. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat, offering a sweet, cinnamon-spiced end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Peaches & Cream Cookies

Peaches and cream cookies on a plate with fresh peaches nearby.
Peaches & Cream Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Peaches & Cream Cookies are a dreamy dessert that combines the sweet juiciness of peaches with creamy, velvety hints in every bite. They’re a summery treat that’s light and refreshing, perfect for ending a meal on a sweet note without feeling too heavy. It’s a cookie that tastes like sunshine and happiness.
Get the Recipe: Peaches & Cream Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies on a white plate with strawberries nearby.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies bring the joy of strawberry shortcake to your hands in a mess-free form. These cookies are soft, studded with fresh strawberries, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a novel way to enjoy the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake, making dessert time a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Lemon Loaf

A slice of lemon pound loaf on a plate with daffodils.
Lemon Loaf. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brighten up your dessert time with Lemon Loaf, a zesty and moist cake that’s bursting with lemon flavor. This loaf is simple yet elegant, making it a versatile option for after-dinner tea or coffee. It’s a refreshing change from heavier desserts, offering a citrusy zing that cleanses the palate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf

Chocolate Overload Cookies

Chocolate overload cookies on a white plate.
Chocolate Overload Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

For the chocolate lovers, Chocolate Overload Cookies are a dream come true, packed with all the chocolate you could want. They’re rich, indulgent, and perfect for satisfying those chocolate cravings without overdoing it. These cookies are a decadent way to end any meal on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Overload Cookies

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

A plate with a slice of pecan cake and a cup of coffee.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the flavors in a convenient bar form. They’re sweet, nutty, and have just the right touch of maple, making them a comforting treat. It’s a dessert that’s easy to share and enjoy, bringing a bit of warmth to any evening.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

Two Salted Dark Chocolate cookies on a plate next to flowers.
Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take your chocolate cookies up a notch with Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies, a sophisticated treat that balances sweet and salty. The dark chocolate gives them a rich depth of flavor, while the sprinkle of salt on top enhances every bite. It’s an adult-friendly cookie that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Salted Dark Chocolate Cookies

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

A black plate with Brown Butter Apple Blondie squares with apples on the left and pumpkins on the right side of the table.
Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after a dessert that combines the warm flavors of fall with a rich, caramelized twist, look no further. Brown Butter Apple Blondies are the perfect blend of sweet apples and nutty brown butter, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy blondie. They’re a comforting treat that feels like autumn in every bite, perfect for those who love a twist on the classic blondie.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A jar of White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies next to lavender flowers.
White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a sweet treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious, White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have you covered. These cookies feature a soft, white chocolate center with a powdered sugar exterior that cracks beautifully as they bake. They’re a festive addition to any dessert table, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that white chocolate lovers will adore.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Rhubarb Bread

A loaf of Rhubarb Bread with a few slices on a white plate.
Rhubarb Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rhubarb Bread brings a tart twist to the dessert table, offering a unique flavor that’s surprisingly sweet and satisfying. It’s a great way to use up seasonal rhubarb, turning it into a moist, delicious bread. This dessert is a conversation starter, perfect for those who love to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Bread

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

A top-down shot of Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies on a white plate.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Brighten your dessert spread with Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies, a zesty and crunchy treat that combines the refreshing taste of lemon with the subtle texture of poppy seeds. These cookies are light yet flavorful, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer their sweets with a citrusy punch. They’re a delightful twist on the classic cookie, ideal for any lemon lover.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Smoked peaches topped with spiced rum whipped cream on a platter.
Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream take the simple peach to new heights, adding a smoky complexity that’s enhanced by the richness of spiced rum whipped cream. It’s an unexpectedly delicious combination that’s perfect for an after-dinner treat. This dessert is a showstopper, sure to impress any guest.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Chocolate Caramel Cookies.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

End your meal with a batch of Chocolate Caramel Cookies, a gooey, decadent treat that marries chocolate and caramel in the best way. They’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering a satisfying end to any meal. It’s a rich, comforting cookie that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Cookies

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