Forget kale: 17 cookies worth the calories

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Alright, let’s gather ’round the cookie jar for a chat. Most days, we’re all about the greens, grains, and good-for-you stuff. But every so often, that sweet tooth demands attention, and a kale smoothie isn’t going to quell that craving. It’s those moments, when you’re yearning for something sweet and satisfying, that these 17 homemade cookie recipes come to the rescue.

From timeless classics to a few curveballs that’ll surprise your palate, this list has got the goods. So why not indulge? After all, a little treat now and then never hurt anyone. Let’s swap the salad for a cookie sheet and make your snack time truly epic.

Gluten free peanut butter cookie leaning against a stack of cookies in the background.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies

Blueberry thumbprint cookie on parchment paper.
Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget smoothies. Get a fruity punch in a chewy cookie. Your taste buds will thank you once you bite into one of these blueberry thumbprint cookies.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies

Carrot Cake Cookies

Healthy carrot cake cookies lined up in wooden box with parchment paper.
Carrot Cake Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Carrot sticks? Upgrade to carrot cake flavors with walnuts, lemon zest, and ginger in these chewy cookies packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies

Gluten free peanut butter cookie leaning against a stack of cookies in the background.
Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Swap peanut butter on celery for a classic, indulgent, chewy cookie that boasts all the flavor and texture of the traditional recipe with a gluten-free option.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cookies

Cherry Power Cookies

Cherry power cookies in a stack with dried cherries scattered around.
Cherry Power Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the cherry-flavored health bar. Indulge in antioxidant-rich tart cherries, oats, and nuts in these power cookies.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Power Cookies

Coconut Almond Macaroons

Coconut almond macaroons on parchment paper.
Coconut Almond Macaroons. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Trade plain almonds for a tropical combo of coconut and almond in a bite-sized treat that couldn’t be easier to make.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Almond Macaroons

Easy Thumbprint Cookies

Jam filled thumbprint cookies on a plate.
Easy Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Would you believe us if we told you these insanely delicious thumbprints are both gluten-free and vegan? They’re minimalist perfection bursting with traditional flavor and a cinch to bake up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Thumbprint Cookies

No-Bake Oatmeal Raspberry Sandwich Cookies

Oatmeal raspberry sandwich cookies on parchment paper.
No-Bake Oatmeal Raspberry Sandwich Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Forget raspberry yogurt. Dive into a sweet, satisfying cookie sandwich without baking.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Oatmeal Raspberry Sandwich Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on white surface split open.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Oatmeal bowls, meet your match. These treats bring a healthier angle without compromising taste.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Paleo Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Paleo chocolate chunk cookies sitting on parchment paper with piece of chocolate next to them.
Paleo Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Paleo living, indulgent tasting. Cookies that challenge the grain and dairy-free stereotype big time. Chocolate chunks married with a buttery soft cookie result in a stunningly delicious and easy treat.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies

Peanut butter stuffed chocolate cookies stacked on a white plate.
Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A surprisingly nutritious cookie meets decadence with a creamy indulgent peanut butter center.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies on a plate with pink kitchen towel.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Not just oatmeal repackaged; it’s the sweeter, heartier treat your afternoon craves.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies on a wire rack.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Why sip on a pumpkin spice latte when you can indulge in its richer, chocolate-studded counterpart with these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies?
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Road Trip Cookies

Road trip cookies in a plastic storage container.
Road Trip Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Say no to packaged health bars. These road trip cookies pack in all the goodness and flavor for the road or any busy on-the-go day.
Get the Recipe: Road Trip Cookies

Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet

Chocolate chip cookie skillet in a cast iron pan.
Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chocolate bars are passé. Dive into gooey, chocolaty indulgence with this skillet cookie so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Salted Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet

Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet potato cookies stacked on top of each other on a wire rack.
Sweet Potato Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beyond sweet potato fries. Fall-infused flavor delights in every chewy bite of these sweet potato cookies.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cookies

Chocolate Dipped Almond Cashew Butter Cookies

Chocolate dipped cashew almond butter cookies on parchment lined baking sheet garnished with candied sage leaf.
Chocolate Dipped Almond Cashew Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Elevate your nut butter game. Almonds, cashew and dark chocolate combine for an indulgent treat fit for a holiday but just as delicious any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Almond Cashew Butter Cookies

Pumpkin Biscotti

Pumpkin biscotti piled on a wooden plate with cinnamon sticks in the background.
Pumpkin Biscotti. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Swap pumpkin pie for this Italian delight. Perfect crunch, soft middle; ideal with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Biscotti

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