Cookie Trends to Watch in 2025

Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re little snapshots of where we are as a society. Whether it’s a chewy chocolate chip or an intricately decorated shortbread, cookies always seem to reflect our current cravings, creativity, and even our values. And 2025 is no exception. This year, cookies are evolving in ways that are exciting, innovative, and, of course, delicious.

So, let’s preheat those ovens and dive into the hottest cookie trends of the year.

And because no cookie is complete without the right ingredients, I’ll let you in on a little secret: Italian flour. Trust me, once you’ve baked with it, you’ll never look back. (Check out WHY you should switch here)

1. Plant-Based Everything

The plant-based movement has officially taken over the cookie world. Vegan cookies are no longer just an afterthought; they’re stealing the spotlight. Bakers are getting creative with dairy and egg replacements, using aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a light, airy texture and almond butter or tahini for richness.

Flavors are also stepping up their game. Chocolate tahini cookies have a nutty, slightly savory twist that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee. Chai spice cookies bring warm, cozy vibes with every bite. And lemon-poppyseed vegan cookies? They’re as fresh and zesty as springtime.

If you’re trying this at home, Italian flour is your best friend. Its fine texture and lower protein content help create a soft, tender crumb—exactly what you want in a plant-based cookie.

2. Functional Cookies

Why settle for a plain old cookie when you can have one that boosts your mood or supports your health? Functional cookies are all about adding ingredients that do more. Think protein-packed cookies made with chickpea flour and whey protein, or gut-friendly cookies loaded with probiotics and fiber.

One trend I love is adaptogenic cookies. These cookies incorporate ingredients like ashwagandha or reishi mushrooms, said to help with stress and relaxation. Imagine winding down with a chewy oatmeal-raisin cookie that also helps you sleep better. It’s like self-care in dessert form.

To make these cookies truly shine, mix in some Italian flour. Its silky texture ensures that even the healthiest ingredients blend seamlessly, so you’re left with a cookie that tastes indulgent, not medicinal.

3. Global Flavors Take Center Stage

Cookies are going international in 2025, and the world has never tasted better. People are moving beyond the familiar and exploring global classics like:

• Alfajores: Buttery cookies sandwiched with creamy dulce de leche and rolled in coconut.

• Stroopwafels: Thin, caramel-filled cookies from the Netherlands that pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea.

• Mooncakes: Traditionally eaten during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, now reimagined with modern fillings like matcha or chocolate.

And it’s not just the cookies themselves; global ingredients are making their way into recipes. Miso adds a savory depth to chocolate chip cookies, while yuzu lends a bright, citrusy punch to shortbreads. Matcha is still going strong, bringing that earthy flavor and stunning green hue.

When baking these worldly delights, Italian flour is a great base. It’s versatile enough to handle anything, from delicate shortbreads to more robust cookie doughs.

4. Minimalist Aesthetics

While over-the-top cookie designs have had their moment, 2025 is all about simplicity. Minimalist cookies with clean lines, single colors, and elegant shapes are trending on Instagram and TikTok. Think perfectly round shortbread cookies with a smooth glaze, or geometric shapes with a dusting of powdered sugar.

The focus here is on quality over quantity. Bakers are perfecting the basics—the texture, the flavor, the bake. And when you’re working with so few elements, the ingredients really matter. This is where Italian flour shines. Its fine grind helps create a dough that’s easy to work with, allowing you to achieve those precise shapes and textures effortlessly.

5. Nostalgia Bakes Done New

There’s something comforting about biting into a cookie that takes you back to childhood. In 2025, bakers are reimagining nostalgic classics with a modern twist. Think oatmeal-raisin cookies upgraded with caramelized raisins and a touch of sea salt, or peanut butter cookies with a swirl of dark chocolate ganache.

Another fun trend? Cereal-infused cookies. Bakers are grinding up childhood favorites like Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch and incorporating them into doughs and toppings. The result is a cookie that’s as playful as it is delicious.

As always, Italian flour adds that touch of refinement, ensuring your nostalgic creations have the perfect texture to match their updated flavors.

6. Sustainable and Upcycled Ingredients

Sustainability is a big deal in baking right now, and cookies are no exception. Bakers are finding ways to reduce waste by using upcycled ingredients. For example:

• Spent grains from beer brewing add a nutty flavor and hearty texture to cookies.

• Coffee grounds give chocolate cookies an extra depth of flavor.

• Fruit pulps left over from juicing add natural sweetness and moisture.

These eco-friendly cookies aren’t just good for the planet; they’re delicious, too. And because Italian flour is so versatile, it blends beautifully with these unconventional ingredients, making sustainable baking easier than ever.

7. DIY Cookie Kits

As more people embrace baking at home, DIY cookie kits are taking off. These kits come with pre-measured ingredients and detailed instructions, making it easy for anyone to bake Instagram-worthy cookies. They’re perfect for families, date nights, or even solo baking therapy sessions.

Some kits go beyond the basics, offering themed options like holiday cookies or customizable sugar cookies with edible markers for decorating. It’s all about making baking accessible and fun, no matter your skill level.

If you’re making your own kits or gifting them, be sure to include Italian flour. It’ll give your cookies that professional touch, even if they’re baked by beginners.

8. Innovative Textures

Texture is king in 2025. Bakers are pushing the boundaries, creating cookies that combine contrasting textures in every bite. Imagine:

• Crispy edges with gooey centers

• Layered cookies with chewy and crunchy components

• Stuffed cookies with molten fillings that ooze out when you break them open

Achieving these textures takes precision and the right ingredients. Italian flour’s consistency helps create doughs that hold their shape while delivering the perfect bite, every time.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Cookies?

Cookies are evolving, but they’re still the comforting treat we all know and love. Whether you’re drawn to plant-based creations, nostalgic classics, or cookies with a global twist, there’s something for everyone in 2025.

So, why not try baking your way through this list? Start with some Italian flour, experiment with new flavors and textures, and see where your creativity takes you. After all, the best thing about cookies is that they’re meant to be shared—whether that’s with friends, family, or even just your Instagram followers.

Happy baking!

1. Vegan Chocolate Tahini Cookies

Plant-Based Everything

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian "00" flour

• 1/2 cup tahini

• 1/2 cup coconut sugar

• 1/4 cup almond milk

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk tahini, coconut sugar, and almond milk until smooth.

3. Add Italian "00" flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Stir until combined.

4. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips.

5. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool before enjoying.

2. Gut-Healthy Oatmeal Cookies with Probiotics

Functional Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian "00" flour

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 probiotic capsule (opened, powder only)

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet.

2. Mix Italian "00" flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl.

3. Stir in melted coconut oil, honey, and probiotic powder until a dough forms.

4. Fold in raisins or dried cranberries.

5. Scoop small balls of dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

3. Miso and Matcha Cookies

Global Flavors

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian "00" flour

• 1/4 cup matcha powder

• 1/4 cup white miso paste

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream together butter, sugar, and miso paste until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together Italian "00" flour, matcha powder, and baking powder.

5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

6. Roll the dough into small balls, place on the baking sheet, and flatten slightly.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool.

4. Cereal-Infused Cookie Dough Bites

Nostalgia Bakes Done New

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian "00" flour (heat-treated for safety)

• 1/4 cup powdered cereal (e.g., Fruity Pebbles or Cinnamon Toast Crunch)

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat-treat the Italian "00" flour by microwaving it for 30 seconds or baking it at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to kill bacteria.

2. Cream butter and sugars together until smooth.

3. Mix in milk and vanilla extract.

4. Stir in the heat-treated flour and powdered cereal until combined.

5. Roll into small bites and chill before serving.

5. Upcycled Coffee Ground Cookies

Sustainable and Upcycled Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian "00" flour

• 2 tbsp used coffee grounds (dry and finely ground)

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk Italian "00" flour, coffee grounds, and baking soda.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until combined.

6. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes and cool before enjoying.