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Home » Desserts

The 35 Treat-Yourself Desserts For When You’ve Earned It

Published: Apr 6, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When you've had a long day or a major win, sometimes you just need to treat yourself with desserts that really hit the spot. These are the perfect treats for those moments when you’ve earned a little something sweet to make everything feel a bit better. Whether you’ve wrapped up a big project or just survived a busy week, it’s time to enjoy a dessert that feels like a reward. No fancy steps, just real recipes that make you say, "This is what I needed!"

Close-up image of a chocolate chip skillet cookie topped with two scoops of ice cream and sprinkles, with one slice missing.

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Air Fryer S'mores

A close-up view of a stack of s'mores, consisting of toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers.
Air Fryer S'mores. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Make classic s’mores in the air fryer for a quick, mess-free treat. In just five minutes, you’ll have gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate for the perfect dessert.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer S'mores

Pistachio Muffins

Top view of four pistachio muffins on a wooden board, with one muffin placed separately and pistachios in the background.
Pistachio Muffins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chopped pistachios, brown sugar, and lemon zest come together to create flavorful muffins. Ready in under 40 minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Muffins

Lemon Coolers

An overhead image of lemon coolers in a tray with slices of lemon in the background.
Lemon Coolers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These light, airy lemon coolers are dusted with powdered sugar for a refreshing summer treat. They come together effortlessly, making them a perfect crowd-pleasing snack.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Coolers

Snickerdoodles

An overhead image of snickerdoodles on a plate.
Snickerdoodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soft, chewy snickerdoodles coated in cinnamon sugar with a tangy kick are always a favorite. Simple to make, they’re the perfect dessert for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Snickerdoodles

Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

Overhead view of yellow cake mix cookies after baking.
Yellow Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These yellow cake mix cookies are ready in just 20 minutes with only four ingredients. They’re a simple way to make a sweet treat without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image blackberry cobbler with pie crust in a baking dish.
Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Juicy blackberries and a flaky crust make this rustic blackberry cobbler an easy dessert. It’s a great choice for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight or a special gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

An image of peach cobbler in a baking dish with a portion of it missing.
Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh peaches, buttery crust, and a hint of allspice come together in this comforting peach cobbler. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple treat that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler with Pie Crust

Bisquick Apple Cobbler

An overhead image of bisquick apple cobbler in a skillet pan topped with vanilla ice cream.
Bisquick Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Bisquick apple cobbler combines tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and a buttery crust. It’s ready in under an hour, making it a fast dessert for any time.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Apple Cobbler

Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

An image of strawberry lemonade cookies on a wire rack.
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These strawberry lemonade cookies are bright and fresh, ready in just 25 minutes. The combination of strawberry jam and tangy lemon is both irresistible and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cookies

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Close-up image of a chocolate chip skillet cookie topped with two scoops of ice cream and sprinkles, with one slice missing.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This chocolate chip skillet cookie takes everything you love about cookies and makes it even more indulgent. Baked to perfection, it’s best with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

A close-up photo of a sliced apple pie with graham cracker crust on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Apple pie flavors meet a simple graham cracker crust in this comforting dessert. It’s a sweet, no-fuss treat perfect for tea time or sharing with others.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Carrot Cake Loaf

An overhead image of carrot cake loaf slices.
Carrot Cake Loaf. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This carrot cake loaf is soft, spiced, and topped with tangy frosting. It’s perfect for slicing and enjoying with coffee, tea, or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Loaf

Mixed Berry Galette

A top view image of mixed berry galette in sheet pan with a scoop of icecream in the middle.
Mixed Berry Galette. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A berry galette comes together in just 15 minutes of prep, making it a great dessert for BBQs. Add a scoop of ice cream and fresh mint for an easy upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Galette

Danish Butter Cookies

Four swirled butter cookies, each nestled in a white paper liner, arranged on a wooden tray.
Danish Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Danish butter cookies are crisp, buttery, and melt in your mouth. With just six ingredients and a little patience, they’re quick to prepare and worth the wait.
Get the Recipe: Danish Butter Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry shortcake cookies on a wire platter against a pink background.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Strawberry shortcake cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. These are easy to make and perfect for enjoying again and again.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close up photo of a stack of pecan chocolate chip cookies.
Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pecan chocolate chip cookies feature a crispy edge with a gooey center. Packed with rich flavor, they’re a dessert that’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Strawberry Spoon Cake

A close up shot of strawberry spoon cake in a cast iron skillet, ready to be served.
Strawberry Spoon Cake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh strawberries and fluffy cake combine in a strawberry spoon cake, baked in a cast iron skillet. This quick and easy dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Spoon Cake

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Close up view of lemon curd cookies with a lavender flower in background.
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon curd thumbprint cookies balance sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a simple and quick treat to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

White Chocolate Fudge

An image of white chocolate fudge on a plate.
White Chocolate Fudge. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This white chocolate fudge is a three-ingredient treat that comes together quickly. Topped with sprinkles, it’s a festive dessert made with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Fudge

Lemon Icebox Pie

An mage of a slice of pie on a plate.
Lemon Icebox Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy and tangy, this lemon icebox pie requires little work. Just chill and serve for a crowd-favorite dessert that comes together with ease.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Icebox Pie

Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

An image of Jamaican sweet potato pudding being sliced.
Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Jamaican sweet potato pudding blends sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and spices. It’s a comforting dessert, whether for a special occasion or a casual evening.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

An image of strawberry cheesecake cookies arranged to cool on a wire rack.
Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Strawberry cheesecake cookies combine sweet strawberries with a creamy cheesecake center. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re an irresistible dessert when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies

No Chill Chocolate Chip Cookies

A close-up image of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet.
No Chill Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soft, gooey, and packed with chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for satisfying a craving. They’re simple to make in bulk, and you can freeze extras for later.
Get the Recipe: No Chill Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Side angle view of piped Nutella cookies on a wooden board lined with parchment paper.
3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These three-ingredient Nutella cookies are a quick and easy way to finish off a meal. Just the right level of sweetness, they’re perfect for a simple treat.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies

Double Crusted Sweet Potato Pie

An image of a slice of pie on a plate.
Double Crusted Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This double-crusted sweet potato pie features warm spices and a creamy buttermilk layer. It’s a homemade dessert everyone will keep coming back for.
Get the Recipe: Double Crusted Sweet Potato Pie

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

An image of lemon shortbread cookies in a serving plate.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon shortbread cookies combine a buttery texture with bold citrus flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick way to enjoy a sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

Side angle view of almond flour peanut butter cookies with one half-bitten cookie.
Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Almond flour peanut butter cookies are simple and packed with flavor. They come together easily, making them a great treat anytime.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies

No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A close up view of pecan pie cheesecake slice on a white plate, with a fork on the side.
No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This five-ingredient no-bake pecan pie cheesecake takes just 30 minutes to prep. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect when you need something indulgent without much work.
Get the Recipe: No Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Linzer Cookies

An overhead image of three Linzer cookies on a plate.
Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Buttery and lightly spiced, these Linzer cookies are filled with jam. They’re simple to make and perfect for any gathering or as a cozy treat.
Get the Recipe: Linzer Cookies

Strawberry White Chocolate Muffins

An image of strawberry white chocolate muffins.
Strawberry White Chocolate Muffins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh strawberries and creamy white chocolate make these muffins light and fluffy. They’re ready in no time and perfect for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry White Chocolate Muffins

Coconut Creamy Pie with Meringue

An image of a slice of coconut cream pie on a plate.
Coconut Creamy Pie with Meringue. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This coconut cream pie is topped with fluffy meringue and packed with rich flavor. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, it’s a great dessert with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Creamy Pie with Meringue

Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Close up of Mandarin Cake showing the perfect caramelization.
Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This version of mandarin cake features a gooey caramel layer and a cocoa-infused cake base. It’s super easy to make and even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Mandarin Cake (with Caramel)

Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot cake muffins on a cooling rack.
Carrot Cake Muffins. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Carrot cake muffins are soft, spiced, and balanced with a satisfying crunch. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Muffins

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars

A slice of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars on a white plate in the foreground, with another slice on a pile of plates in the background.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Brown sugar cinnamon pop-tart bars feature a gooey filling and buttery crust. They’re great for breakfast or dessert, bringing homemade comfort with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tart Bars

Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

Close-up of a Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake with two slices stacked at the front of a serving platter.
Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

This lemon drizzle loaf cake is simple to make with just a few ingredients. It’s balanced with sweetness and citrus, making it a treat that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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