10 Sweet Treats That Will Perk You Up Over Lunch Break
These desserts make the best midday surprise!
There's no better surprise than unpacking a homemade treat from your lunchbox! Sure, a sandwich or salad might be the main event, but it's often that little something sweet at the end that everyone looks forward to most. Whether you're packing school lunches, heading into the office, or simply enjoying lunch at home, having an easy dessert on hand makes any midday meal feel a bit more special.
Here, you'll find nostalgic classics like homemade Dunkaroos and puppy chow, fruity bars, oatmeal cookies, chocolatey desserts, and plenty of grab-and-go bites that travel well. Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time too, so you'll have treats ready to eat throughout the week. Bake a batch of chewy cookies on Sunday, slice up a pan of dessert bars, or whip together a no-bake dessert that stores beautifully in the pantry or refrigerator. Not only are these sweet snacks so delicious, but they're also a fun way to switch things up from the usual packaged options.
Cowboy Cookie Bars
Saddle up for this one! Each chewy square is loaded with chocolate chips, nuts, and shredded coconut, making them a hearty way to satisfy your afternoon sweet tooth. Bonus: they're baked in one pan and slice up neatly.
Get Ree’s Cowboy Cookie Bars recipe.
Strawberry White Chocolate Granola Bars
Here’s the perfect balance between wholesome and sweet: nuts and freeze-dried fruit make up the chewy base. Just add a drizzle of strawberry-speckled white chocolate on top.
Fig Bars
Remember these as a kid? These homemade fig bars actually get softer and even more delicious after a day or two, making them perfect for packing all week long.
Get the Fig Bars recipe.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These cookies are a classic lunchbox treat for good reason. Filled with chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm cinnamon, they're soft, comforting, and the perfect amount of sweetness.
Get Ree’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
If you don’t already have a PB&J in your lunchbox, try it in dessert form! Bake a batch ahead of time, then slice them into handheld squares.
Get Ree’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars recipe.
Cowboy Bark
Ah, the ultimate question: salty or sweet? Choose both! Potato chips are covered in chocolate, trail mix, peanut butter, and grated jalapeño for a subtle kick. Break it into pieces and pack a few of them for lunch.
Get Ree’s Cowboy Bark recipe.
Homemade Dunkaroos
’90s kids, could you ever forget these? These graham cracker-inspired cookies are paired with a fluffy confetti frosting for dipping. Pack them in separate containers for a treat that’s even better than the original!
Get the Homemade Dunkaroos recipe.
Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats
Crunchy potato chips cover these gooey marshmallow treats for an irresistible mix of textures, while a drizzle of melted chocolate takes them over the top. They’re no-bake and easy to slice into bars.
Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich Cookies
Yes, you can get all the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake in a portable bite. It’s done with vanilla and strawberry cookies that are sandwiched together with a layer of fluffy buttercream and sweet strawberry jam.
Puppy Chow
Nearly impossible to stop snacking on, this classic treat of chocolate and peanut butter-covered Chex cereal comes together in just five minutes. Portion it into small bags for an easy grab-and-go treat.
Get the Puppy Chow recipe.
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