As the world ushers in 2026, a cookie renaissance is unfolding across continents, with local favorites, supermarket standouts, and bold new ventures all vying for the hearts—and taste buds—of dessert lovers. Whether you crave the nostalgia of homemade treats, the convenience of store-bought dough, or the thrill of a gourmet indulgence, this year’s cookie scene promises something for everyone.
In Singapore, the much-loved He Bakes is making a triumphant return for Chinese New Year 2026, bringing with it a heartfelt story and a menu brimming with festive flavors. According to Alvinology, He Bakes stands out in a crowded field of commercialized treats thanks to the dedication of its founder, Mr. He Jinzeng. With 23 years of baking experience spanning retail and manufacturing, Mr. He’s inspiration comes from his two daughters, Yurou and Yuxuan, whose love for his creations sparked the founding of the business. Each cookie, he says, is a testament to a father’s devotion—"homemade with love" isn’t just a slogan, but the guiding philosophy behind every batch.
This year, the flagship Golden Pineapple Pops ($48)—affectionately nicknamed “GOLI” for their resemblance to marbles—return to the lineup, offering a melt-in-the-mouth texture that hits the perfect balance of sweet and tangy pineapple. The Garlic Truffle Cookies and Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies (both $28) are back as well, with the former delivering a bold, savory twist and the latter providing a gooey chocolate experience elevated by a touch of salt. For those who like to mix things up, the 2026 menu introduces an array of new flavors: Mad Over Macadamias, Happy Pistachios, Japanese Purple Sweet Potato, Japanese Mentaiko, and the classic Butter Sugar, each priced at $28. And if you’re seeking a truly decadent bite, don’t miss the limited-edition Salted Egg Yolk Pineapple Balls ($48), where savory yolk meets zesty pineapple paste in a luxurious union.
But He Bakes isn’t just about the cookies—it’s about celebrating togetherness. This year, every purchase of $150 or more earns a free set of limited-edition He Bakes playing cards, perfect for family gatherings and friendly games during house visits. Ordering is a breeze: simply visit hebakes.cococart.co or send a WhatsApp message to +65 8513 3430. Delivery is available for $12 (free for orders over $180), or you can opt for pickup at their Yishun location.
Meanwhile, in the United States, supermarket giant Aldi is making waves with its award-winning cookie doughs, earning accolades not just for affordability but for genuine quality. According to Mashed, Aldi’s Specially Selected Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Almond Brittle were named U.S. Products of the Year for 2025. Priced at just $4, the Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Chunk variety has drawn rave reviews, with some customers on Reddit boldly declaring it “better than Crumbl”—a high compliment given Crumbl’s cult status among cookie enthusiasts.
These doughs aren’t just about hype; they deliver on taste and texture. Baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, the cookies emerge soft, chewy, and delicious, maintaining their irresistible texture even the next day if covered. While the almond brittle version has its fans, some found it a touch sweet, making the salted caramel the clear favorite. What sets Aldi’s offerings apart is their ability to deliver homemade quality without the fuss—or the premium bakery price tag. As Mashed notes, they’re the quintessential low-risk, high-reward buy: perfect for quick desserts, unexpected guests, or simply stocking up on sweet treats. Availability can vary, but for now, these cookie doughs remain a reliable choice for shoppers seeking both value and flavor.
Across the globe in Delhi, a new contender is shaking up the cookie scene with bold ambitions and unapologetic flair. ButterHands, the latest venture from the team behind Melt House, officially launched at Select Citywalk on January 5, 2026, promising to serve “the greatest cookies in the world.” The journey began as a humble experiment inside Melt House’s Gurugram kitchen, where limited batches of cookies quickly sold out and built a loyal following. Encouraged by this response, ButterHands has now taken center stage at one of Delhi’s most iconic retail destinations, determined to become a destination brand in its own right.
ButterHands’ signature offering is the New York–style cookie: each one hand-shaped, weighing in at a hefty 130 grams, with a molten, stuffed center and a crisp top. The debut menu is as playful as it is indulgent, featuring creations like Salty Nutella Drip ft. Walnutz, Dark Choco PB Smash, Caramelized White Choc & Berries Riot, Vegan Coconut Frenzy, Oreo Velvet Drip Cookie, Banoffee Caramel Anarchy Cookie, and Hot Choc Marsh Melt Cookie. These cookies are paired with Melt House’s beloved hot chocolate, iced chocolate with malt cream, malted milkshakes, and curated coffee selections, creating a full-fledged dessert experience.
Founder Rohit Beniwal describes ButterHands as “our love letter to indulgence,” emphasizing the commitment to fresh baking every single day. “Our recipes and processes are continuously rigour-tested to create extraordinary flavour profiles. These cookies reflect the pedigree around our products we built at Melt House, but they have their own attitude—bold, expressive, unapologetically Gen Z and very now.” Head Chef Manushka Kapoor adds, “We spent months perfecting the dough and the fillings. Every cookie goes through multiple tests before it makes it to the menu. Our goal was simple: to create a cookie that feels familiar yet thrilling in every bite.”
What unites these diverse stories—from Singapore’s family-run He Bakes, to Aldi’s crowd-pleasing doughs, to Delhi’s audacious ButterHands—is a shared focus on quality, innovation, and the joy of sharing good food. The cookie, in all its forms, remains a universal symbol of comfort and celebration. Whether you’re marking the Year of the Horse with pineapple pops, whipping up a batch of salted caramel cookies for a weeknight treat, or indulging in a molten-centered masterpiece at a bustling shopping mall, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for cookie lovers everywhere.
In a world that sometimes feels divided, perhaps it’s the simple act of sharing a cookie—homemade, store-bought, or gourmet—that reminds us of what brings us together.
