McDonald’s has built a reputation not just for its signature burgers and fries but also for its delicious, limited-time desserts. These special treats often generate excitement among fans, with some even making highly anticipated comebacks. Here’s a look at some of the most popular limited-time desserts McDonald’s has offered over the years.
1. Shamrock Shake
A seasonal favorite, the Shamrock Shake appears every March in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. This minty, creamy milkshake with its signature green hue has been a staple since its debut in 1970. Some variations have included chocolate versions and the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry.
2. Holiday Pie
McDonald’s Holiday Pie is a festive delight that usually appears around the winter holidays. It features a flaky, sugar-glazed crust filled with creamy vanilla custard and colorful sprinkles on top, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.
3. Stroopwafel McFlurry
Inspired by the classic Dutch treat, the Stroopwafel McFlurry combines caramel-flavored stroopwafel pieces with McDonald’s signature soft-serve ice cream. It was introduced as part of the “Worldwide Favorites” menu in 2019 and was an instant hit.
4. Pumpkin & Creme Pie
As autumn approaches, McDonald’s occasionally rolls out the Pumpkin & Creme Pie. This dessert features a dual filling of spiced pumpkin and sweet cream in a flaky pastry crust, offering the perfect fall-inspired indulgence.
5. Szechuan Sauce Dipped Dessert Combos
Although Szechuan Sauce is primarily associated with McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, adventurous fans have used it as a unique dip for desserts like soft-serve cones and apple pies. This sauce, which gained cult status after its initial release in 1998, made a brief return in 2017 and again in limited quantities in later years.
6. McFlurry Variations (Oreo, Rolo, and More)
McDonald’s McFlurry lineup has included various limited-time flavors over the years. Some of the most popular have been:
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Rolo McFlurry: Featuring caramel-filled Rolo candies blended into vanilla soft-serve.
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup McFlurry: A peanut butter lover’s dream.
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Snickerdoodle McFlurry: Released for the holiday season in 2019, this one combined cinnamon cookie pieces with creamy ice cream.
7. Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry
A recent addition, the Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry, introduced in 2023, featured vanilla soft-serve mixed with strawberry-flavored clusters and shortbread cookie crumbles, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
8. Peppermint Mocha and Peppermint Hot Chocolate
While primarily drinks, these seasonal beverages deserve a mention for their rich, dessert-like flavors. They’re typically available during the holiday season and combine a mix of espresso, chocolate, and peppermint flavors.
9. Chocolate Chip Frappe
This limited-time blended beverage has appeared sporadically, combining coffee, chocolate chips, and whipped cream for a decadent, dessert-like experience.
10. Guava & Creme Pie
Available in select international markets and making occasional appearances in the U.S., this pie variation features a tropical guava filling combined with creamy custard inside McDonald’s signature flaky crust.
11. Cinnamon Melts
While not necessarily a dessert, Cinnamon Melts were a sweet, sticky treat featuring warm, gooey cinnamon rolls topped with icing. These were available for a limited time on the breakfast menu and were a fan favorite.
12. Chocolate Pie (Asia Exclusive)
McDonald’s has introduced chocolate-filled pies in various international markets, including South Korea and Japan. These pies feature a crispy chocolate crust with a rich, molten chocolate center, making them an instant hit among chocolate lovers.
Final Thoughts
McDonald’s limited-time desserts often create a buzz, and some, like the Shamrock Shake and Holiday Pie, have become seasonal traditions. While not all items make a return, their occasional reappearances keep fans eagerly anticipating what sweet surprise McDonald’s will offer next.