Fans pick 68 books like A Good Bake

By Melissa Weller, Carolynn Carreno,

Here are 68 books that A Good Bake fans have personally recommended if you like A Good Bake. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Simple Art of Perfect Baking

Rick Rodgers

From my list on baking for at home bakers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Rick Rodgers is an award-winning culinary teacher and cookbook writer who has made a specialty of books on baked goods. His book Kaffehaus explores the delicious sweets of the Austro-Hungarian coffee culture. With two of America’s most iconic bakeries, he is the co-author of The Model Bakery Cookbook and Sarabeth's Bakery, as well as Coffee And Cake, Tea And Cookies, and Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food.

Rick's book list on baking for at home bakers

Rick Rodgers Why did Rick love this book?

When I worked in a food magazine test kitchen, it was a joy when a recipe by Flo came across my desk. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was legendary for her skills and nurturing of young talent, her books deserve to be better known to the general public. The late, great Flo taught me so much about baking with her clear and concise recipes for top-notch baked goods. You will feel like your favorite aunt is standing next to you in the kitchen directing your every move. You can trust Flo.

By Flo Braker, Dana Gallagher (photographer),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Simple Art of Perfect Baking as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The award-winning author of Sweet Miniatures offers an organized, methodical approach to baking that features some two hundred tested dessert recipes--for cakes, tortes, tarts, pies, pastries, and more, along with step-by-step instructions for a variety of useful cooking and decorating techniques. 1


Book cover of The Italian Baker: The Classic Tastes of the Italian Countryside--Its Breads, Pizza, Focaccia, Cakes, Pastries, and Cookies

Rick Rodgers

From my list on baking for at home bakers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Rick Rodgers is an award-winning culinary teacher and cookbook writer who has made a specialty of books on baked goods. His book Kaffehaus explores the delicious sweets of the Austro-Hungarian coffee culture. With two of America’s most iconic bakeries, he is the co-author of The Model Bakery Cookbook and Sarabeth's Bakery, as well as Coffee And Cake, Tea And Cookies, and Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food.

Rick's book list on baking for at home bakers

Rick Rodgers Why did Rick love this book?

This book literally changed home baking forever by making artisan breads accessible to the amateur cook. It was the first time that many of us saw recipes for the rustic breads with crackling brown crusts and moist, hole-ridden interiors that were before only available at specialty bakeries. All books are a labor of love, but I can’t imagine the determination an American woman must have had to wrestle the original recipes from Italian masters.

By Carol Field, Ed Anderson (photographer),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Italian Baker as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The only comprehensive book, in English or Italian, to cover the entire range of Italian baking, from breadsticks and cornetti to focaccia, tarts, cakes, and pastries. This latest edition, updated for a new generation of home bakers, has added four-color photography throughout, plus new recipes, ingredients and equipment sections, source guides, and weights. 

Carol Field introduces artisanal doughs and techniques used by generations of Italian bakers. Every city and hill town has its own unique baking traditions, and Field spent more than two years traversing Italy to capture the regional and local specialties, adapting them through rigorous testing in her…


Book cover of The Art of Fine Baking

Rick Rodgers

From my list on baking for at home bakers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Rick Rodgers is an award-winning culinary teacher and cookbook writer who has made a specialty of books on baked goods. His book Kaffehaus explores the delicious sweets of the Austro-Hungarian coffee culture. With two of America’s most iconic bakeries, he is the co-author of The Model Bakery Cookbook and Sarabeth's Bakery, as well as Coffee And Cake, Tea And Cookies, and Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food.

Rick's book list on baking for at home bakers

Rick Rodgers Why did Rick love this book?

This prim tome may not have any photos, and the author’s voice is somewhat terse, but she comes across with excellent recipes. This is the cookbook that started me on the road to professional baking, as the desserts I made for my novice dinner parties were such hits that I got stars in my eyes. It is definitely Francocentric, but that is a very good place to start if you are a beginner, and if you are an experienced cook, you can’t go wrong with her basic formulas.

By Paula Peck,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Art of Fine Baking as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A complete treatise on the art of baking.


Book cover of Baking at the 20th Century Cafe: Iconic European Desserts from Linzer Torte to Honey Cake

Rick Rodgers

From my list on baking for at home bakers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Rick Rodgers is an award-winning culinary teacher and cookbook writer who has made a specialty of books on baked goods. His book Kaffehaus explores the delicious sweets of the Austro-Hungarian coffee culture. With two of America’s most iconic bakeries, he is the co-author of The Model Bakery Cookbook and Sarabeth's Bakery, as well as Coffee And Cake, Tea And Cookies, and Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food.

Rick's book list on baking for at home bakers

Rick Rodgers Why did Rick love this book?

Disclosure: The owner of this San Francisco restaurant was strongly influenced by the less familiar Austro-Hungarian recipes in my book KAFFEEHAUS. But, while my book focuses on the classic versions, Michelle takes them to new heights with seasonal produce and her fresh taste on flavors and techniques. It is worth the price of the book to get her infamous Russian honey cake recipe, the towering masterpiece that graces the cover. This book is an instant classic that every serious baker will want to own.

By Michelle Polzine,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Baking at the 20th Century Cafe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Transporting readers straight to the grand cafes of Europe, Baking at the 20th Century Cafe brings renewed attention to the legendary sweet and savory baking recipes of Central and Eastern Europe. Polzine, one of San Francisco's best pastry chefs, pays homage to the foundational desserts of so many cultures, while lightening and modernizing the recipes through her California lens. Her fruit desserts, nut-based desserts, and chocolate treats--many of them gluten-free--are smart, interesting, and foolproof, and deliver big flavor. Polzine's coveted honey cake recipe is included, too, along with recipes for plum kuchen, walnut hamantaschen, Sacher torte, linzer torte, poppy-filled rugelach,…


Book cover of 100 Cookies: The Baking Book for Every Kitchen

Monica Wellington Author Of Mr. Cookie Baker

From my list on for people who love baking cookies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Monica Wellington was born in London and lived in Switzerland and Germany as a child. She has written and illustrated many books for young children, including Apple Farmer Annie, Zinnia’s Flower Garden, My Leaf Book, and Mr. Cookie Baker. She now lives in New York City. Some of her favorites things are: baking desserts, eating chocolate, traveling to France, going to the ballet, and reading at home with her cat on her lap. She teaches at the School of Visual Arts.

Monica's book list on for people who love baking cookies

Monica Wellington Why did Monica love this book?

Have a glass of milk, or a cup of tea, ready for when the cookies come out of the oven - they will be every bit as delicious as the photos! The names of the chapters give you a good idea of the wonderful selection: Classics, Brownies and Blondies, Fruit Extravaganza, The Next Level, Time to Play, Pan-banging Cookies, and Mix & Match.

By Sarah Kieffer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 100 Cookies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Featured in Food & Wine, The Kitchn, Cup of Jo, Wall Street Journal, Wine Enthusiast, Food52, Bake from Scratch Magazine. Nominated for a 2020 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Cookbooks

From celebrated blogger Sarah Kieffer of The Vanilla Bean Baking Blog!
100 Cookies is a go-to baking resource featuring 100 recipes for cookies and bars, organized into seven chapters.

Chocolatey, fruity, crispy, chewy, classic, inventive-there's a foolproof recipe for the perfect treat for everyone in this book.

* Introduces innovative baking techniques
* Includes an entire chapter dedicated to Kieffer's "pan banging" technique that ensures crisp edges and soft centers…


Book cover of The Book of Cookies

Monica Wellington Author Of Mr. Cookie Baker

From my list on for people who love baking cookies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Monica Wellington was born in London and lived in Switzerland and Germany as a child. She has written and illustrated many books for young children, including Apple Farmer Annie, Zinnia’s Flower Garden, My Leaf Book, and Mr. Cookie Baker. She now lives in New York City. Some of her favorites things are: baking desserts, eating chocolate, traveling to France, going to the ballet, and reading at home with her cat on her lap. She teaches at the School of Visual Arts.

Monica's book list on for people who love baking cookies

Monica Wellington Why did Monica love this book?

In addition to the essential photo of each cookie, there are also excellent photos showing the stages of preparation. The recipes include a lot of fancy-looking cookies that are actually very simple: favorites include Marbled Shortbread, Madeleines, Pinwheels.

By Pat Alburey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Book of Cookies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Few can resist the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies, and The Book of Cookies features every kind, from the old-fashioned favorites to elaborate holiday cookies. Clearly illustrated with step-by-step pictures, all the secrets of successfull cookie-making are revealed in this book.


Book cover of Crazy for Cookies, Brownies, and Bars: Super-Fast, Made-from-Scratch Sweets, Treats, and Desserts

Courtney Carey Author Of Girls Just Wanna Bake Cupcakes: Easy, Delicious Desserts Inspired by the '80s

From my list on satisfy your nostalgic sweet tooth.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a baking blogger with a serious love for all things '80s and all things sweet. Cupcakes are my passion but I have a huge sweet tooth for all types of desserts. I created my blog, "Cake Me Home Tonight," to share my passion for baking, easy and delicious recipes, and baking tips and tutorials to inspire home bakers to elevate their baking game. I am always inspired and motivated by my favorite cookbook authors and baking bloggers to create dessert recipes with a nostalgic twist. I hope these books satisfy your sweet tooth as much as they have mine!

Courtney's book list on satisfy your nostalgic sweet tooth

Courtney Carey Why did Courtney love this book?

A dessert lover’s dream come true. Dorothy shares easy, homemade cookie, brownie, blondie, bar, cookie cup, no bake cookie, and holiday treat recipes.

I love how comforting and familiar her recipes are, each incorporating a nod to nostalgia. The photos highlight the “home-baked from the heart” quality of each cookie and brownie recipe. If I need to fill up my cookie jar, I am reaching for this book!

By Dorothy Kern,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Crazy for Cookies, Brownies, and Bars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Master cookie basics, then expand your repertoire with over 85 crave-worthy yet easy-to-prepare recipes for both classic and inventive sweet treats, each with its own mouthwatering photo.

Author Dorothy Kern is one of the most trusted and widely read baking bloggers on Earth-and with good reason. Her tested-to-perfection recipes are simple to make, delectable, and full of creative new flavor ideas. In Crazy for Cookies, Brownies, and Bars, she shares her recipes and baking secrets so you, too, can make scrumptiously delicious cookies that everyone loves.

Dorothy outlines the rules for successful cookie baking, provides an overview of key ingredients…


Book cover of Layla

Victoria Wessex Author Of The Curvy Vet and the Billionaire Cowboy

From my list on romance with curvy heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the USA Today bestselling author of nineteen romances including the He Wanted Me Pregnant! series of short, steamy, standalone reads, several of which feature curvy heroines. I believe there’s room in romance for heroes and heroines of all shapes and sizes and I love to see curvy girls find their one-and-only: someone who loves them exactly the way they are. I like my curvy heroines to be smart, witty, and have depth and I like my romances to be just the right mix of squee-inducing instalove and steamy scenes.

Victoria's book list on romance with curvy heroines

Victoria Wessex Why did Victoria love this book?

The Curvy Girl Can series are short reads. Like my series, they can be read in any order and all have a guaranteed happily-ever-after. They’re a great choice to read on a lunch break, but they’re also as binge-able as a box of chocolates (nom nom nom). This first book is a great place to start but honestly, you can dive in anywhere. Layla is one of my favorites because I love the idea of the heroine’s reading cafe: who wouldn’t want a cozy place with beanbags, great coffee, and freshly-baked cookies to curl up with a book? Kane makes for a great flirty, rough hero and his chemistry with Layla will have you hooked.

By Sadie King,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Layla as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Are you looking for a HOT, OTT, Super FUN read? You will not go wrong with this book!"

Layla

There’s a new shop opening next door, and I can’t stop thinking about the bearded, inked owner with the rough hands. One look and my lady cookie melts.
But his noisy renovation work is scaring off my clientele. 

Can I keep my customers, my heart, and my v-card? Or will I give it all up for one night with Kane? 



Kane 

I’ve got two weeks to renovate my new shop and get my business out of the red or it’s going…


Book cover of Betty Crocker Cookies: Irresistibly Easy Recipes for Any Occasion

Monica Wellington Author Of Mr. Cookie Baker

From my list on for people who love baking cookies.

Why am I passionate about this?

Monica Wellington was born in London and lived in Switzerland and Germany as a child. She has written and illustrated many books for young children, including Apple Farmer Annie, Zinnia’s Flower Garden, My Leaf Book, and Mr. Cookie Baker. She now lives in New York City. Some of her favorites things are: baking desserts, eating chocolate, traveling to France, going to the ballet, and reading at home with her cat on her lap. She teaches at the School of Visual Arts.

Monica's book list on for people who love baking cookies

Monica Wellington Why did Monica love this book?

My first cookbook was Betty Crocker’s New Boys and Girls Cook Book. It was given to me by my mother when I was eight years old. I still have it and Cookies, Cakes, and Other Desserts was always my favorite chapter. I remember working my way through the recipes, starting with Oatmeal Cookies and advancing to creative Paintbrush Cookies. My love of baking started there! This book has many recipes with kid appeal, such as Frankenstein Cookies and Tie-Dye Swirl Cookies. A personal favorite of mine: Turtle Chocolate Chip Cookies with caramel and pecans and lots of chocolate!

By Betty Crocker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Betty Crocker Cookies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This foundational book of cookies covers tips and tricks for making, storing, and gifting cookies of all kinds. With chapters organised by baking circumstances, bakers can quickly find a cookie recipe right for them - whether it's No-Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies when it's too hot to turn on the oven, the Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Blondies that are easy to take on the go, or the Festive White Velvet Star Stacks that will light up any celebration.

Features expand the cookie repertoire: baking with kids, hosting a cookie exchange, cookie dips, cookie garnishes, and clever ways of using cookie cutters. Icons…


Book cover of The Simple Art of Perfect Baking
Book cover of The Italian Baker: The Classic Tastes of the Italian Countryside--Its Breads, Pizza, Focaccia, Cakes, Pastries, and Cookies
Book cover of The Art of Fine Baking

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in cookies, cakes, and pastries?

Cookies 15 books
Cakes 14 books
Pastries 22 books