The most recommended cookie books

Who picked these books? Meet our 16 experts.

16 authors created a book list connected to cookies, and here are their favorite cookie books.
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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 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 A Good Bake: The Art and Science of Making Perfect Pastries, Cakes, Cookies, Pies, and Breads at Home

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?

Baking books are constantly evolving because of changing tastes and new availability of groceries. What was once an exotic grocery item can now be found at every supermarket. Weller’s book is for today’s cook, but she uses familiar formats for her creations. Her multilayered babkas are like no one else’s. You will learn a new technique or ingredient with every recipe.

By Melissa Weller, Carolynn Carreno,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

From the James Beard Award nominee, a comprehensive baking bible for the twenty-first century, with 120 scientifically grounded recipes for sweet and savory baked goods anyone can master.

"A very good combination: Baking science all of us can understand and a splendid collection of recipes. . . . A baker’s must!” —Dorie Greenspan, author of Dorie's Cookies and Everyday Dorie 

Melissa Weller is the baking superstar of our time. As the head baker at some of the best restaurants in the country, her takes on chocolate babka and sticky buns brought these classics back to life and kicked off a…


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 Sally's Baking Addiction: Volume 1: Irresistible Cookies, Cupcakes, and Desserts for Your Sweet-Tooth Fix

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?

This is one of my favorite baking recipe books when you are looking for a little of everything. Sally has created a baking empire and I have always been inspired by her baking and her business.

In this book, Sally shared a wide-variety of home baked treats including breads, muffins, bars and brownies, cakes, pies, candies, cookies, and cupcakes. I love how her baking feels like it was made by your grandmother, as she features old-fashioned classics that are sure to bring up fond memories. 

By Sally McKenney,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sally's Baking Addiction as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Updated with a brand-new selection of desserts and treats, the fully illustrated Sally's Baking Addiction cookbook offers more than 80 scrumptious recipes for indulging your sweet tooth.

It's no secret that Sally McKenney loves to bake. Her popular blog, Sally's Baking Addiction, has become a trusted source for fellow dessert lovers who are also eager to bake from scratch. Sally's famous recipes include award-winning Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies, No-Bake Peanut Butter Banana Pie, delectable Dark Chocolate Butterscotch Cupcakes, and yummy Marshmallow Swirl S'mores Fudge.

Featuring a chapter of healthier dessert options, including some vegan and gluten-free recipes, find tried-and-true…


Book cover of Frog and Toad Together

Charline Davis Author Of Alou: The Martian Agent

From my list on that capture children’s imaginations.

Why am I passionate about this?

I came into the world telling stories. From the age of four you could often find me surrounded by a little cluster of friends, amusing them with a story I was spinning on the spot. When I was nine, I began telling my sisters about a Martian who was living on Earth and who loved his comfy chairs. This Martian eventually became Alou, and it has been such a joy to share his world through my picture book Alou: The Martian Agent and its sequels. One thing I’m passionate about is sparking the potent imagination bottled up inside all our little ones and I hope my books can encourage that. 

Charline's book list on that capture children’s imaginations

Charline Davis Why did Charline love this book?

There is something so charming about these two best friends. I remember pouring over their quirky tales as a small child. I loved it so much! Arnold Lobel’s masterpiece is perfectly woven with immersive watercolor pictures and hilarious, yet simple text, that even our littlest readers can grasp. It introduces the concept of personality vividly in the differences between Frog and Toad, and all in all, is one of the best ever for capturing a young imagination.

By Arnold Lobel,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Frog and Toad Together as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

An Essential Picture Book Classics this book contains five engaging, warm and very funny stories about Frog and Toad.

A collectable classic picture book that every child should read and own. Julia Donaldson says "I hugely admire and envy Arnold Lobel; he is my hero".

Once upon a time there were two good friends, a frog and a toad...

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other - just as best friends should be.

The Frog and Toad stories from Arnold Lobel have been loved by generations.…


Book cover of Latkes for Santa Claus

Simone Nathan Author Of Eight Candles and a Tree

From my list on celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was inspired to write Eight Candles and a Tree after I couldn’t find a picture book about a child who celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah to read to my granddaughter. I had extensive professional experience as a writer and children’s television producer, and I decided to write a book that would resonate with children who celebrate both holidays. I have been pleasantly surprised by the book's consistent sales over the past eight years, and am happy to see that there are now more books on this issue.

Simone's book list on celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah

Simone Nathan Why did Simone love this book?

Anna sends an email to Santa explaining that while her stepbrother celebrates Christmas, she will have a surprise treat for Santa instead of cookies. Anna considers many options before deciding on latkes to accompany Michael’s plate of cookies.

The book shows how Anna chooses to put her own spin on her new blended family’s traditions. Includes recipes for latkes and sugar cookies.

By Janie Emaus,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Latkes for Santa Claus as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

To: Santa From: Anna My new dad and stepbrother celebrate Christmas, so you're coming to my house for the very first time. And I think you must be REALLY tired of cookies. I'm going to leave you the best Santa treat ever. Anna is excited that Santa will be visiting her house for the first time, and she wants to leave Santa a treat that blend


Book cover of His 'n' Hers

Nancy Barone Author Of Storm in a D Cup

From my list on iffy marriages and other adventures.

Why am I passionate about this?

I can’t remember how many times I thought someone was The One, but I know I’ve had to kiss a lot of frogs before I found my own Prince Charming. The path was riddled with self-doubt, interfering wicked witches, and wondering whether it was all worth the heartache. As it turns out, none of them were until I finally did find my HEA. I’d become an expert on navigating all the Single Lady tropes: moving to another country in search of the elusive happy ending, getting a better job, enduring the gossip about why I was single. I’d recommend all of these if you are having relationship trouble or doubts about yourself. You're not alone!

Nancy's book list on iffy marriages and other adventures

Nancy Barone Why did Nancy love this book?

His ‘n’ Hers is about a love story gone awry. No one to blame. That’s just how the cookie crumbled. But now something has happened.

Allison and Jim’s cat Disco, the one they shared while they lived together, has just died, bringing back all the memories of when they shared that flat. Trouble is they both have new partners. After grilling themselves about what went wrong, who did what, and are they better off, Alison and Jim give each other a good hard look to understand what happened to them.

And is there still hope for them, despite their current partners? Were they meant to be?

By Mike Gayle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked His 'n' Hers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A brilliant romantic comedy for fans of Bridget Jones's Diary.

A cat. A flat. And a couple who think it's over.

From their first meeting at the student union over a decade ago, Jim and Alison successfully navigated their way through first dates, meeting parents, moving in together and more . . . Then they split up and divided their worldly goods (including a sofa, a cat and their flat) into his 'n' hers.

Now, three years on and with new lives and new loves, they couldn't be happier. Until a chance encounter throws them back together, and causes them…


Book cover of Reggie: Kid Penguin

Jay Cooper Author Of Styx and Scones in the Sticky Wand: Ready-to-Read Graphics Level 2

From my list on silly early graphics readers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I take “silly” graphic books quite seriously: I’m a firm believer that encouraging young people to read for pure enjoyment creates lifelong readers. Originally a reluctant reader myself, it was primarily graphic books that strengthened my reading skills, my vocabulary, and that ultimately turned me into a fierce advocate for literacy. Now a professional creative, I try to share my love of books and graphic books by paying it forward and creating my own books that I hope will resonate with readers and turn them into strong readers as well! 

Jay's book list on silly early graphics readers

Jay Cooper Why did Jay love this book?

Even though Reggie, Kid Penguin isn’t in the Ready-To-Read graphics series, it’s a very sweet book with a lovable main character, Reggie.

This is a longer book, but is separated into short tales… Readers will be able to read as much as they want, or take the book one small chunk at a time. Jen’s art and colors are so delightful to navigate, and I adore her typography. I’m sure that Reggie will become a favorite of your household!

By Jen de Oliveira,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Reggie as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Fans of Babymouse and Owly will love this early graphic novel series about the everyday adventures and high jinks of Reginald "Reggie" Guinn, a little kid penguin with a big personality! Reggie is just like any other kid: always looking for fun and adventure! But Reggie's curious, playful side sometimes gets him into trouble. Like when he tries to give himself a haircut before picture day...and ends up gluing his feathers back on his head! Or when he sneaks a mouthful of cookie dough from the kitchen...then feels the sun baking cookies in his tummy! Or when his babysitter puts…