Best-Loved Cookies and Bars

Recipe: Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Recipe: Pecan Praline Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie
Recipe: Strawbeyy Shortcake Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie
Recipe: Grasshopper Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie
Recipe: Hummingbird Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie
Recipe: Mississippi Mud Deep-Dish Skillet Cookie

You will want to make sure you save room for this decadent skillet dessert. Start with our classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, and then get creative with fun, flavorful mix-ins. There's something for everyone here; from a gooey, chewy classic chocolate chip to a surprising hummingbird cake-inspired treat. We reccomend serving with vanilla ice cream. 

Recipe: Ginger Shortbread Cookies with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting

These simple and delicious cookies only have six ingredients, so they are easy to bake. The cream cheese frosting adds a dollop of rich deliciousness to every mouthful. Making the frosting is easy too—just mix together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. It will have just the right amount of sweet and bite. Be sure to let the cookies cool before you cover them with frosting. To dress these cookies up a little more, and to add extra flavor to these lemony shortbread treats, top them with some crystallized ginger and lemon zest.

Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars

You will be amazed by how easy it is to get the taste of pecans in a bite-sized bar with this homemade wonder. Get some ready for school since they work well in a lunchbox. You'll also love the fact that these take just 20 minutes to prepare. Heavy cream and butter make this bar taste great—full and rich. But the pecans are the stars. These bars are packed full of toasted nuts, and everything is held together with dark brown sugar. You'll feel like you're having a slice of pecan pie with every bite—until you remember you're devouring a grab-and-go treat.

Recipe: Chewy Peanut Bars

We weren't exactly excited to test our old microwave column recipes again, but these chocolate-peanut blondies truly surprised us. You'll like their combination of sticky-sweet peanut butter and rich, gooey chocolate. But what you'll love is the crunch of peanuts, first from the salty sensations on top, then from the surprise in the center. Once this has cooled, and been cut into squares, your guests won't know whether you've whipped it up in the microwave or baked it up in the oven, so take advantage of that often-overlooked kitchen appliance and make this tasty treat. When it comes out perfectly, you can surprise everyone too.

Recipe: Raspberry "Rhubars"

Tangy rhubarb and sweet raspberries mingle in a portable, make-ahead dessert. This recipe may not be the easiest, but it is worth the effort. From the moment that you first taste how all the ingredients come together: the crust, full of toasted almonds; the filling, a scrumptious blend of rhubarb and raspberries—including one container of raspberries that get boiled down and another of whole raspberries that you stir in; and a cream cheese batter. These bake to an incredible bar that chills to a grab-and-go sensation. These are a "chill before eating" dessert, though we know it may be difficult to wait.

Recipe: Chewy Ginger Cookies

Peeled and finely grated fresh ginger—and black pepper—give this classic cookie a kick. Prep tip: Swirl a liquid measuring cup with a thin coat of vegetable oil before measuring molasses for the most accurate (and least sticky) result. These cookies are also as beautiful as they are tasty: cover them with some gold sanding sugar and you'll feel like you are devouring delicious edible jewels. One reviewer loved this so much it may replace their favorite gingersnap cookie. They said, "I wanted to try something different. I am glad I did. These are delicious." We know you'll find them delicious too.

Recipe: Glazed Fruitcake Bars

These dense, chewy fruitcake bars are a fresh version of the kind passed around at holiday parties. This recipe will have people you know asking for fruitcake. We love raisins and dried cherries in this recipe, but you can use your favorite combinations of dried fruits. This recipe is also packed full of walnuts for a nutty, toasty flavor. Finally, one of our favorite classic Southern beverages makes an appearance—bourbon mixed with butter makes a delicious glaze that gets drizzled over the top. Cut this into squares and your family and friends will be lining up for seconds.

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Sugar Cookies

This recipe really is what it says. It really does have five ingredients, and it makes a classic sugar cookie. You can put this cookie together quickly—it rests for 15 minutes after you roll it out, gets baked for 8 to 10 minutes, and cools for 30 minutes more. In under an hour you're ready to eat these fantastic sweet treats. The hardest part will be waiting while the glaze and decorations dry. But since you want these cookies to be beautiful, take the extra time to make them look as wonderful as they taste. They make gorgeous, homemade holiday gifts. When glazing, use a shallow bowl that will accommodate the entire cookie.

Recipe: Layered Eggnog Blondies

These treats have a split personality: think of Layered Eggnog Blondies as 1 part blondie, and 1 part eggnog cheesecake. The sum of the two is delicious. The eggnog cheesecake filling will have you thinking that this cookie can be the perfect holiday treat, so you could plan ahead and make a double batch. You'll love the flavors of ground nutmeg and cinnamon. These are simply delectable with a big dollop of fresh whipped cream right on top. Layered Eggnog Blondies keep well, so you can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.

Recipe: Jana's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Do as Jana Kramer does: Tie on an apron, put on a Patsy Cline record, and whip up some of these chewy cookies. Ground oats and chopped pecans give them great texture, and a grated milk chocolate bar gives the chocolate morsels an extraordinary boost. Readers absolutely love this cookie. One described these as "great cookies," while another enthused, "This recipe is a keeper!" We certainly think so. It really is the grated milk chocolate bar that kicks this up to maximum decadence level because it mixes so well with the semisweet chocolate morsels. Savor every sweet bite.

Recipe: Coconut Snowballs

Everything about this cookie feels like winter, from the flakes of shredded coconut to the melted white chocolate. And they aren't called snowballs for nothing, but the only place you'll want to throw these is into your mouth. You can prepare this dough in advance, and chill it for up to five days. If the melted white chocolate is too firm after it is heated, stir in about 1/4 tsp. coconut oil. Garnish these with some shaved coconut and you will have some gorgeous holiday cookies to share with family and friends.

Recipe: Caramel-Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

The recipe for these Caramel-Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is from the kitchen of Jennifer McHenry of bakeorbreak.com. As Jennifer explains, "Growing up in Mississippi, baking was a way of life. If someone you love is a fan of chocolate and caramel, these are a quick, easy way to create a little happiness." And we definitely agree these bars are little grab-and-go bites of happiness. They are packed full of milk chocolate morsels and melted caramel. These bars are filled with sweet and sticky delights. Bite into one and you will want another.

Recipe: Belgian Spice Cookies

These cookies begin with five simple ingredients. Put them together, chill the dough, then slice the cookies and get ready to bake. They will come out of the oven crisp and fragrant wonders. If you would like to create a lacy design on these cookies (also known as Speculoos), place a stencil or doily over the cooled cookies before dusting each one with powdered sugar. These make a beautiful addition to any holiday table, and look great when you are entertaining guests. Keep an eye out for stencils or doilies with designs or patterns you would like to use.

Recipe: Lemon Meltaways

Think of these as being a tart twist on the traditional Mexican wedding cookie. You'll use just a tad less than two sticks of butter to make these delicate little gems. Our readers love these cookies, in part because they are so easy to make, but most of all because they taste great. They come out of the oven light and crispy, and only get better once they are covered in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. You may need to go ahead and plan to double—or triple—the recipe because these cookies are so good they won't last long.

Recipe: Cornmeal Thumbprint Cookies with Tomato Jam

Cornmeal may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you imagine making a deliciously sweet cookie, but this take on the traditional thumbprint cookie shows you just how it is done. Filled with tomato jam, these cookies are both sweet and savory. And, what is better is that when refrigerated this dough keeps for days, or if you prefer you can bake these cookies in advance because they freeze well. Either way, the combination of cornmeal, sugar, and lemon zest turns into something simply amazing. This cookie gets the thumbprint of approval.

Recipe: Chocolate-Peppermint Crackle Cookies

It only takes a tiny bit of peppermint extract to bring the perfect minty taste to these crunchy crackle cookies. You'll love how rich and chocolaty they are thanks to the chopped, unsweetened baking bars, as well as some unsweetened cocoa. For the best "crackle" effect, you may want to reroll the balls of cookie dough in the powdered sugar just before baking to cover any exposed spots. Cool these Chocolate-Peppermint Crackle Cookies completely on a wire rack before digging in—if you can manage to wait that long! These will smell so good straight out of the oven that may be a little difficult.

Recipe: Swoon Pies Recipe

These are called swoon pies because you will swoon with delight from the moment you first smell them until you devour your last bite. Our twist on Moon Pies has is sandwiched between two tender graham cookies with their distinctive crunch. It is stuffed full of homemade marshmallow filling rich with the taste of vanilla, then dusted with special toppings. Finally, we dip half of it in chocolate—because a little chocolate certainly goes a long way! Crust these with your choice of chopped roasted salted pecans, chopped crystallized ginger, or sea salt. And yes, these still pair well with an RC Cola.

See More: Christmas Cookie Recipes

Recipe: Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Part of what makes these cookies so great is their signature chunks of dark chocolate. They are what give these cookies their name. They're also packed full of toasted oats, so you'll love their distinctive flavor. And, for an even chewier texture, you can substitute ½ cup of hazelnut or almond flour for ½ cup of all-purpose flour.

But what really pushes these delights over the edge is one of the final steps in the recipe: "press remaining chocolate into cookies." This happens right after the warm delights come out of the oven. You're supposed to wait 15 minutes for the cookies to cool completely after that. Good luck.

Recipe: Nutty Chocolate Thumbprints

These chocolate treats begin with a mixture of cocoa and peanut butter, and then get topped with the rich creaminess of a chocolate-peanut butter filling. The filling is made with bittersweet chocolate, bringing a dark, chocolaty goodness to each creamy center. Even if you haven't decorated cookies before, you'll find filling these Dark Chocolate Thumbprints is a breeze. Easily pipe the filling using a zip-top plastic bag. One reader described these cookies as "yummy" and said they didn't have any left over. So, if the proof is in the eating, these cookies are obviously delicious.

Recipe: Chunky Chocolate Gobs

This recipe for ultra-chocolate cookies is, hands down, one of the best cookie recipes ever to come through our Test Kitchens. It is hard to comprehend literally how much chocolate gets packed in. From the cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, to the Mounds bars, to the semisweet chocolate morsels, these cookies are simply a chocolate-lover's delight. What's better than a recipe that tells you to add an ingredient until you've reached the "desired amount"? So pack these cookies full of those semisweet chocolate morsels and get ready to enjoy some Chunky Chocolate Gobs. They're a lip-smacking delight!

If you love shortbread cookies—or just know someone who does—this Shortbread Cookie Sampler is the perfect sweet treat box for you. Buttery bites make for well-received packages, and these bites are incredible. We've included Chocolate-Peppermint Bars, Bourbon-Pecan Snowflakes, Cinnamon-Orange Squares, Sweet Potato-Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies, Key Lime Stars, and Cherry-Chocolate Thumbprints. So whether you prefer your shortbread sweet, tart, especially Southern, or spicy, there is a cookie for you here. This will be a box you won't be able to wait to open. If you would like to make this box yourself, we used a 9- × 6-inch box and inserted individual white treat boxes as dividers.

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Recipe: Gingerbread Men Cookies

Cooking Video: How To Make Gingerbread Men

Variety is the spice of life, and we love making these spiced Gingerbread Men Cookies in a fun variety of sizes. These delicious treats are a favorite holiday tradition. It is very easy to involve the little ones in your family in getting these together in the kitchen by letting them decorate the cookies. They'll love what they can create with the Royal Icing, or with the Buttermilk Frosting. Assorted candies and decorator sugar cookies will also keep them enthralled as they create their gingerbread men holiday fun. Everyone will leave the kitchen with a sweet treat—and a smile.

Recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Bourbon Ganache

Of course these chocolate chip cookies would be decadent enough on their own, but sandwich some Bourbon Ganache between them and this treat gets elevated to new heights. The Bourbon Ganache is rich with whipping cream, semisweet chocolate morsels, and butter, and smoky-sweet with the flavors of that Southern staple drink: bourbon. Once this ganache is ready to go, it gives new meaning to the phrase "spreading it on thick" because you will want to cover every inch of these chocolate chip cookies with this creamy delight. Good thing this recipe includes the cookies because otherwise we'd be tempted to simply eat the Bourbon Ganache with a spoon.

Recipe: Lemon-Almond Bars

This recipe starts with a lightly browned crust, and just gets better from there. Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest bring the perfect tart bite to the filling, while fresh ginger adds the right amount of spice. Then, for added aromas, and for flavors and a crisp crunch, sliced almonds get spread on top—then these bars get baked a little more. When they emerge from the oven, they smell simply incredible. An hour later, you can cut them into bars, and enjoy these bite-sized delights. For quick cleanup and easy serving, line the bottom and sides of the pan with foil before adding the dough.

Recipe: Red Velvet Thumbprints

White chocolate frosting and red food coloring combine to make the classic red velvet cake. We’ve taken that great combination and created the perfect handheld version: Red Velvet Thumbprints. These are filled with a rich concoction of cream cheese and white chocolate morsels, and then, to push it over the edge, you can top each cookie with even more white chocolate morsels. There is no need to use a pastry bag to fill these cookies. Just transfer the frosting to a zip-top plastic freezer bag, and snip the corner. These will look beautiful, and they will taste even better.

Recipe: Candy Bar-Peanut Butter Cookies

If you like peanut butter and chocolate, you'll love these gooey cookies. It mixes creamy peanut butter with candy bars to amp up the deliciousness level in these candy-bar cookies. What's even better is that a lot of the chocolate and peanut combination comes from using a candy bar. That means this recipe has all the makings of an easy kitchen classic. Our decadent recipe features three-dozen chocolate-covered caramel-peanut nougat bars. Yes, that is correct, 36 little candy bars are covered in dough, then baked to perfection. This is a simple delight. So don't decide if you prefer chocolate or peanut butter—enjoy them both in every single bite.

Recipe: Pecan Sandies

This is a very simple, classic cookie that only uses five ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Toasted pecans work wonderfully well in this cookie. They add a delicious nutty flavor and a beautiful fragrance to these easy-to-make delights. If you prefer to try another flavor for your sandies, that is certainly something that this recipe is designed to allow—instead of pecans, feel free to try almonds or your favorite nut instead. However you crack it, these crisp cookies fresh out of the oven will be sweet every single bite.

Recipe: Almond Snowballs

Because these cookies are called Almond Snowballs you may only think of them in a particular season, but these can be sweet treats any time. If you do plan to make them during the holidays, they will fit the spirit of the season well. Then, these fragrant, nutty cookies are finished with a coating of powdered sugar for a delicious winter dessert. Be sure to allow them to cool completely before rolling them in the powdered sugar. And be careful with every mouthful—although the more of a mess you make, the more you're enjoying your Almond Snowballs.

Recipe: Pecan Pralines

You will love this cookie from the moment you speak its name. And what could be more Southern than pecans, except maybe making sure they are in the perfect pralines? The key to these is making sure to keep your eye on the heat—the temperature, that is. Making pralines is all about warming everything up, then cooling it down just right. For twists on the traditional, you can add chocolate, instant coffee granules, or even bourbon to this to create even more unique pralines. Whether you prefer the classic recipe, or want to put your best praline foot forward, everyone who has a bite will go nuts for these!

Tips: Perfect Pralines

Recipe: Chocolate Crinkle Candy Surprise Cookies

The surprise here is that these cookies are baked around a caramel-candy center. Every single ball contains a chewy caramel delight inside, creating the perfect warm, gooey middle. Topping them with sugar adds that extra little touch that makes these Chocolate Crinkle Candy Surprise Cookies special.  It is very important to you’re your eyes on these so they cook just right. As Megan Porta of pipandebby.com explains, "Be careful not to overbake these cookies. Ten minutes is the sweet spot for most ovens."  Cool them eight minutes, sprinkle them with some powdered sugar, and they're ready to eat.

Recipe: Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

You'll be a cookie-lover from the minute you taste these. Dark brown sugar adds a surprising richness to this cookie dough, while the semisweet chocolate morsels are the perfect chocolate chips for this cookie. What is even better is that you are in control of how this cookie comes out of the oven. You can bake each batch 8 minutes if you love soft and gooey cookies, or up to 14 minutes for crisp results. Or, using this as your basic dough, you can improvise. If you prefer dark chocolate morsels, use them instead. With a few quick changes, these can become Oatmeal-Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies instead. However you dollop them out on to your baking sheet, you will agree that these are the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Recipe: Chocolate Chunk-Mocha Cookies
 

Quite simply, these are some of our readers' favorite cookies. It consistently receives five-star reviews and stories of how they have been looking for this recipe for years—and how delicious this cookie is! Fabulously rich Chocolate Chunk-Mocha Cookies are simple enough for the most novice of bakers. They are filled with semisweet chocolate chunks, which make them a decadent delight. And it seems like they cook in almost no time. After the cookies cool completely, spread them with Mocha Frosting. This five-ingredient frosting is a smooth delight of coffee and cocoa. You'll love how bold its flavors are.

Recipe: Smoky Mountain Snowcaps

Reminiscent of the white-dusted mountain peaks of the Snowy Mountains, these cookies, with white chocolate and a sprinkling of powdered sugar, are as sweet as snowfall on a school day in the South. They are simple to prepare and it only takes a few minutes to put them together. Toasted walnuts give them a bold flavor and a nice crunch, while nutmeg adds in a touch of spice. They're ready to keep give you warm feelings on a cool winter day. Snowy Mountain Snowcaps may look like snow, but they taste like mouthfuls of sunshine. These cookies are great to make ahead because they freeze well. Enjoy them all season long.

Recipe: Flourless Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe gets rave reviews from our readers, who love how simple it is to get great flavors from such a small list of ingredients. You probably already have everything you need to put a batch of these together sitting on your pantry shelf. So if you want a great-tasting chocolate chip cookie recipe that is also gluten-free, this is the perfect dessert. It takes no time to stir together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and dry ingredients, before adding in those semisweet chocolate morsels. And don't even give a second thought to the flour—these Flourless Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect as they are.

Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cookies

You might take a ride all the way down the mighty Mississippi just to get a taste of these fabulous Mississippi Mud Cookies. Rich chocolate and ooey-gooey marshmallows give these cookies their savory sweetness. When cooked to perfection, the cookie bakes to a delicate crispness while the marshmallows emerge from the oven a golden, toasted brown that turns into a mouthful of magic. All this gets an extra boost from our favorite Southern nut—the pecan—that has been toasted to golden, fragrant, richness. Usually mud is something you get stuck in, but with these cookies you'll just want to get stuck into eating the whole batch.

Recipe: Snickerdoodles

Rolling these basic sugar cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture adds just enough spice and a bit of color. Lyda Jones Burnette, the former Test Kitchen director at Southern Living, borrowed this recipe from one of her favorite spice stores—Penzeys. She shows us how to take this simple recipe and make it a sweet-and-spicy delight that practically melts in your mouth. Cinnamon gets mixed into the dough, and then the dough gets rolled in a sugar-and-cinnamon mixture, making it doubly spicy, but with not too much bite. And to clarify a possible misunderstanding—this cookie doesn’t include any chocolate, caramel, and peanut bars of any type. It only has cinnamon and sugar perfection.

Recipe: Oatmeal-Toffee Cookies

These cookies start with the heartiness of uncooked oats, the crunch of chopped pecans, and the sticky sweetness of buttery—all of which add their own special and delicious flavor to these chewy wonders. This recipe makes four-dozen cookies, so you will have plenty on-hand for family, friends, and guests. These are easy-bake cookies—they bake in about ten minutes—so you can get a batch going in the kitchen whenever the mood strikes you. The oats make the cookies perfectly sweet, meaning that they are just right. Quite simply, one reviewer said these were a "very tasty cookie." We agree.

Recipe: Crunchy Frostbite Cookies

You'll probably want a whole plate of these to ward off frostbite: think of them as what you have when your day doesn't include any chance of going out in the snow. Instead, in this recipe, just a touch of peppermint extract adds the perfect amount of frosty flavor to the white chocolate icing, creating a melt-in-your-mouth favorite. The "frost" here comes from dipping one side of these crunchy creations in a white chocolate frosting. When the topping hardens, it creates a cookie that looks as beautiful as it tastes. You'd better settle in next to the fire with a plate of these and warm up.

Recipe: Peanut Butter-Toffee Turtle Cookies

These turtle cookies have every indulgent flavor we could pack in a recipe: chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and toffee. They also have chopped peanuts, which are certainly delicious whether you consider them decadent or not. Once the Peanut Butter-Toffee Turtle Cookies come out of the oven, they get topped with a caramel mixture, and then melted chocolate gets drizzled on top. It is seriously a symphony of sticky-sweet goodness. Given that one reviewer described these as "the best cookies I've ever had," you only have to ask one question: is it okay to begin baking the batch while you're still reading the recipe? You are, aren't you?

Recipe: Crispy Praline Cookies

In Louisiana it’s “prah·leen.” In Georgia it’s “pray·leen.” No matter how you pronounce it, these crunchy, nutty cookies are sure to please. What's even more surprising is that no one knew this was an alternative spelling for delicious. Or delectable. This praline cookie recipe only has six ingredients: flour, brown sugar, an egg, pecans, butter, and vanilla extract. It also works wonders when you don't have time to wait over the stovetop for your boiled sugar to drop to the perfect temperature. You can even add in chocolate chips for Crispy Praline-Chocolate Chip Cookies. That becomes a twist on two classics, which only makes both the originals even more incredible. How do you pronounce yum?

Recipe: Sparkling Ginger Stars

People come together during the holidays to make these Sparkling Ginger Stars. A heavy sugar crust and the peppery bite of fresh ginger make these gingerbread cookies scrumptious. Be sure your spices are fresh; it will make a big difference to how these delicious cookies taste. Then, decorate these brightly colored wonders. In the words of the Southern Living Test Kitchen, sprinkle these heavily with sparkling sugar. There's no reason not to really lay this beautiful decoration on thick and let these stars come out to shine. These are done when these Sparkling Ginger Stars are just slightly darker around the edges. Let these baked beauties sparkle.

Recipe: Chocolate-Orange Swirls

Freshly grated orange rind accentuates the orange flavor in these memorable cookies. These are incredible slice-and-bake cookies, made by combining a layer of orange-flavored dough with a layer of chocolate dough, then rolling the two together. The swirl pattern is simply eye-catching. And it tastes even better than it looks! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute drained minced maraschino cherries for the orange rind and orange extract. Another kitchen tip is to cut the dough rolls with dental floss—it makes slicing the dough easier. These will turn out both artistic and artisanal however you slice it.

Recipe: Chewy Coffee-Toffee Shortbread

This surprisingly simple recipe creates an incredible dessert. Toffee bits give golden shortbread its slightly chewy texture, while a tablespoon of instant espresso powder adds in an extra little bit of boldness, as well as that instantly recognizable coffee taste. This is a light and delicious cookie that is particularly nice when dipped in a cup of coffee. If you'd prefer yours to have the characteristic shortbread crispness and crunch, that's okay too. Eat a few of these in the morning as a snack, or serve them after dinner for just the right amount of late-night delight.

Recipe: Tea Cakes

Whether the tea is for two, or just for you, you will love the taste of these Tea Cakes. Even though they're called cakes, tea cakes are actually easy-to-make—and easier to eat—old-fashioned cookies made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla. Think of these as the perfect cookie to pair with afternoon tea, or one you could just as easily enjoy with a glass of lemonade. So brew a pot of Earl Gray, or your favorite blend, and bake a batch of Tea Cakes. Then settle in for a delightful, relaxing, afternoon.

Recipe: Date Pinwheel Cookies

These Date Pinwheel Cookies are a delicious slice-and-bake cookie. Sweet chopped dates and crunchy walnuts are rolled in cookie dough, and then sliced into pinwheels. What results is a simple and tasty cookie. Because these freeze well, you can make these ahead, or just serve them warm right out of the oven. Your family and friends will turn on a dime and head right for the kitchen as soon as they get a whiff of these baking in the oven. In the words of one reviewer, "This was what I have been looking for!!! They are fabulous!!!" We love these Date Pinwheel Cookies too, and we couldn’t agree more.

Recipe: Linzer Cookies

These are a twist on Austria’s linzer torte. The tart has a nutty crust, a preserve filling, and lattice top―these cookies have a fitting Southern lineage because it adds in toasted chopped pecans. You get all the goodness of the traditional torte, plus the added flavor of the pecans. They bring in a delicate nuttiness, and add just a little fragrance to the hints of ground cloves and ground cinnamon. There's that suggestion of tart freshness from the lemon rind as well. All these flavors are subtle, but you will love them. Topped with powdered sugar, these Linzer Cookies bring a little sweet crunch to every single bite.

Recipe: Lemon-Basil Butter Cookies
 

Lemon-Basil Butter Cookies are easy to make and they bring an incredibly fresh flavor to any gathering. These sugar-sprinkled cookies incorporate a trace of lemony-flavored basil and are perfect for tea parties and special holiday gifts. Garnish a platter of them with fresh basil sprigs, unless you’d rather keep your guests guessing about the “secret” ingredient. If you prefer the taste of fresh basil, without the lemon, you can substitute plain fresh basil leaves for the lemon-basil ones. Either way, this herb makes the mix of sweet and savory delicious. It is like having a bite of summer in a cookie.

Recipe: Dark Chocolate-Espresso Shortbread

These wedge-shaped cookies bring great tastes and exciting visual interest to any entertaining or holiday table. Filled with the flavors of coffee, cocoa, and chocolate, these Dark Chocolate-Espresso Shortbread cookies are an indulgent delight. Having the edges tipped with both unsweetened chocolate and white chocolate enhances the coffee flavor in these incredible cookies, and brings in just a little touch of sweetness. Think of this like grabbing a slice of pie—it is perfecting in a hand-held bite. One reviewer said half the batch disappeared before they could even be dipped, so they must be delicious!

Recipe: Double Chocolate Chunk-Peanut Cookies

These cookies take the idea of crunchy-chocolaty cookies to the next level. Chunky peanut butter and dry-roasted peanuts make these chocolate cookies irresistible. Then, a dash of cinnamon gives them an unexpected flavor. Finally, it is the rich and full taste of chocolate chunks that makes these cookies amazing! Just think of chocolate chunks as grown-up chocolate chips. These cookies are easy to make, and the balls of dough bake into nice round shapes. They are just perfect for your next cookie swap. Of course, you may find them so tasty that you might keep them for yourself. If you're tempted, just make a double batch.

Recipe: Chocolate Wedding Cookies

Wedding cookies are a classic: light, sweet, and delicious. In this recipe, powdered sugar blended with cocoa dusts these cookies, bringing a novel flavor twist to an old favorite. And don't just think of these as wedding cookies—bake these treats for any special occasion. You'll love the nutty taste of the pecans, as well as their aroma as they bake. This time, roll the cookies in the powdered sugar while they're still warm, then resist the temptation—if you can—to try a few while they cool.

Recipe: Peanut Blossom Cookies

With only six flavorful ingredients, these easy, delicious cookies are ready for the oven in only 10 minutes. The most difficult part of this recipe will be unwrapping the chocolate kisses—especially since you may be tempted to eat some as you go. Once everything is ready, putting it together happens quickly. Then, sit back and get ready to put the kisses in the centers right when the cookies come out of the oven. The second most difficult part of this Peanut Blossom Cookies recipe is simply waiting for the cookies to cool. Afterwards, the eating, and the enjoyment, are a given.

Recipe: Pecan Crescents

A cup of toasted pecan halves, and five additional ingredients, are all it takes to bake some fantastic treats. These nutty Pecan Crescents are a lot like traditional wedding cookies. Let your kids help roll the dough into logs and bend them into shape. One reviewer said simply "these cookies melt in your mouth." The combination of butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour, certainly mixes with pecans to create a light and delicious delight. This recipe makes about five-dozen cookies, and someone's sweet tooth will welcome every last one.

Recipe: Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies

If our Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies had any fewer ingredients you would literally be standing at your counter eating peanut butter out of a jar with a spoon. Still, you will impress your guests with these simple, 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies.  It is also incredibly easy to remember because you need one of everything: one cup of peanut butter; one cup of sugar; one egg; and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Now bake! In fifteen minutes or so they are ready to go. Serve them warm from the oven with a tall glass of cold milk. And, if you want to mix it up a little, you can add in your favorite chocolate morsels, chopped peanuts, or other delicious ingredient.

Watch: Our Easiest (Ever!) Peanut Butter Cookies

Recipe: Biscotti With Lavender and Orange

Biscotti are traditionally Italian almond cookies. What is special about them is that they are baked twice: first whole, when the dough is shaped into a log; then, once it is sliced into cookies, it is baked again. In this delicious recipe, fresh lavender, combined with freshly grated orange rind, gives these crunchy cookies an aromatic appeal that’s better than any bakery fare. This combination blends well with the delicate taste of toasted almonds and the light flavor of vanilla. You will love the fresh crunch of these Biscotti with Lavender and Orange. Twice baked it is.

Recipe: Pecan Bourbon Balls

This recipe brings together two classic tastes of the South. But at the holidays, the question becomes, "Who spiked the cookies?" Hardly a Christmas can pass in the South without these traditional ball-shaped, bourbon-flavored pecan cookies ending up on a dessert bar or in a gift box. And nor should it, for these two distinctive flavors combine to bring the true warmth and smokiness of the season together to be tempered by the sweet sensation of sugar. Together, this is a sweetness to be savored, and this is definitely a pairing to be wished for.

Recipe: Classic Sugar Cookies

This recipe creates cookies look beautiful and taste delicious. To transform these from everyday to elegant, cut this dough into a variety of your favorite shapes. Then, glaze them. The dippable glaze will transform the cookies into works of art almost too pretty to eat. But eat them you will, because although they appear enticing, they taste incredible, and once you have your first bite of these sweet delights it may just be difficult to stop. These are simple, classic cookies for a reason. Here, in this six-ingredient recipe, plus glaze, less truly is more.

Recipe: Butter-Mint Shortbread

This simple shortbread cookie recipe bakes to a delicate golden brown. With only five ingredients to put together before this cookie is ready to go into the oven, it is one of our favorite easy-bake recipes. Once it comes out of the oven, the final ingredient is sprinkled on. Beneath its light dusting of powdered sugar is a crisp cookie with a fresh surprise. A dash of mint extract gives these buttery shortbread cookies an extra zing. Serve them with hot mint tea or a tall glass of sweet tea and a slice of fresh lemon.

Recipe: Molasses-Spice Crinkles

Southerners sure love molasses. Boil down some sugar cane or sugar beet juice, take out the sugar, and what you've got left over is molasses. It is thick, brown, and sticky, and, if you are from the South, you know it is delicious. So, put some together with ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground allspice, and you have the beginnings of a pretty incredible cookie. Roll the dough in sparkling sugar before you put it in the oven since you need just the perfect amount of sweetness. First, you'll be enticed by the incredible aroma. Then, the taste of these will amaze you. Molasses may be a mystery when you begin, but once you've baked a batch of these Molasses-Spice Crinkles, you'll love it just as much as Southerners do.

Recipe: Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant quality to these delicate cookies. And because the herb traditionally represents remembrance, a batch of these treats is ideal as a thank-you or birthday gift. Fresh out of the oven these cookies get a light dusting of granulated sugar. This gives the cookies a sweet refrain that works well with the earthiness of the minced fresh rosemary. This recipe makes about 18 cookies, so you may want to double it. Serve these with a hot cup of your favorite tea or atop a cool scoop of sherbet.

Recipe: Brownie Cookies  

Chopped pecans and semisweet chocolate morsels are two of the ingredients that make this cookie as rich and decadent as it is. You'll love how these scrumptious double-chocolate cookies are similar in taste and texture to your favorite thick and fudgy brownies. These will smell just like brownies as well, so be prepared when people start to wander into the kitchen to check your oven for delicious treats! Reviewers rave about these cookies. "If you're looking for a chewy chocolate cookie that is guaranteed to turn out well, then bake these," one enthused.

Recipe: Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies have a little bit of everything: crunch from the finely chopped pecans, sweetness from the almond extract, and richness from the butter. Strawberry and peach jams make beautiful jewel-colored fillings, but you can also use other Southern favorite jams, such as blackberry, muscadine, or apple. One reviewer said raspberry was their favorite, so several until you find the one you think tastes best. They’re the perfect cookies to make with the kids―let them make the thumbprints and choose the filling. Since these are rolled in pecans you will get that pecan crunch in every single bite.

Recipe: Cappuccino Blossoms

These coffee-flavored cookies have relatively small amounts of granulated and light brown sugar because the coffee liqueur and the dark chocolate kisses add a good bit of sweetness. There is a little cinnamon in this as well, so don't be surprised by a hint of spice. You'll love the flavors and aromas of some chopped salted, roasted almonds, which brings these cookies a wonderful crunch. Also, you might want to note that this is an egg-free recipe. If you prefer dry-roasted salted peanuts to the almonds, feel free to substitute them instead. Either way, these Cappuccino Blossoms will be a sweet but bold delight.

Recipe: Oatmeal-Pecan Snack Cookies

You would never know it from the great taste of your first bite, but these Oatmeal-Pecan Snack Cookies keep it a little on the light side with some reduced-fat cream cheese and egg substitute. They don’t skimp on any of this cookie's fantastic flavor thanks to chopped pecans, dried cherries, and pumpkin pie spice. Try these nutritious cookies with a cold glass of milk for breakfast on the go. This recipe makes a great base for your favorite add-ins: try chocolate chips, or grated carrots, for flavorful spins on this delicious recipe.

Recipe: Swedish Holiday Cookies

You'll feel like you've taken a trip to Scandinavia yourself from the moment you have a taste of these Swedish Holiday Cookies. A tall glass of milk and a sweet tooth are all you need to enjoy these crisp spice cookies sweetened with dark molasses.  If you're wondering what those unique flavors and aromas are, think ground cinnamon and ground cardamom: both make these holiday cookies taste great. These also work well with a cookie cutter, so make them into a variety of wonderful shapes. Serve them on a platter with English Rocks, Crunchy Lace Cookies, and Date Moons.

Recipe: Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are holiday classics. To bake truly authentic spritz cookies, you will want to invest in a cookie press. Then you will be sure to get that oh-so-perfect shape. This beautiful symmetry is actually party of the traditional spritz cookie, and you'll enjoy creating these gorgeous sweets on your baking sheets too. In the oven, these cookies bake to become light, crisp, golden delights. You can even add colored sugar crystals on top for an extra festive flair. Just be careful that the sugar is lightly colored with liquid—too much can make the sugar wet. Cool completely, then enjoy these festive delights.

Recipe: Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Having tasted these, we can assure you that these really are twice as nice—they are twice as chocolaty too. Chocolate chip cookies are twice as nice when you use both milk chocolate bars and semisweet chocolate chunks, and these both come together in this deliciously decadent recipe. You also get the delectable chewiness of some uncooked quick-cooking oats. The texture these add in is pure joy. Pecans add just the right amount of crunch, and keep these cookies both speaking and eating Southern. Sweet, that is. This cookie is simple to get together, so make a batch and double down on your love for chocolate cookies today.

Recipe: Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies

This delicious cookie blends chai tea leaves with a packaged sugar cookie mix to amp up a simple baked standard. The chai gives this cookie a kick while the eggnog topping shows a sweet side. Readers love how these Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies bring together a great blend of spicy and sweet—so much so that some plan to make it again and again, while some already have! However often this cookie compels you to bake in the kitchen, the outcome is always the same: smiles, and satisfied eaters savoring the great tastes of sugar and chai and everything nice.

Recipe: Cranberry-White Chocolate Cookies

Fans of classic cookies will love the accents of sweet-tart cranberries and gooey white chocolate in these treats. They are beloved by readers, leading one reviewer to remark "these will be one of my 'go to' cookies forever!!!" A cookie that garners such an enthusiastic response must be delicious, and the combination of cranberries and white chocolate is always a winner in our kitchen. Since the dough itself is straightforward, this cookie already begins with a strong foundation. If you can manage to wait, let these cookies cool completely before eating them. That's the idea, at least, according to the instructions. Follow them for the best results, although your appetite may encourage you otherwise.

Recipe: Double-Chip Peanut Butter-Granola Cookies

Since these are filled with oats and two kinds of chocolate, it’s no wonder readers give these cookies all-around rave reviews. And so they should, since their name says it all: double chip. In this case, a mix of semisweet chocolate morsels and peanut butter morsels is mixed into dough that also includes a cup of crunchy peanut butter—in case there was any chance that this would not be nutty enough. The granola with almonds is simply an exclamation point on the end of that delicious idea. Once everything is together, and in the oven, the aroma is simply overwhelming. These bake quickly, so they will be ready in a jiffy, and you'll be ready to enjoy them too.

Recipe: Chocolate Chubbies

A tablespoon of batter chock full of semisweet chocolate morsels, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, semisweet chocolate, and unsweetened chocolate is obviously going to be a solid spoonful of goodness. So if the name of this cookie Chocolate Chubbies, it is definitely stating the facts. These cookies are so laden with chocolate you will almost want to use everything available to pick them up—simply so you can eat some now, and save some for later. How can you go wrong with this much chocolate packed into one recipe? And chances are you already have most of the ingredients on hand. So whip up a recipe of Chocolate Chubbies today, and get your finger on the pulse of these chocolate sensations.

Recipe: Salted Caramel-Pecan Bars

For those who love sweet-and-salty combinations, this is the dessert for you! A sprinkling of kosher salt perfectly complements the sweet caramel and chocolate. Whole graham crackers make a perfectly formed crust—just overlap the edges a little. Then pour the rich, chocolaty mixture over the top, and in less than fifteen minutes it will emerge from the oven a lightly browned and bubbly delight. That's when the salt goes on, making the sweet-or-salty decision one you won't have to make. You can, of course, push this further into decadence by melting even more dark chocolate over the top when these come out of the oven then adding the salt. You just have to decide just how rich you want these to be.

Recipe: Chocolate-Peanut Bars

The secret to these chocolate-peanut bar cookies is the crushed vanilla wafers. What's not secret about these is how amazing they taste. The vanilla wafers mix with peanut butter to form what you could think of as a combination filling and crust. It's probably better to just think of this as a transportation system for getting the delicious semisweet chocolate from the pan to your mouth. All these come together in fantastic bite-sized bars that are rich and decadent. This cuts into 48 bars, so everyone can enjoy them.

Recipe: Triple Fudge Brownies

This recipe is from the kitchen of Shelly Jaronsky of cookiesandcups.com. As she shares, "When I spent summers in Florida with my grandma, we would bake almost every day. I love this recipe because it's special enough to serve to guests, but easy enough to make often." This really is triple-fudge. It is packed with the great flavors of a package brownie mix.  Then, half a bag of chopped chocolate-covered whipped nougat bars get layered on top, covered in melted chocolate, and covered with more chopped chocolate-covered whipped nougat bars. The sweetened condensed milk is to help with melting the chocolate morsels, in case you were wondering—and to ensure these Triple Fudge Brownies are rich enough. They are, and they are delicious.

Recipe: Rudolph's Christmas Sugar Cookies

Get ready to light the way for Santa's sleigh by making these sweet holiday cookies. Start with refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make these adorable reindeer cookies. Kids can help place Rudolph's eyes, mouth, and antlers, made of cinnamon candies, chocolate mini morsels, and pretzel twists. Some readers enjoy these cookies so much that they have become favorites. In the words of one reviewer, "I have been making these cookies for at least 15 years." Proving that simple and delicious means the same thing—and that they also mean fun—Rudolph's Christmas Sugar Cookies are one of our favorite, and best-loved, cookies.

Recipe: White Chocolate Chip-Oatmeal Cookies

It is hard to improve on a classic, but these cookies certainly are delicious. You can indulge in these white chocolate chip-oatmeal cookies for a fresh twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie. Using oats and pecans also gives this cookie a spin on the white chocolate-macadamia nut combo. You will love the little bit of chewiness these cookies get from the oats, while some coarsely chopped, crunchy pecans balance out the white chocolate chips' sweetness. These cookies certainly are melt-in-your-mouth good. Their five-star rating tells you how beloved these sweet treats are. Bake a batch or two today.

Recipe: Southern Dutch Squares

Four-ingredient gems with a flavorful burst of strawberry jam tucked inside, these little treats are the big attraction at the annual Kolache Festival. Yes, you read that correctly, there is an entire festival dedicated to one sweet treat. This Caldwell, Texas, event is more than 20 years old and is hosted by proud descendants of early Czechoslovakian immigrants to Central Texas. The recipe could not be easier: butter, cream cheese, flour, and jam combine to make the Jam Kolache a crunchy, fruity, light delight. Folding the edges in makes these simple cookies beautiful as well. They look good, and they taste even better. That is the mark of a great cookie.

Recipe: Jam Kolache

Four-ingredient gems with a flavorful burst of strawberry jam tucked inside, these little treats are the big attraction at the annual Kolache Festival. Yes, you read that correctly, there is an entire festival dedicated to one sweet treat. This Caldwell, Texas, event is more than 20 years old and is hosted by proud descendants of early Czechoslovakian immigrants to Central Texas. The recipe could not be easier: butter, cream cheese, flour, and jam combine to make the Jam Kolache a crunchy, fruity, light delight. Folding the edges in makes these simple cookies beautiful as well. They look good, and they taste even better. That is the mark of a great cookie.

Recipe: Gingerbread Squares with Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting

These squares are rich with the flavors of ground cinnamon and ground ginger, and sweet with the tastes of sugar and molasses. Then, lemon-cream cheese frosting dresses them up further. The Lemon-Cream Cheese Frosting includes cream cheese, lemon curd, lemon rind, and powdered sugar, creating a creamy mix of sweet with just a delicate taste of tart. Once these have been frosted, Cut them triangles and serve them with a cup of your favorite tea. These store well, so if you want to make them in advance, you may keep them in the refrigerator up to a week.

Recipe: Bayou Brownies

Don’t think chocolate when you try these brownies; instead, think pecans and a sweet cream cheese topping. That's what goes into these delicious Bayou Brownies. Using a store-bought, boxed yellow cake mix makes the recipe extra convenient for busy cooks who can whip this up in minutes. You'll love the taste and aroma of the pecans as they toast, and the creaminess of the sweet cream cheese frosting that is poured over the top. This cake may or may not be born on the bayou, but have a slice and you will certainly be letting the good times roll.

Recipe: Kitchen Sink Brownies

Go ahead and throw everything in. Well, not quite everything. As the name implies, you throw just about everything but the kitchen sink into these ultra-decadent brownies. That means they are packed full of cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, chopped candy bars, chocolate morsels, white chocolate morsels, and pecan pieces—that's a lot of deliciousness. Bake these up and you'll find the kitchen sink in there somewhere. it is just hidden by all the goodness. To make baking and cleanup easy, line the pan with foil before spooning the batter into the pan.

Recipe: Oatmeal Carmelitas

Caramels, chocolate morsels, and pecans are combined for a fast-disappearing treat. This cookie also works well if you line the pan with foil and lift it out whole before slicing. As far as the recipe itself, oats, semisweet chocolate morsels, your choice of nuts, and caramels come together in a rich, sticky, sweet, and chewy combination of tastes, textures, and flavors to make these Oatmeal Carmelitas. Butter, brown sugar, and half-and-half also help make it rich and sweet. If you are not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out entirely. The recipe will be just as delicious, and cook just as well.

Recipe: Pecan Squares

If you like the taste of pecan pie, you will love this easy alternative. A flour, sugar, and butter mixture makes a simple crust. Top that with the pecan mixture, and bake this until it is golden brown and bubbly. Not only will you love the smell of the pecans as they cook, but you will love the special sweetness the honey adds to the brown sugar-based filling. Let this cool completely before you slice this into single servings. Serve the squares with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert.

Recipe: Cappuccino-Frosted Brownies

Readers give these decadent frosted brownies five stars. You'll know why after just one bite. But since you can't taste them until you make them, we will tell you right now. Unsweetened chocolate and semisweet chocolate form the chocolate foundation for the brownie mixture. If this is not decadent enough, it is going to be slathered in Cappuccino Buttercream Frosting once it comes out of the oven and cools. The frosting has instant mocha cappuccino mix, milk, butter, and powdered sugar. If that can't push your sweet senses over the edge, perhaps that last little bit of shaved chocolate sprinkled on top will do the trick. That should be five stars' worth of delicious about now.

Recipe: Mudslide Brownies

You don't even have to be in Mississippi to enjoy these because this great recipe brings these wonderful flavors anywhere. Yummy ingredients from the popular drink—chocolate, espresso, and whipping cream—make a splash in these decadent bars filled with chopped pecans and garnished with chocolate-covered espresso beans. These also do a little tippling: a few tablespoons of coffee liqueur and vodka both make an appearance in the recipe. You'll love the distinctive flavors of both. And yes, those chopped chocolate-covered espresso coffee beans push this over the top. Serving this with a cup of coffee is optional.

Recipe: Death by Caramel Bars

Pockets of caramel goo are the highlight of these showy bar cookies. After making the batter— packed with chopped chocolate-coated caramel-peanut nougat bars and uncooked regular oats—this decadent dish gets topped with dulce de leche. This dish takes around an hour to cook, and even longer to cool, but let it cool completely before slicing it into bars. If you would like to create an even more over-the-top dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle it with caramel sauce just before serving. You will find the bars rich and delicious on their own.

Recipe: Double Chocolate Brownies with Caramel Frosting

These indulgent bars are filled with toasted chopped pecans and semisweet chocolate morsels and topped with a warm caramel frosting. What more can you ask out of a brownie? In this case you can ask for even more chocolate, since these have semisweet chocolate squares, as well as squares of unsweetened chocolate. They also have the toasty, nutty flavor and aroma of toasted pecans. If you would like to make these in advance, or if you have leftovers, you can freeze these in an airtight container for up to a month. 

Recipe: Chunky Chocolate Brownies

These brownies are literally filled with the delicious tastes of rich, melted chocolate. Some of the chunks from this recipe go in whole, while others are melted down in advance. It's the chocolate chunks that make these brownies fudgy. They're also packed with chopped, toasted hazelnuts or pecans.  Use the 23-minute baking time to make them extra gooey. Let them cool and dust them with powdered sugar. Then, you're ready to bite into these decadent delights. In the words of one online reviewer, "I have finally found a go-to brownie recipe." Everyone needs a go-to brownie recipe, so follow her lead and let this one be yours.

Recipe: Key Lime Bars with Macadamia Crust

Found in the southernmost tip of Florida, Key limes are small, yellow, and have a tarter flavor than other lime varieties. So you'll want to be sure to use their juice in this recipe to get their distinctive flavor. Macadamias contribute to the perfect crust for this creamy filling. Since the perfect key lime pie is a Southern delicacy, turning this great regional creation into bars is a fantastic approach to making these bite-sized, finger-food delights. Dust them with a garnish of grated lime rind for picture-perfect Key Lime Bars. With their macadamia crust, you will savor every sweet bite.

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

This recipe mixes the richness of chocolate with the creaminess of cream cheese. Put the two together, and you have the perfect filling for cheesecake bars. Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars make enjoying this style of dessert super-easy. Simply slice these in the pan, and then have them ready as single-serving delights. Take these festive bars to your next gathering―you can make them ahead of time and transport them easily. You'll also love the way these look, since they present beautifully and are elegant enough for more formal dinners or for evening weeknight meals.

Recipe: Cheesecake Swirl Squares

Eggnog recipes spread creamy holiday cheer, as revealed in these cheesecake brownie bars. And, sometimes, it can be even better to enjoy these flavors in a bite than in a sip. A buttery crust of vanilla wafers and toasted pecans forms the foundation for the bite-sized beauties, and balances the rich filling that's flavored with a splash of rum flavoring. White chocolate is spooned over the cream cheese filling; spoonsful of a double-chocolate delight are then dolloped on top, and swirled. The result looks incredible, and tastes even better. You will enjoy every bar—probably so much that you will wish you had a whole slice!

Recipe: Cocoa-Almond Biscotti

Biscotti are elegantly sliced, intensely crunchy Italian cookies, perfect for dunking into a cup of hot coffee. They are cooked twice: first as a whole, then sliced into individual cookies and baked again. This recipe enhances their traditional almond foundation with some cocoa and some coffee liqueur. They are crisp, crunchy, and light enough that you can enjoy them for breakfast or dessert. Our readers like them so much that they are made again and again. As one reviewer remarked, "I've been making these for years. They're always a big hit." We love them, whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee at home, or shared with friends as part of a large holiday gathering. Bake a batch and enjoy them too.

Recipe: Cranberry-Pecan Rugalach

Cranberry-Pecan Rugalach—a version of the European Jewish pastry—is a testament to the varied influences of Southern foodways. Traditionally, rugalach are made with ingredients that include chocolate, walnuts, jam, or fruit preserves. This recipe brings in the traditional Southern favorite nut, the pecan, and pairs it with cranberries, for a truly innovative approach. The filling consists of toasted chopped pecans, and chopped sweetened dried cranberries—though you could substitute dried cherries or apricots if you prefer. Sprinkle sparkling sugar on these before they go in the oven. They will be bright when they come out, and delicious as you eat them after they cool.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Candy Bar Brownies

Peanut butter sandwich cookies become the crumb crust for these hunky bars loaded with chunks of your favorite candy bars. Yes, peanut-shaped peanut butter cookies get crushed with butter to form the foundation for these amazing brownies. Next, two types of peanut-butter based candies are mixed with chocolate morsels, honey-roasted peanuts, and sweetened flaked coconut before being covered in a sweetened condensed milk mixture that includes more peanut butter. Quite simply, this is a peanut-packed delight. Once these are lightly browned, they can be removed from the oven, allowed to cool, and cut into bars. From the moment you have your first bite, you may find that the peanut butter or chocolate debate actually has merits—at least in relation to delicious brownies.

Recipe: Chocolate-and-Almond Macaroons

Don't let these macaroons intimidate you. With just six ingredients, they are surprisingly simple to make and guests will be very impressed with the results. It only takes the first four ingredients to get the basic cookie ready to pop into the oven. The fifth—a whole almond—gets pressed into the top. And the sixth, dark chocolate morsels, are melted, transferred to a zip-top bag, and piped onto the sweet coconut delights. These could not be easier to get from idea to oven to plate. They bake in less than 20 minutes. Put some wax paper under the wire racks as you drizzle on the chocolate, and cleanup will be easy.

Recipe: Red Velvet-Peppermint Swirl Brownies

These red velvet brownies taste as good as they look. They are moist, tasty, and swirling with color. They are packed with the flavors of peppermint, bittersweet chocolate, and vanilla, and are rich with cream cheese. Their excitement comes in part from the red food coloring that is swirled into the batter along with the other ingredients. It creates a beautiful pattern that emerges as everything cooks. You'll love how it looks almost as much as you love how it tastes. Reviewers love their color and pattern. As they say, "these are quite a show stopper!" Let these Red Velvet-Peppermint Swirl Brownies be the star of your next dinner or get-together.