Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies (The Gold Standard) There are chocolate chip cookies—and then there are Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies. To me, this recipe has always been the gold standard. In my 72 years of baking, this cookie has never failed me: not flat, not fussy, just perfectly chewy, chocolate-packed cookies every single time….

Lady Lock Pillows (Easy Puff Pastry Cream Dessert) If you’ve ever been to a wedding or holiday party in Pennsylvania, you’ve probably seen Lady Locks—those classic flaky pastries filled with cream. Traditionally, they’re made with a delicate dough rolled around molds, baked, then piped with filling. Gorgeous, but a little fussy. That’s why I’m sharing…

Easy Baklava Cups (Mini Baklava Bites in 10 Minutes) Baklava is one of those desserts that always steals the show. The layers of phyllo, the sweet nutty filling, and that sticky honey syrup… pure perfection. But let’s be honest—traditional baklava can be time-consuming and a bit intimidating for beginner bakers. That’s why I’m obsessed with…

Lemon Ricotta Magic Cake (Easy Holiday Dessert) Some desserts just belong on a holiday table, and this Lemon Ricotta Magic Cake is one of them. It’s tangy, sweet, soft, and festive—perfect for a Christmas party, Easter brunch, or any occasion when you need a tray-worthy treat. The best part? It looks fancy but comes together…

Homemade Pop Tarts with Pie Crust (Heart-Shaped!) If you grew up eating pop tarts straight from the toaster, you’re going to love this homemade version. They taste like nostalgia with a sweet homemade twist. These heart-shaped pop tarts use refrigerated pie crusts as a shortcut, making them simple, fun, and perfect for gifting. Whether you’re…

Filled Pizzelle Cookies (Italian Holiday Treat) Every family has those recipes that instantly bring back memories of holiday gatherings, and for me, pizzelles are one of those treasures. Crisp, delicate, and beautifully patterned, pizzelles are a traditional Italian cookie made on a special iron. While many people serve them flat, I grew up rolling them…

Snickers Surprise Cookies (Stuffed with Candy Bars!) Some cookies are tasty, but some are downright fun. These Snickers Surprise Cookies fall squarely in the second category! Imagine biting into a soft, buttery peanut butter cookie only to discover a gooey, chocolatey Snickers bar hiding inside. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of…

Maple Shortbread Cookies with Bourbon Frosting (with Bacon!) Some cookies feel like a party all on their own—and these maple shortbread cookies with bourbon frosting and candied bacon are exactly that. They’re the kind of treat that makes friends lean in after one bite and say, “Can I get this recipe?” For me, maple always…

Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake with Cake Mix (Easy Recipe) Some cakes just feel like a hug from the past, and pineapple upside down cake is one of them. With its glossy fruit topping and caramelized glaze, this retro dessert has been gracing American tables since the 1950s. And while most of us remember it…

Homemade Baklava with Phyllo Dough (Easy Step-by-Step) There are some recipes that carry you right back to the warmth of a family kitchen, the clinking of pans, and that unmistakable smell of sugar and butter caramelizing in the oven. For me, baklava is one of those recipes. The golden layers of phyllo, the crunch of…