Cookies: The New Classics: A Baking Book Review

A Closer Look at Cookies: The New Classics: A Baking Book

What could be better than a glass of cold milk and a fresh and warm baked chocolate chip cookie?

With this question in mind, in this week's cookbook review, we decided to look at Cookies: The New Classics: A Baking Book by Jesse Szewczyk.

Move beyond the same-old chocolate chip, peanut butter, and oatmeal cookies with Jesse Szewczyk's collection of 100 brand-new, boldly flavored, and intriguing yet familiar recipes.

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A New Approach to Cookies

With so many excellent cookbooks about cookies on the market like Dorie's Cookies and with millions of online cookie recipes, you might wonder why another cookie cookbook?

That was out-thought after we started reviewing Cookies: The New Classics: A Baking Book. However, after diving deeper into the book, we realize that it has something different from what we are used to seeing.

Instead of focusing on what has already been done, Jesse created a new set of recipes, a collection of cookies that pay homage to familiar favorites but with a modern spin. With this book, Jesse wanted to create a new set of classics.

Within these pages, you will find 100 unapologetically modern-yet-familiar recipes that promise to redefine your favorite go-to cookies, as well as introduce you to new ones to crave. Like spiced snickerdoodles made with the flesh of roasted sweet potatoes, or chocolate chunk cookies perfumed with fresh peppermint.

From Cashew Caramel Cookies to decadent Salt and Vinegar Potato Chip Cookies, these recipes move beyond the holy cookie trinity of chocolate chip, peanut butter, and oatmeal and add excitement to your baking repertoire.

Everything from sugar cookies, blondies, thumbprint cookies, and no-bake bars are included, all complete with instructions that will guide you toward cookie-baking success.

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Classics with a Twist

The recipes in Cookies: The New Classics: A Baking Book are classified into eight chapters, each named after the dominant flavor of the cookies included. Chocolatey, Boozy, Fruity, Nutty, Tart, Spiced, Smoky, and Savory compile this book's delicious recipes.

Within these chapters, you will find familiar favorites updated with bold flavors. Take, for example, the Smoky Muscavado Sugar Cookies in the Smoky chapter. At its core, the recipe is a timeless classic, but adding a modern flourish (in this case, liquid smoke) creates something that is equal parts comforting and fresh.

For cookies that will awaken the senses, you have the Spiced chapter. Spiced Peanut Butter–Coconut Squares demonstrate that you can make something bold and playful without even turning on your oven.

Closing out the book is the Savory chapter, a collection of salty-leaning cookies perfect for serving at a cocktail party. As modern and inventive as the recipes are, they all evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort as only a freshly made cookie can.

If you're worried that the recipes sound complicated, don't be. Every recipe is developed to be easy to execute. So, say goodbye to cookies that leave you wanting - and hello to your new collection of classics.

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Final Thoughts

Sophisticated and approachable, Cookies: The New Classics: A Baking Book puts together an incredible collection of cookies that will become your go-to treats for stealing the show at bake sales, gift exchanges, and holiday cookie swaps.

Jesse's trustworthy recipes and pro baking advice deliver sweet satisfaction to anyone looking to up their cookie game.