I love desserts, and I truly admire those skilled at baking. I envy those skilled at baking. Unfortunately, and admittedly, baking is my least favorite activity. I’m a little of this and a little of that type of person, and baking requires a level of precision and patience that I reserve for Big and Little (and occasionally Husband).
My usual approach is focusing most of my energy on the main dish. Occasionally the side. And on rare occasions … the dessert. These are my go-to favorite dessert recipes that I return to regularly. Whether or not you claim to be an accomplished baker, I highly recommend that you add them to your repertoire.
Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
I very rarely bake, and when I do, it is almost always these cookies. I love chocolate, so I use 2-3 cups of chocolate chips, depending on the size of the chip. And it MUST ALWAYS be these chocolate chips.
I highly recommend that you try a variation with dark chocolate chips. To take your cookies to the next level, try sprinkling a bit of flake salt on top of the cookie dough ball immediately before baking.
Be sure that your baking soda is fresh. If you like thick cookies, do not pack your brown sugar. I’ve found packing the brown sugar makes for a flatter cookie.
Do you have extra over-ripe bananas laying around the house? This is my favorite banana bread recipe, courtesy of Tyler Florence.
Smear with a bit of butter and it’s a perfect snack.
I toast the pecans, and I don’t think the confectioners’ sugar is necessary … but you do you!
Notes & Recommendations
I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
I am not paid for these reviews and am simply sharing these products because I love them.
Ice Cream Scoop
This classic kitchen tool, OXO Good Grips Classic Ice Cream scoop, has so many uses. Pack it and level it with meatball mix for the perfect-sized, uniform meatballs. Pack it and level it with cookie dough for small cookies, or heap it for larger cookies.
The swipe arm makes removing the mix easy.
And the best part? Clean-up is easy because it is dishwasher safe.
Chocolate Chips
I’ve tried a ton of chocolate chips and Guittard is my favorite. These chocolate chips are divine, gooey, bites of perfection.
I use 31% Milk Chocolate in nearly everything, from hot chocolate to chocolate chip pancakes.
And 63% Dark Chocolate by Guittard and flake salt make a perfect chocolate chip cookie.
Salt Flakes
A variety of salt comes in handy, and I like the size of these salt flakes when you want punctuated salt flavor.
Try sprinkling it on steak or dark chocolate chip cookies.
Need more ideas?
Fast & Easy | Simple | Worth the Effort | Soups & Stews | Pasta | Slow Cooker Dishes | Side Dishes | Desserts
