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Soft Espresso Amaretti Cookies
Happy Fall, y’all! I know it’s cliche, but fall is my favorite. Crisp air, warm sunshine, beautiful leaves…and the BAKING. It’s all so cozy and I’m here for it. While these Espresso Amaretti Cookies don’t have the traditional fall flavors you might expect (I see you, pumpkin spice), they make such a lovely little treat to enjoy alongside your favorite warm fall beverage that it felt like the perfect time to share them. All About Amaretti A traditional Italian dessert that can be traced back to the 17th century, amaretti cookies are known not just for their flavor, but also for the gorgeous tins they’re sold in. There’s even a…
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Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Getting this one in just under the wire (before summer is over). Summer is traditionally the high season for s’mores, though I think fall, with its campfire-y vibes, is just as good a time to enjoy this iconic treat. However, I propose we make s’mores a year-long affair. These Peanut Butter S’mores Bars will help us do just that. Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Grahams, and Marshmallows = Heaven in a Bar These bars have all the elements of the campfire treat we all love: graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. But they have one more thing that really takes them over the top: peanut butter! If you’ve never had peanut butter on…
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Rosewater Marshmallows
Ok, I can already hear you thinking, “flowery marshmallows? Really??” And I get it — it’s a little unorthodox. But I love floral scents and flavors in baked goods. Plus, I’ve enjoyed rosewater in meringues before, so I thought, “why not put it in marshmallows?” And boy, am I glad I did! If you’ve ever had Turkish delight, you’ll have a general understanding of the flavor profile of these ‘mallows. They don’t have the pistachios you often find in Turkish delight, however (though sprinkling some chopped pistachios on top is a great idea). But their pink hue and the hint of rosewater in them is definitely reminiscent of that tasty…
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Toasted Coconut Snack Cake
Sometimes, you just need a little cake. Something to go with your afternoon cup of coffee or tea that tastes great and lifts your spirits. Or something special for a brunch that’s quick to throw together and serve with fresh berries and a mountain of whipped cream. This Toasted Coconut Snack Cake is that cake. A Scone-Like Coffee Cake Perfect for Dessert, Brunch, or Whenever You Need a Sweet Snack This is a coffee-cake-style cake. But instead of cinnamon streusel, it’s covered in a heaping mound of toasted coconut topping. Its texture is a little dense and almost scone-like. It’s the perfect canvas for ripe summer berries, roasted peaches or…
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Consider this the chocolate chip cookie of the summer. All the things you love about a chocolate chip cookie, just…brighter. Fruitier. Dare I say…sparklier? A party of a cookie that’s just begging to be made into ice cream sandwiches and brought to the beach. Let me introduce you to Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies! Dark Chocolate + Freeze-Dried Strawberries = an Ideal Flavor Match I’ve recently become obsessed with freeze-dried fruit — especially berries. Freeze-dried raspberries and strawberries have made their way into my granola (especially this Chocolate-Lover’s Granola — YUM), oatmeal, trail mix, and, of course, baked goods. When it’s freeze-dried, the flavor of the fruit is more concentrated…
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Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
Originally published in April 2021; Updated April 2023 One of the big reasons I bake is to share some joy in treat form with my loved ones. So I’m always thrilled when I get the chance to bake something special for a friend. I originally created this recipe two years ago to celebrate the birthday of one of my closest friends…and it ended up being one of the best things I’ve ever made! So naturally, I had to share it with you all. I recently updated the peanut butter frosting recipe just a little—to make it fluffier and even better than it was. Get excited—these Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut…
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7-Layer Magic Bars
It may technically be spring, but there’s a blizzard raging outside my window. Yes, it’s a typical Minnesota April—blustery, snowy, and cold. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love living in the frozen north. Call me crazy if you will, but I truly love it. And I suspect, despite what most Minnesotans would tell you, that they secretly love it too. Because the truth is, there’s almost nothing we love more up here than complaining about the weather. Nothing, that is, except bars. No, not the kind you belly up to and drink (though, admittedly, we love those too), but the kind you eat. Dessert bars.…
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Coconut Lemon Bars
Spring is here (in theory, anyway), and it has me craving all things sunshiny: actual sunshine, of course, but also sunny scents, colors, and flavors. I pulled out my summer perfume the other day; I suddenly have an affinity for the color yellow; and I need to eat every lemony thing in sight. So in celebration of spring and my cravings, I added a slight twist to a classic lemony treat to make these utterly springy Coconut Lemon Bars. A Tropical Twist on a Classic I LOVE lemon bars. A shortbready cookie crust topped with a lemon curd layer that tastes like pure sunshine…what could be better? This version is…
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Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hey y’all, here I am again, with yet another chocolate chip cookie recipe. What can I say, I just love making them! (Case in point: I have like 10 more chocolate chip cookie recipes on the site already.) This time around, though, there’s a twist: they’re vegan. I’ve been wanting to create a recipe for vegan chocolate chip cookies for a while now…since last summer when I discovered the wonder of flax eggs (but more on that in a minute). And since the price of eggs makes me want to start selling my organs, it seemed like a good time. So without further ado, let’s make vegan chocolate chip cookies!…
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Dark Chocolate Cherry Scones
Valentine’s Day is upon us. That means it’s time for allll the chocolate…even for breakfast. Yep, a holiday like this one calls for a decadent, chocolatey start to the day. (I mean, let’s be real, I’ll take an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast any day, but this holiday is just begging us to indulge.) These Dark Chocolate Cherry Scones are the perfect thing to serve your loved one (or yourself) for a Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed! How to make flaky AF scones Every scone, chocolate or not, should be flaky and tender. And the way you get that flakiness is the same way you get it in pie…
Recipes and Musings from the Zenith City
