My baking game has come a long way in 2021, and these baking cookbooks are a big part of the reason why. From James Beard Award winners to internet stars, these baker authors combine foundational basics with delicious flavor combinations, and even some beloved copy cat recipes you’ll never believe you can make at home! (Oreos, anyone?)

Everyone Can Bake by Dominique Ansel

Many people recognize Dominique Ansel as the NYC baker that originated the Cronut (croissant donut). But that is only a small part of his impressive repertoire as an accomplished baker. His social media is filled with his beautiful creations and clever flavor combinations. In Everyone Can Bake, he breaks down the science of baking into his favorite go-to base recipes, as well as how to use them to create your own baked masterpieces. This baking cookbook is like taking a masterclass from one of the contemporary greats!

Bravetart: Iconic American Desserts by Stella Parks

Bravetart: Iconic American Desserts is a gem of a cookbook for anyone who wants to make their own favorite sweets and snacks at home. Author Stella Parks starts with classic recipes like chocolate chip cookies and yellow layer cake. But the best part of this book are all the copy-cat recipes for favorite American sweet treats: Oreos, Twinkies, Thin Mints, Pop Tarts, Fig Newtons, Cracker Jacks, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Syrup…this book has it all! And so far, all of them I’ve made taste impressively close to their official counterparts!

Joy the Baker Cookbook by Joy Wilson

Joy Wilson is becoming increasingly popular on internet and TV nowadays, and there’s a good reason: she is, indeed, a joy, and her recipes are delicious and trustworthy! They range from a simple Cream Cheese Pound Cake to clever flavor combinations, like Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies. I can also recommend her other two cookbooks, Over Easy and Homemade Decadence. Follow along on her website, as well!

Bigger Bolder Baking by Gemma Stafford

Bigger Bolder Baking was an accidental library find, and I’m SO glad I did! Marketed as “A fearless approach to baking anytime, anywhere,” Gemma Stafford takes her decades of Michelin-star experience with the express goal of giving us more confidence in the kitchen. Her recipes are a fantastic balance between classic foundation and clever flavors. You can also follow Gemma on her YouTube channel by the same name: