Some years don’t ask permission before they change you 😮‍💨

This one held a lot of grief for me. But also a lot of joy. Aaaaaand some very strange, very human moments in between 🤪

If today feels heavy for you, I want you to know that’s allowed. You don’t have to be grateful through it. You don’t have to wrap it in a bow just because it’s Christmas🎄

I share baked goods here for a living, but I’m a real person behind the camera 📸

I really miss my dad. I still cry in grocery stores or in the middle of workouts because that’s when my mind is still and the grief pops in to remind me it’s still there and very fresh.

I also laugh a lot, fuel my body with things that make it feel good, and think about that ravioli more than is reasonable 😍😍😍

You’re welcome here whether you’re baking to celebrate a promotion, distract yourself from postpartum anxiety, mark a milestone, or get through a day where missing someone feels louder than everything else.

Sometimes making something with your hands is the closest thing to breathing you can manage… And that counts 🫶

I’m not going anywhere. In 2026, I’ll still be here sharing real recipes from my kitchen to yours, in a very real world that keeps trying to bury real people under noise. If you’re still standing, still trying, still showing up… There’s a seat for you in my corner of the internet 🤍

All that said, I wish you a gentle Christmas, a soft New Year, and permission to release yourself from guilt if the close of this year feels messy, unfinished, or heavy.

You’re not behind— you’re human 💕

#grief #christmas #freshaprilflours ...

You only need 5 basic ingredients to make these soft and chewy flourless peanut butter cookies. Even with no butter and no flour, they are still one of my favorite peanut butter cookies I’ve ever made 🤩

⭐️ Bonus points: this is a no chill cookie dough recipe, so they’re ready in no time! ⭐️

P.S. You can also find this recipe on page 47 of my cookbook.

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/flourless-crunchy-peanut-butter-cookies/

#peanutbutter #peanutbuttercookies #pbcookies ...

They’re my viral chocolate chip cookies all jazzed up with fall spices (which are pretty on point with winter ones, too!)— cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves! 🥰

And that spiced drizzle on top? It’s optional, buuuuuut I think you should consider it mandatory 😏

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/fall-spiced-chocolate-chip-cookies/

#spiced #cookies #chocolatechip #chocolatechipcookies ...

With only three ingredients and a quick microwave melt, this shortcut chocolate fudge offers a smoother, softer bite when compared to cooked fudge 🍫

This recipe is written to accommodate the option to stir in walnuts or leave it plain, so YOU. HAVE. OPTIONS! (love when that happens 🤩)

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my easy microwave fudge directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/microwave-fudge/

#fudge #microwavefudge #christmascandy ...

It’s really a whole vibe 😎

My friends, these frosted brown sugar Pop Tart cookies are stupid good 🤪 And while they take a little more elbow grease than most cookies on my site, they are well worth it!

You have my word that the process itself is really easy, and I have all the photos and a video to help you succeed ✅

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these frosted brown sugar Pop Tart cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/frosted-brown-sugar-pop-tart-cookies/

#poptart #poptarts #stuffedcookie ...

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:

Graham cracker toffee >>>>>> saltine toffee 👍🏼

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to this graham cracker toffee directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/graham-cracker-toffee-bark/

#christmastoffee #christmascandy #grahamcrackers ...

These crock pot chocolate peanut clusters are a sweet and salty candy you can make in the slow cooker OR on the stovetop 🙌🏼

Simply melt, scoop, and allow to harden. You can make them any size you want and they make a great easy candy recipe for holidays! Dress them up with holiday sprinkles for some real holiday spirit 🎄

Here’s what you’ll need:
🥜 16 ounces (454g) unsalted dry roasted peanuts
🥜 16 ounces (454g) salted cocktail peanuts
🍫 24 ounces (680g) semisweet chocolate chips
🍫 20 ounces (567g) peanut butter chips
🍫 12 ounces (340g) white chocolate chips

Here’s how to make them:
1️⃣ Layer all of the ingredients in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker3 then stir to combine. Cover the slow cooker and heat on low for about 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes, and stopping when all of the chips are melted.
2️⃣ Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
3️⃣ Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of the clusters onto the baking sheets. Allow to set up at room temperature until completely hardened, about 1 to 2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Clusters freeze well, up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

If you’d rather follow a recipe on a website and/or want substitution suggestions and answers to all of your questions, comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these peanut clusters directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/slow-cooker-peanut-clusters/

#christmascandy #crockpot #slowcooker ...

Listen, I have no problem giving credit where credit is due. Toll House set us up with a solid foundation. Truly! 🥲

But the Fresh April Flours version that I’ve perfected over the last decade+ has gotten reviews like these ones that just came in over the last month:

🍪 “No joke… these are the BEST. I have faithfully stuck to a different variation of the tollhouse recipe up until now, but I will only be using this recipe going forward. Followed all of the steps to a tee and these are genuinely the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve had in my life!!”

🍪 “Hands down. These are truly the best chocolate chip cookies!!! Absolutely delicious every time.”

🍪 “I’ve baked a lot of chocolate chip cookies and love trying new recipes. Made these last night and they are the best chocolate chip cookie I think I’ve made.”

🍪 “The BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe I’ve found. I’ve been looking for years for a recipe that turns out like these – they are SO good. The recipe is easy and consistent, they turn out delicious every single time.”

What’s different, you ask? Melted butter instead of softened, one less egg white, more brown sugar, a little cornstarch, and my signature combo of milk + semi-sweet chocolate chips make for a cookie that will win you over in a heartbeat, I guarantee it! 🙌

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my famous chocolate chip cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/classic-chocolate-chip-cookies

#chocolatechip #chocolatechipcookie #cookies ...

Grateful for my jar of molasses carrying the team this baking season 🧑‍🍳

Ok, but for real, there’s nothing wrong with traditional cinnamon rolls… BUT if you’re looking for a cozy, spiced, ultra soft and fluffy seasonal flavor to make this year, these gingerbread ones are it 🎯

Molasses and a blend of warm spices flavor grace every layer all the way from the dough and the sticky filling to the flavorful cream cheese frosting slathered on top 🤩

Plus, this recipe is written as a small batch, so it makes 6! Easily doubled for a larger crowd or the perfect size for your fam in the morning ☀️

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these rolls directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/gingerbread-cinnamon-rolls/

#gingerbread #christmasmorning #cinnamonrolls ...

Even in its 11th year, think THIS is my favorite collection of 12 Days of Cookies that I have ever done 🍪 #faf12daysofcookies

This collection is a careful mix of classics with some creatives, and as a whole, they make a really solid lineup that would appeal to just about everyone coming to your cookie party or holiday gathering 🥰

Which one(s) is on your list? 📝

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to all 12 of these cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/12-days-of-cookies/

#christmascookie #christmascookies #cookieboxes ...

Calling all bakers who want to make homemade candy without the fuss of a candy thermometer 📢

Want to dive into candy this year but want nothing to do with a thermometer? I GET IT.

Sometimes it’s really as simple as it sounds, and these creamy peanut butter meltaways are one of my favorite things to add to empty spots on cookie trays. They’re so easy to make and even easier to eat 😝

Don’t overcomplicate this, friend. Just save this reel as your reminder to grab the ingredients to make these for Christmas 🍭

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these peanut butter meltaways directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/peanut-butter-meltaways/

#christmascandy #christmas #christmasrecipe ...

Ok, hear me out: Rice Krispies treats made small batch style, chopped into tiny cubes, blended into a soft and chewy cookie base, and THENNNNN another chunk of Rice Krispies treats stuck to the top of the cookie.

YES. YES YES YES.

And yes, this works with any flavor of Rice Krispie treat you want to make, so if you want to go rogue… I’m here for it! 🙌

These cookies are chewy, gooey, and full of crispy bits in every bite. They were one of the favorites of the whole dozen among taste testers! 😮

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these Rice Krispies treat cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/rice-krispie-cookies/

#rkt #ricekrispies #ricekrispietreats ...

Even though pine nuts are a little on the pricey side, I SWEAR by these pignoli cookies. They’re always a crowd pleaser and they are safe to eat by most folks as they don’t have any gluten or dairy, and pine nuts are an uncommon allergy. 

They’re super simple to put together and they don’t require any chilling, which means you get a super delicious and unique cookie on the spread without a lot of fuss 🙌

Save this for when you’re putting those cookie tins together this weekend! 🍪

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my pignoli cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/pignoli-cookies/

#pignoli #glutenfreecookies #christmascookie ...

It’s really not much to ask 😮‍💨

Want to make your own homemade peppermint mocha coffee creamer?? ☕️

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to the recipe directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/peppermint-mocha-coffee-creamer/

#christmascoffee #peppermintmocha #peppermint ...

Hi! 👋 I’m Lynn from @freshaprilflours, and if you’re great at baking until pie crust shows up… Welcome! 🤗

I get it— making a whole pie can be daunting if you’ve never done it before, EVEN IF you’ve made the most intricate desserts successfully in the past.

A galette is the PERFECT stepping stone to pie if you’ve never made one OR the perfect compromise if the thought of making another pie makes you Big Sigh 😮‍💨

Galettes are “lazy pies,” and they are very simple to make. This blackberry version uses a honey-sweetened whipped feta and fresh blackberries folded into my flaky, buttery from-scratch pie dough in a rustic, low-pressure-but-still-impressive dessert.

My job here on the internet is so help you create desserts that feel doable but still get the wow. Just consider me your low-pressure dessert person 🤩

Follow along with me for approachable, from-scratch recipes and step-by-step guidance every week 🥰

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my blackberry galette directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/blackberry-galette/

#galette #blackberries #fortheloveofbaking ...

That would be homemade Biscoff cookies with butterscotch marshmallow filling 😳

You need it now, don’t you? 😏

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these Biscoff butterscotch sandwich cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/biscoff-butterscotch-marshmallow-sandwich-cookies/

#biscoff #butterscotch #sandwichcookies ...

Don’t forget about December’s Bake Along!🧑‍🍳 #fafbakealong

What is the Bake Along?
1️⃣ bake the assigned recipe (or alternate)
2️⃣ snap a pic
3️⃣ include a video for one bonus entry
4️⃣ leave a review (as a mega favor 💙)
5️⃣ get entered to win $100 to YOUR CHOICE of merchant

It’s that simple 🙌

December’s Bake Along is my brand new HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS and the alternative is PEPPERMINT BARK CANDY 🍭

Comment the words “bake along” below and I’ll send the link to the Bake Along page right to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/bake-along/

#marshmallow #marshmallows #homemadecandy ...

Calling all bakers who want to make homemade candy without the fuss of a candy thermometer 📢

Want to dive into candy this year but want nothing to do with a thermometer? I GET IT.

Sometimes it’s really as simple as it sounds, and these homemade turtles are one you’ll come back to again year after year once you find out how simple they are to make!

Don’t overcomplicate this, friend. Just follow along with me so I can help you get candy in the holiday spread WITHOUT the stress 😮‍💨

Save this reel so you can grab the FOUR ingredients you need to make these at home 🍭

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to easy homemade turtles directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/turtle-candy/ ...

Cranberries get a lot of Thanksgiving buzz and then I don’t see them NEARLY enough after that! 🥲

Sure, we’ve got them in cocktails and desserts here and there, but I’m certain you’ve never seen a soft & chewy cookie filled with FRESH cranberries before! 🤩

Sweet, tart, creamy, chewy… The flavor and texture gang is all here 🙌🏼

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my frosted cranberry cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/fresh-cranberry-cookies-white-chocolate-frosting/

#cranberries #cookies #christmascookie ...

Everyone knows plump raisins make the best oatmeal raisin cookies. Duh 😒

And since I am an oatmeal raisin cookie lover™️, I feel uniquely qualified to say: soak the raisins or don’t make them at all.

I don’t make the rules. I just bake by them 🤷🏻‍♀️

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my oatmeal raisin cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/

#oatmealraisin #oatmealraisincookies #raisin ...

Hi! 👋 I’m Lynn, and if you’ve ever said “this is the year I learn yeast bread” while quietly being terrified of it… Welcome. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be 🤩

I used to be afraid of yeast bread, too. Then in 2011, my mom showed me how to make it and I remember thinking “wait… THAT’S IT???” 😱

No magic. No chef secrets. Just understanding what’s actually happening. And the rest is history.

Every year, I run a monthly baking series where we build out one category at a time. This year was cinnamon rolls. In 2026, we’re going all in on yeast bread— the kind that builds confidence, not anxiety 😅

Think:
🥪 sandwich bread
🍞 cinnamon swirl raisin bread
🥖 breadsticks
 🥨 soft pretzels
🍞 challah
🍞 brioche

All breads that teach you something and build on your skills as you go 💁‍♀️

And if you’re tired of yeast feeling intimidating, or you just want 2026 to be the year bread finally clicks, consider me your no-judgment, step-by-step bread friend 🥰

Still not sure I’m your person? Here’s what other bakers have said:

⭐️ “I have not had good luck with yeast recipes in the past but this was exactly as the title describes… EASY!” — Robyn

⭐️ “I admit to being super intimidated to make these, but they really are a great recipe for beginners.” — Barbra

⭐️ “Normally, I think yeast bread is super scary… but these yeast rolls are not scary!” — Jessie

⭐️ “Delicious, super easy, and they look bakery-made!” — Jayne

So! Follow along @freshaprilflours for monthly yeast bread recipes, clear instructions, and the confidence to say “yeah, I bake bread now” 😎

Want to brush up on yeast baking skills before we start? Comment the word “GUIDE” below and I’ll send the link to my guide to baking with yeast directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/how-to-bake-with-yeast/

#bread #yeastbread #breadmaking ...

Life’s good when you’re making cookies 🍪

And lucky for you, I have over 250 cookie recipes on my website 😮 From the classics to the creatives, from the simple to the sandwich, the gang is all here for your cookie baking needs 🧑‍🍳

Want to find your new favorite cookie recipe? I’ve got you, friend 😉 Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send you the link to my cookie category page where you’ll find my top 10 reader favs and cookie categories broken down for your tastes! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/cookies/

#cookies #cookierecipe #christmascookies ...

Do you think chocolate chip cookies are boring? 🥱

I used to be there, too. I grew up eating my frugal grandmother’s chocolate chip cookies, which was the Nestle Tollhouse recipe with HALF OF THE CHIPS.

Blasphemy 🫨

This tried-and-true, loved-by-many, crispy-edged and soft-centered cookie is modeled after the one I discovered in my high school cafeteria (true story) which completely changed the way I felt about chocolate chip cookies 💕

With two kinds and size of chips and plenty of chew to go around, I have a feeling if you’re still searching for your favorite recipe, this one might be the ticket 🥹🍪

IN FACT!! Reader Brooke had THIS to say ⬇️

“This is an unpopular opinion, but chocolate chip cookies are 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚… WOW! The reason I’ve never been that excited about chocolate chip cookies is because 𝙄’𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚! They are perfectly crispy and chewy and full of chips! 5 stars! Totally recommend! Will certainly be doing this again!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Give ‘em a try! 🙌

Comment “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my beloved chocolate chip cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/classic-chocolate-chip-cookies/

#chocchipcookies #chocolatechipcookies #cookies ...

Want to dive into candy this year but want nothing to do with a thermometer? I GET IT 😅

Sometimes it’s really as simple as it sounds, and these candied almonds really are so stupidly simple!

Don’t overcomplicate this, friend. Just follow along with me this week as I share my favorite ways to get candy in the holiday spread WITHOUT the stress 😮‍💨

Save this reel as your reminder to come back and make these soon! 🍭

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these candied almonds directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/candied-almonds/

#christmascandy #homemadecandy #candiednuts #cinnamonsugar ...

The 12th and FINAL day of our 12 Days of Cookies is, in my opinion, the most FUN of the whole bunch! 🤩 #faf12daysofcookies

Ok, hear me out: Rice Krispies treats made small batch style, chopped into tiny cubes, blended into a soft and chewy cookie base, and THENNNNN another chunk of Rice Krispies treats stuck to the top of the cookie.

YES. YES YES YES.

And yes, this works with any flavor of Rice Krispie treat you want to make, so if you want to go rogue… I’m here for it! 🙌

These cookies are chewy, gooey, and full of crispy bits in every bite. They were one of the favorites of the whole dozen among taste testers! 😮

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these Rice Krispies treat cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/rice-krispie-cookies/

#rkt #ricekrispies #ricekrispietreats ...