It’s day 5 of my 12 Days of Cookies, and this one is a tough one for me 💔 #faf12daysofcookies

A decade ago, my dad taught me how to make his family’s famous cookie recipe: one that was brought here by his grandmother from Italy, taught to his mom, and then he taught it to me 🥰

The weekend he taught me, I was (unknowingly) pregnant with our first son and his lungs were growing the Big C 😞

Gratefully, he made it through that and lived another decade, albeit a little slower than the before times, with us.

Sadly, we lost my dad this summer, but these cookies were always part of the plan for this year’s tradition. It only seemed right to keep them on the content calendar 🗓️

I know we food bloggers get a lot of flack for “telling our life story” in our blog posts, something we don’t actually do a whole lot of anymore, but I’ll be honest— this post has a significant amount of that.

Even if you don’t want to make these cookies, I would be honored if you read about my dad and the tradition of these cookies. I also kept some of the original photos in the post that have his hands in them 😇

Now, as far as WHAT these cookies entail— buttery, flaky pie crust surrounds a rich, spiced honey walnut filling in these traditional Italian cookies. We’ve always called them “sfratti,” and if you want to make them and enjoy them like my dad did, a hot cup of black coffee is the way to go ☕️

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these honey walnut cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/honey-walnut-cookie-sticks-sfratti/

#familyrecipe #familyrecipes ...

And if it isn’t there, it might be on the inside of the handle 👀

Also, sometimes it’s not there at all. I’m just the messenger! Don’t @ me all mad in the comments— k??? 😘

In every.single.cookie.recipe on my site, I specify what scoop size to use:

🍪 use size 50 (about 1.5 Tablespoons) for standard cookies
🍪 use size 110 (about 1 teaspoon) for mini cookies
🍪 use size 16 (or an ice cream scoop with a trigger, about 1/4 cup) for large/bakery size cookies

Using a scoop makes for uniform cookie sizes, uniform baking, and when a recipe tells you exactly what size to use, you get perfect results every time! 🤩

Comment “scoops” below and I’ll send the link to my Amazon store (affiliate link) directly to your DMs so you can get the same scoops you see here! 💌 https://urlgeni.us/amzn/cookietools

#cookiebaking #cookies #cookiestagram ...

If you only make ONE recipe from my 12 Days of Cookies lineup, make it this one! 🍋 #faf12daysofcookies

This recipe has lived on my site since 2017, and honestly, it has never once gotten the attention it deserves. That changes this year!

This recipe actually came from a reader. She mentioned a lemon pepper cookie on another cookie recipe post and I had to know more! 😮

Sweet, tart, lightly spiced, and perfectly crunchy, these lemon cookies hit all the nontraditional cookie notes. A drizzle of white chocolate adds just the right touch of extra sweetness for an unexpected and delightfully off-beat cookie 🍪

BONUS: they’re a slice & bake cookie, so no scooping— just slicing! 🔪

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to these lemon pepper slice & bake cookies directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/lemon-pepper-slice-cookies/

#sliceandbake #cookies #lemoncookies ...

The key to a uniform thickness which is the key to an even bake which is the key to perfect cut-out cookies is making sure your rolling pin doesn’t smash down the cookie dough 🔑

Two ¼ inch dowels taped onto your rolling surface is a GAME CHANGER in the cut-out cookie world 😱

ALSO (!!!!), I always get comments that they make rolling pins with rings on them for this purpose. Yes. Yes they do. But my personal experience is that I roll over the dough with the rings anyway 🤪 DOWELS are also a container 👏🏼

I have SO many cut-out cookie recipes on my site including but not limited to:
🍪 traditional sugar
🍪 chocolate sugar
🍪 peppermint sugar
🍪 pumpkin spice sugar
🍪 funfetti sugar
🍪 gingerbread

Head to my profile @freshaprilflours for all of your Christmas and holiday baking this year! 🎄

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

#cutoutcookies #cookiecutter #cookiecutters ...

It’s day 3 of my 11th annual 12 Days of Cookies, and this classic always makes it onto my holiday spread 🍪 #faf12daysofcookies

This recipe is not even close to brand new to my site, but it is worth mentioning again this year AND it got all new photos and a video so you can see just how easy they are to make.

These snowballs (sometimes called Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies filled with nuts and double-rolled in powdered sugar. Put them on your list ASAP! 🗒️

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

#snowballcookies #snowballs #cookies ...

If you want to jazz up your chocolate chip cookies, make sure your next batch gets a little cinnamon-sugar bath before you bake them! 😮

These particular cookies are PUDDING chocolate chip cookies, which makes them ultra chewy, packed with flavor, and a new way for you to change up your usual 🍪

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

#cookies #cookierecipe #cookiegram ...

Fans of my chocolate chip cookies— LISTEN UP! 👂

Today is day 2 of my 11th annual 12 Days of Cookies, and this one is a MUST! 🍪 #faf12daysofcookies

These chocolate chip cookie bars are everything you love about my classic chocolate chip cookies but pressed into a 9x13 baking pan, baked at a slightly lower temperature, and cut into customizable sized bars for an easier way to make AND serve them 🤭

And just like brownies, we’ve got interior pieces, edge pieces, and corner pieces for those who fall into one of those camps.

Or, you know, whatever. You can eat them all yourself for all I care— one pan could mean one serving. I don’t make the rules, just the delicious cookies! 😜

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

#cookiebars #chocolatechip #chocolatechipcookies ...

If you want to make the gooiest sticky buns, start with my easy, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls and then lay them on a bed of pecans + a brown sugar maple syrup situation 🤤

These maple pecan sticky buns are my go-to sweet brunch recipe because they’re simple, small batch (makes 6!) but easily scaled for any size crowd, and better than anything I’ve ever had from a bakery.

Seriously 😳

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

#stickybuns #stickybun #yeastbread #brunch ...

It’s here! It’s here! We’re kicking off my 11th annual 12 Days of Cookies today, which means TWELVE COOKIE RECIPES IN A ROW! 🍪 #faf12daysofcookies

Today is day 1, and I’m starting with a recipe that’s been on my site since 2015— but it got a full recipe overhaul, new photos, and, of course, a video.

If you’ve been here a while, you know I’m an oatmeal raisin cookie LOVERRRRR. BUT! These are not your average oatmeal raisin cookies— they’re oatmeal RaisinET cookies! Think chewy, buttery, and packed with chocolate-covered raisins in every bite 😋

Basically your ultimate movie-theater snack… Without leaving your couch 🛋️

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

#oatmealcookies #raisinets #raisins ...

These no-bake chocolate salami cookies (yes, they’re actually called that) will make everyone think you did
THE MOST 💫

Because let’s be real: no one wants sad, basic no-bakes, and you know people eat with their eyes first 👀

Save this post to your cookie inspo collection or comment the word “recipe” below and l’ll send the link to these chocolate salami cookies directly to your DMs! 💌
#freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/
chocolate-salami/

#nobakecookies #chocolatesalami #christmascookies #christmasrecipes ...

First Monday (well— we’re doing it on Sunday because my 12 Days of Cookies starts tomorrow! 🍪) of the month means a brand new 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 ...

Baking + background Friends = my entire personality. Just ask my whisk and Friends couch tattoos (seriously).

Does this sound like a good time to you? If so, you’re in the right spot 😎

Looking for your new favorite baking recipes? I’ve got you covered— comment the word “index” below and I’ll send you the link to my recipe index so you can start perusing everything! 🧑‍🍳 • https://freshaprilflours.com/recipe-index/

#baking #bakingrecipes #fortheloveofbaking #procrastibaking ...

Life’s too short for “good enough” chocolate chip cookies.

So many folks go right to the recipe on the back of the bag when they’re making chocolate chip cookies, but the real magic is happening in THIS recipe.

Sure, it’s similar to the Toll House recipe. How many ways can you make chocolate chip cookies?

My version has:
🍪 cornstarch for extra softness
🍪 an egg yolk instead of a second egg for chewiness
🍪 melted butter for a thinner cookie with crisp edges
🍪 more brown sugar than granulated for extra moisture
🍪 two kinds AND sizes of chocolate chips for variety
🍪 chill time to allow the flour to moisten

Think it couldn’t possibly be that different? Think again. This review from Jay came in earlier this month:

“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. Crispy edges and super soft on the inside. 10/10” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

#chocolatechipcookie #cookies #cookie #cookierecipe ...

The audacity. THE NERVE 😤

Ok, but really… My 11th annual 12 Days of Cookies starts December 1st! 📅

This year, I have 6 brand new and 6 completely updated cookie recipes that I KNOW you are going to love 🤗

There’s peppermint and Biscoff and sprinkles and toffee and you DON’T want to miss any of them! 🥰

Be sure to follow @freshaprilflours so you can catch them all 🍪 #freshaprilflours #faf12daysofcookies #christmascookies #cookies #12daysofcookies ...

Make a holiday-themed dish one to remember with these festive Grinch crepes! 💚❤️

By tinting my favorite buttery and delicate crepes a festive green, filling them with fluffy fresh whipped cream, and topping them with a vibrant red strawberry sauce, you’ll create a dish that’s as merry as it is memorable 🤗

Don’t worry! I walk you through exactly how to make crepes in the post, and there’s also a link to my comprehensive post on traditional crepes included in the post, too.

I promise… You can make crepes. They just take some (delicious) practice 😉

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

#grinch #grinchmas #christmasmorning #christmasrecipe ...

Do you call it puppy chow? Monkey munch? Muddy Buddies? Whatever you call it… Just put it in your belly! 😋

This candy cane puppy chow is one of my favorite treats to make at Christmas. You can keep it gluten free, too, if you play your cards right 🃏

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

#christmassnacks #christmasrecipes #candycane #christmas ...

One of my favorite cookies I’ve EVER made… All dressed up for Christmas! You’ll never guess how easy they are 🤯

And in case you’re new around here, hi! 👋 I’m Lynn and unfussy, easy-to-follow dessert recipes are my specialty.

I’m known for these Insta-famous, pillowy soft and ultra chewy vanilla sugar cookies, and all you have to do to them is roll them in colorful sugar and BOOM! 💥 you’ve got yourself one fab Christmas cookie that’s perfect for letting littles help with!

But don’t just take my word for it. Check out this review from Darci:

“Delicious, quick and so easy to make! It will be my “go to” sugar cookie recipe. I made the cookies with 3 third grade girls for a reward. It is a kid-friendly recipe. They could do every step with some assistance. I highly recommend this recipe!!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So trust me, if you’re looking for SIMPLE Christmas cookies this year, this is your sign to hit “FOLLOW” on my profile so we can be baking besties this year 👯


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

#christmascookies #christmasbaking #cookies #christmasrecipes ...

This may or may not be based on a true story lived over and over a hundred times since my firstborn child learned he was in control of his hands 🖐🏼 #wicked #bakinghumor #foodblogger #foodphotgraphy #baking ...

You can make homemade whipped cream with THREE ingredients: heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar.

And YES, it’s actually really simple!

You need:
⭐️ 1 cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
⭐️ 1 Tablespoon sugar (powdered or granulated)
⭐️ ½ to 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat the heavy cream until it starts to thicken, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and then beat until medium peaks.

Boom 💥

Done ✅

Want some better visuals and a detailed tutorial? Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my homemade whipped cream directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/homemade-whipped-cream/

#whippedcream #thanksgiving #pie #thanksgivingrecipes ...

Apparently there are people on the internet who believe a snickerdoodle without cream of tartar is a personal attack.

Bless their hearts.

Anyway! Here’s a soft, chewy, tangy snickerdoodle that proves them wrong 😏

Oh. And! It’s a no chill recipe, so… Even more reason to love ‘em! 🤎

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to my super easy and supremely delicious snickerdoodle without cream of tartar directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/soft-and-chewy-snickerdoodles/

#snickerdoodle #snickerdoodles #cookies #christmascookies ...

Ok, ok, so it’s not exactly a mistake, but you are missing out on MAXIMUM FLAVOR if you’re putting your spices in with the dry ingredients and NOT in with the butter/sugar 😮

That’s right, I want you to dismiss the instruction in every gingerbread/gingersnap recipe from now until forever that tells you to put the spices in with the flour and save them for the creaming step.

Why? 🤔

Adding the spices to the fat helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the batter, ensuring a consistent taste in your cookies and other baked goods. Also, fat is a great vehicle for flavor (think bacon grease) and can help enhance the intensity of the spices.

Fun fact: I also do this with my citrus zest! 🍊🍋

SAVE THIS 🏷️ and SEND THIS ✉️ to someone who has gingersnaps/gingerbread/ginger cookies on their baking list this year!

#gingerbread #bakingtips #baking #cookies #ginger ...

Do you love oatmeal cream pies? These are their jolly cousin, the gingerbread sandwich cookie.

They were the highlight of Friendsgiving and my own kids were dropping ‘bows to get to the last one 😝

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

#christmascookies #sandwichcookies #cookies #christmas ...

As a cranberry sauce lover myself, I’m always down for trying a new version, and THIS ONE was a winner in our book! 🤩

Here’s what you’ll need:
❤️ 8 ounces (227g) fresh cranberries
🫐 4 ounces (113g) fresh blueberries
🤍 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
💦 1 cup (240mL) water
🍊 zest of one orange

Here’s how to make it:
1️⃣ In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, blueberries, sugar, water, and orange zest.
2️⃣ Bring mixture to a boil and immediately turn down to a simmer.
3️⃣ Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently and being careful not to let mixture boil over sides of saucepan. Allow to cool, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator, up to 2 weeks.

➡️ Make ahead: this cranberry sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store in the refrigerator, covered tightly, until ready to use. It also freezes well, up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.

⭐️ BONUS: the recipe post has links to all of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes AND links to other variations of cranberry sauce that AREN’T the norm!

SAVE this post for later or comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to this blueberry cranberry sauce directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/blueberry-cranberry-sauce/

#thanksgiving #cranberrysauce #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingsides ...

When I tell you this is the best pumpkin pie you’ll ever make, I’m not kidding! It’s been the only pumpkin pie at our Thanksgiving table since 2010, and it’s loved by readers, too! 💗

“I LOVE this recipe! I’ve been making it for years and everyone always loves it. It’s pretty easy and there’s so much flavor. My favorite!” — Sam ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What sets it apart from the rest? Black pepper and fresh orange zest… And, of course, my beloved pie dough that is flaky AF 🥧

Comment the word “recipe” below and I’ll send the link to this perfect pumpkin pie directly to your DMs! 💌 #freshaprilflours • https://freshaprilflours.com/classic-pumpkin-pie/

#pumpkinpie #thanksgiving #thanksgivingrecipes #pie ...

Handing you the perfect Grinch cookie recipe! 💚❤️

If you need a recipe that’s not the typical green cookie with a heart sprinkle on top (no shade, but it’s just so expected!), this cookie has you covered.

This charming holiday version of traditional Linzer cookies features tender and buttery almond flour sandwich cookies filled with strawberry jam. And they get better as time goes on— a bonus! 🥰

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

#grinch #grinchmas #grinchcookies #christmascookies ...

I know I can’t be the only one who needs a stress-free Thanksgiving dessert right now…. Right?? 😮‍💨

These mini pecan pies feature a crispy top and gooey pecan pie filling in bite-size buttery and flaky homemade pie crust shells. This recipe is made without corn syrup and stands out from the crowd with a touch of bright orange zest for a zippy take on a classic.

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

#thanksgiving #pecanpie #pecanpies #thanksgivingdesserts ...