Kitchen Sink Cookie

The title says it all, right? Any fun, delicious snack just thrown into a cookie? Yes, please! For my recipe I used whatever we already had in the house- pretzels, potato chips, mini chocolate chips and marshmallows. But you can use M&M's, nuts, white chocolate chips, graham crackers, toffee pieces, anything you can think of!

This recipe is very fast, easy, delicious and kid friendly! Of course, I had my little sous chef in the kitchen helping me as well as him testing the mix-ins. Someone has to make sure they are okay to be used.

Stand mixers are always best, in my opinion. It does the work for you so you can easily multi-task! But if you do not have a stand mixer that's okay, a hand mixer will also do the job! The most important thing about making cookies from scratch is making sure you absolutely scrape the bowl as you go! Cookies will easily show your mistakes if not mixed well. Meaning, your sugar pockets will explode while baking.

The More You Know:

When trying to figure out if your cookies are done, 1. look for golden brown edges. 2. jiggle the pan to see if the center of your cookies jiggle. If they are not done, give them 1-2 minutes. Cookies can over bake really fast. They will also continue to bake on the sheet pan after being pulled out of the oven. Let them cool for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Using a spatula is the easiest, and safest way to transfer your cookies!

If you decide to change the mix-ins, remember to replace it with any of my mix-ins in the recipe. Too many mix-ins will not allow the cookies to spread.

The best way to scoop cookies is with an ice cream scoop! It's easy and it will give them a nice shape. You can freeze your cookie dough, just remember they will not spread as much as if they were room temperature.

Give them a try! Let me know how it goes. Message me if you have any questions, comments or concerns!

Tag me on Instagram and check out my Pinterest page for the sheet pans and ice cream scoops I used!

XOXO

What it means to be a baker

Baking is an art form that requires passion, precision and patience. After baking for 9 plus years, I have come to appreciate all the joy and complexity that comes with it. While most of the world is asleep, bakers are hours into their day creating and perfecting pastries, for everyone to start their day the best way.

The day of a baker begins long before sunrise. There can be something so calm about working the quiet morning hours, surrounded by the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries. If you get the chance to walk by a bakery in the early morning, I highly recommend it. The smell that takes over the sky, is quite magical.

As we knead, roll out dough, bake off pastries our hands quickly become covered with flour. We strive to make every creation pure perfection. Because honestly, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing someone enjoy something you have created. Knowing your pastry will be at the center of the table for all to enjoy. It makes all the hard work worth it.

The world can be so chaotic but baking can provide a sense of comfort and connection. Baking is a universal love language. It brings families, friends, communities and even other cultures together. I have learned so much about other cultures just from a single pastry. While you share your traditions with others or learn about new ones. It is a journey that is as rewarding as it is challenging.

To be a baker is being part artist, part scientist and part storyteller. Telling your story in the form of a pastry. Baking is a labor of love. A single pastry that can bring communities together. While you are enjoying your next pastry, take a moment to savor not just the taste, but the essence of what it really means to be a baker.

Baked Doughnut Recipe

A baked, fluffy, moist doughnut without having to be fried in oil. This recipe right here is fast, easy, delicious and very kid friendly!

Skip the bakery run and try this recipe at home with the family. I promise, you will not be disappointed. They are the perfect size for a little snack especially to help with that sweet tooth! BUT it will be hard not to have just one.

What's amazing about this recipe? You do not need a mixer! Plus most of the ingredients people already have in their home!

The More You Know:

When testing if your doughnuts are done, 1. Use a toothpick- if it comes out clean then they are done. 2. Bounce back method- just simply use your finger to press the center of the doughnut if it bounces back then they are done!

Look for a golden brown color around the ring as well as the doughnut pulling away from the sides.

Top with any fun toppings! If you want cinnamon sugar doughnuts, make sure to toss them in the sugar while they are a little warm still so the sugar sticks to the doughnut.

Give them a try! Let me know if you enjoy these as much as my family does! Tag me on Instagram.

Check out my Pinterest Page for the doughnut pan, bowls, and measuring cups I used for this recipe!

XOXO