Margaret Chen · July 15, 2026
I learned my lesson about cookie gift boxes the hard way—during the first holiday season I decided to give them as gifts. Twelve years ago, I spent an entire weekend baking six different varieties of chocolate chip cookies. My thinking was simple: people love chocolate chip cookies, so variety within that category seemed like the … Read more
Margaret Chen · July 15, 2026
I get asked this question at least twice a week: “Margaret, does browning butter actually make cookies better, or is it just hype?” After fifteen years of recipe testing, I can tell you the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Brown butter does something real and measurable to cookie flavor and texture. However, it … Read more
Margaret Chen · July 13, 2026
Introduction to Regional American Holiday Cookies The enchanting aroma of holiday baking, while a universal sign of the season, takes on a distinctly regional character as you traverse the diverse culinary landscape of the United States. Beyond the universally loved sugar cookies and gingerbread men, many states proudly feature signature holiday cookies that tell a story of their unique … Read more
Margaret Chen · July 10, 2026
I have a confession. After fifteen years of baking and recipe testing, I’ve noticed something that nobody wants to say out loud: a lot of people really don’t like raisins in their oatmeal cookies. It started small. A friend would hand one back to me with a sheepish smile and say, “Could you maybe make … Read more
Margaret Chen · July 10, 2026
Every week, someone emails me asking if my Moroccan orange blossom fekkas recipe is the same as a “Moroccan sugar cookie.” The answer is no—not even close. I understood the confusion at first, but after 15 years of testing and baking, I’ve learned that these are two entirely different cookies with completely different textures, techniques, … Read more
Margaret Chen · July 6, 2026
Discover the Delight of Spiced Lemon Cardamom Cookies The combination of lemon and cardamom in baking results in a delightful treat that tantalizes the taste buds. These aromatic cookies bring together the zesty freshness of lemon with the warm, spicy undertones of cardamom. In this article, we’ll explore why this flavor pairing is so enchanting … Read more
