Margaret Chen 
Margaret Chen · June 19, 2026
The first time I made alfajores dulce de leche cookies recipe from scratch was December 2018, during a snowstorm that knocked out our power for six hours. I had started the dough by candlelight, convinced I understood the recipe. What came out of the oven were sad, crumbly discs that crumbled into dust the moment … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 18, 2026
Regional Ingredients Tell America’s Sweet Story Every state boasts distinctive agricultural treasures and culinary traditions that have shaped generations of family recipes. When these local specialties meet holiday baking traditions, the result is a delicious celebration of American regional diversity that transforms your cookie platter into an edible map of the United States. Southern Comfort in Cookie … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 17, 2026
The first time I attempted a whoopie pies from scratch recipe, I was standing in my mother-in-law’s Vermont kitchen on a rainy October afternoon in 2018. She pulled out a handwritten index card — soft around the edges, smudged with cocoa — and handed it to me like she was passing along a family heirloom. … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 16, 2026
Cream-Filled Cookies: 6 Filling Recipes That Work With Any Cookie Base After 15 years of testing cookie recipes in my home kitchen, I’ve learned that cream-filled cookies occupy a completely different category than their decorated cousins. A beautifully piped royal-iced cookie is stunning to look at. But a cream-filled cookie? That’s an experience. It’s texture, … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 15, 2026
What I bake with: The zester that keeps bitter pith out of your lemon cookies — microplane zester on Amazon → Baking enthusiasts often seek out new ways to elevate classic cookie recipes. Lemon ricotta cookies provide a delightful twist on traditional lemon treats. The addition of ricotta cheese results in a soft, cake-like texture that pairs … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 8, 2026
When people think of American regional cookies, they often picture New England’s molasses snaps or the chocolate chip dynasties of the Midwest. But after spending three years traveling through Florida’s kitchens—from the Panhandle’s pecan groves to Miami’s vibrant Cuban neighborhoods—I’ve discovered that Florida cookie recipes represent some of the most exciting, underrated baking traditions in … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 6, 2026
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products I personally recommend. I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. What Does Stout Do in Baking? The Science Behind Beer in Cookie Recipes What I bake with: Beer style matchups that stop guessing in cookie batters … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 5, 2026
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are genuine products I use and trust in my kitchen. Korean Cookies: The Recipes I Found After Falling Down a Very Delicious Rabbit Hole What I bake with: The … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 2, 2026
Chinese almond cookies are a beloved staple at dim sum restaurants and family celebrations across Asia and beyond. But what makes them so special? After 30 batches of experimenting, tweaking, and occasionally throwing my hands up in frustration, I’ve discovered that the magic lies in understanding their history, appreciating their symbolism, and mastering the surprisingly … Read more
Margaret Chen · May 31, 2026
Brown Butter Cardamom Cookies: The Recipe I Make When I Want to Sound Like a Professional Baker What I bake with: Cardamom that actually tastes like cardamom, not dust — SavorSatch Whole Green Cardamom Pods on Amazon → I’ll never forget the moment my friend Sarah pulled me into the kitchen at my dinner party … Read more
