Margaret Chen 
Margaret Chen · June 20, 2026
The first time I made shortbread, I was convinced it would be the easiest thing I had ever baked. Three ingredients. No eggs. No leavening. How hard could it be? That was the winter of 2008, and I pulled a crumbly, greasy, completely forgettable batch out of the oven and felt genuinely humbled. Mastering the … Read more
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
Last February I had eleven bowls on my counter and a stack of plain shortbread rounds cooling on a rack, because I wanted to settle an argument I’d been having with myself for years: how much does the cream filled cookie filling actually matter? I baked one cookie base, one recipe, forty-eight identical discs, and … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 15, 2026
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 perfectly with the tangy lemon flavor. This unique combination, topped with a white chocolate glaze, creates a sophisticated and indulgent dessert. … 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
What Does Stout Do in Baking? The Science Behind Beer in Cookie Recipes Fifteen years ago, a friend handed me a Guinness and said, “You should bake with this.” I laughed. I tested cookies with vanilla, spices, and extracts—not beer. But curiosity got the better of me, and on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, I cracked … Read more
Margaret Chen · June 5, 2026
Korean Cookies: The Recipes I Found After Falling Down a Very Delicious Rabbit Hole I discovered yakgwa—deep-fried honey cookies infused with sesame oil, ginger, and cinnamon—at a Korean bakery near my neighborhood. That single bite sparked six months of research into hangwa, the umbrella term for traditional Korean confections. “These are yakgwa,” the baker told … 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
