"King Arthur has written an essential tome of cookie wisdom. Throughout the book you will find tips and tricks, troubleshooting guidance, instructional illustrations, and, of course, well-tested recipes. The original Cookie Companion has been on my bookshelf for years, and I know this revised edition will be both well loved and well used in my kitchen in the years to come."
"The always-trustworthy King Arthur Baking Company team has written a book for America’s favorite dessert category that would make an amazing gift for any cookie fanatic. From teaching readers how to spread jam smoothly to sharing a hack for slicing dough, they spare no details, helping everyone to become expert cookie bakers."
"King Arthur cookbooks will always be a staple in my kitchen library. Their beautifully precise recipes do the job all of us who write recipes for a living aim to do: hold the reader's hand just enough to clearly guide them to a delicious result (cookies, in this case) while also teaching solid skills along the way."
"When it comes to recipes, you can trust King Arthur Baking Company to deliver the very best—and The Essential Cookie Companion is no exception. Bakers of any skill level will appreciate the in-depth instructions. The successful, freshly baked cookies are, of course, a delicious bonus!"
"There’s no one I trust more than the bakers at King Arthur with the task of creating the ultimate compendium of cookies. With recipes ranging from chewy chocolate chip cookies (with a surprising secret), classic molasses cookies, and buttery shortbreads, to global favorites like biscotti, linzer bars, alfajores, and Parisian macarons (oh-la-la!), there’s something for everyone in this generous collection."
"King Arthur is always my go-to source, from initial recipe research to example recipes of perfected classics. With King Arthur, I know that I’ll get the full story: the what, the how, and, most importantly, the why of creating excellent baked goods. That’s why The Essential Cookie Companion, with its detailed illustrations, crystal clear explanations, and inviting images, is an essential resource for baking novices and experienced bakers alike."
11/01/2021
King Arthur Flour has long been a trusted authority on home baking and, having already released an updated edition of their classic Baker's Companion in March 2021, they now offer a fully revised edition of their 2004 cookie-baking guide. Featuring more than 400 recipes, the collection begins with variations on nine essential American cookie recipes (e.g., sugar; oatmeal; molasses; shortbread; brownies; the iconic chocolate chip). The rest of the recipes, including several gluten-free options, are categorized by preparation method, with separate chapters for drop, roll-out, shaped, batter, and bar cookies. Measurements are given in both weight and volume, and recipe instructions provide succinct and precise advice on the baking process, especially about judging cookie doneness. A supplemental section features recipes for glazes, icings, fillings, and dips, along with ideas and tips for decorating cookies. The treats here represent a range of American and European baking traditions, and recipe headnotes often include historical information, for placing a cookie in its particular culinary context. VERDICT This comprehensive handbook includes all the best advice, guidance, and tried-and-true recipes most home bakers will ever need; an essential addition to any collection serving enthusiastic cookie bakers.—Kelsy Peterson, Brighton Grammar Sch., Melbourne, Australia