Happy New Year! We all say it every year—the days flew by! My 2024 was packed with more amazing experiences, recipes and fun. My latest cookbook, Zoë Bakes Cookies, hit bookstores in September and made it on the NY Times Bestsellers list! I launched Zoë’s Baking Academy and hundreds of you participated, baking up a recipe each month and showing off your skills.
This Cinnamon Swirl Bread recipe is sponsored by Diamond Crystal Salt Co. All opinions are my own.
This super tender, cinnamon spiced, perfectly balanced salted caramel treat is made for your holiday gatherings. It’s like the perfect cinnamon bun, just more fun. Great for Christmas morning or swap out the cream cheese icing with some ice cream as an afternoon dessert! No matter when you serve this stunning pan of cinnamon swirl bread it will bring joy!
This homemade marshmallows recipe is perfect for hot chocolate, s’mores or just snacking. You’ll find ways to add extract flavors to your marshmallows, too. And don’t forget my homemade graham crackers recipe to go with them!
I really, really wanted to start this post by bitching about the weather. Something my poor family has to endure for much of the winter. But, I’ve decided to rise above the whining-chatter in my head and embrace the weather. It is easy today, at a balmy 42°F. A small, but welcome comfort after an epic freeze. Instead of complaining about the cold, I made hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows. It reminds me of being a kid, when I loved winter and playing outside. There is just something magical about the puff of a marshmallow and how it floats on top of hot chocolate, melting just a little to make a layer of sweet fluff. Totally comforting. Nothing beats that, except now I prefer my hot chocolate with a shot of whiskey and my marshmallows scented with a touch of mint or vanilla or even cardamom.
This is one of the most Christmas-time cookies in Zoë Bakes Cookies. The warm spices and light touch of molasses make for the most flavorful and delightful snappy cookie. You can leave them unadorned but a lemon-flavored royal icing is a beautiful finish.
My Granny Neal always made this espresso shortbread around the holidays. It’s studded with hunks of walnuts, and the specks of espresso give the shortbread a rich bold flavor and an elegant look.
A Christmas Croquembouche seems like the perfect way to celebrate this holiday season. Cream puffs held together by swirls of delicate caramel make for a gorgeous, festive display.