The Ultimate Guide to Baking

Celebrate by making one of our favorite birthday cake or cupcake recipes.

Whether you're hosting a special occasion, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, there's no better time to break out the bundt and get baking.

Whether you've struggled in the past or you're just too intimidated to pick up a mixing bowl, we're here to help! 

That trusted 13- x 9-inch pan is good for more than just brownies and casseroles. Break it in with these easy sheet cake recipes that are perfect for a special occasion. Skip the hassle of a layer cake, and opt for a simple icing or glaze to top off your cake. From red velvet to strawberry to coconut, there's no shortage of options for your next sheet cake.

From Zucchini-Fig Mini Cakes to Coconut-Zucchini Bread, these beginner-friendly baking recipes are wonderful ways to make the most of an abundant zucchini harvest.

We tend to associate baking with decadent cookies, brownies, cakes, and other indulgences. But delicious baked foods don't have to be bad for you! Don't believe us? Just try out one of our 20 favorite whole-grain and whole-wheat baking recipes—you won't regret it.

Take your baking to the next level with these pro-approved buys.

With clever twists and fresh interpretations, our shortbread cookie recipes take the classic treat in fun new flavor directions. We have plenty of traditional choices here, too.

If there's one holiday we can all get behind, it's National Cookie Day. If you haven't heard, you can head to one of these stores on December 4 to get delicious freebies. But why not give the greatest day the respect it deserves? These tried-and-true recipes are universally loved by readers, and for good reason. Here's why:

Flour power is an understatement.

Break out your favorite sugar cookie dough and get to rolling and cutting. From traditional holiday shapes to more creative types, we've rounded up 20 cookie cutters that will have you pumped for this year's cookie decorating sessions.