To me, cookbooks belong on that list of things you can never have too many of… alongside shoes, bags, perfume, boxes of cards, notebooks, bottles of wine… to name a few. On that note, below I am sharing the cookbooks on my shelf that I not only adore but also often refer to when baking.
As long as there is room for another book on the shelf (there’s always room), this list will continue to grow! As such, this is a living blog post.
1. Joy of Cooking
When I was little, my grandparents bought me the 75th Anniversary Edition of this book. It was my first ever cookbook! It truly is a staple, to the point that my grandma refers to it as an encyclopedia. From fruit cobbler to chocolate chip cookies, I will always refer back to it.
A note that this is the newest edition of the book. The book was also a gift, and I have been loving it so far.
takeaways
- extremely informative
- covers a ton of basics
2. Butter Baked Goods
This is one of the first baking-specific cookbooks I purchased. The book itself is absolutely delightful. It may also be my bible for buttercream frosting.
takeaways
- recipes are timeless and simple
- step-by-step tutorials with photos
3. Sweet Bake Shop
I just love the essence of this book; pretty with an unapologetic love for sugar. Above all, this book is the home of my absolute favourite sugar cookie recipe.
takeaways
- recipes are classic, nostalgic and yet current
- a cohesive collection of beautifully baked goods
4. Baking Day with Anna Olson
I absolutely adore Anna Olson! Her recipes are comforting, wholesome, and precise. As such, this book is packed with delightful recipes and gorgeous photos.
I also own Anna Olson’s holiday cookbook, which I keep with my Christmas baking boxes. It’s where I discovered the chocolate coconut and honey-spiced cookies.
takeaways
- includes GF recipes or ones that can be easily converted
- the instructions are very precise and insightful
5. Maman: The Cookbook
I may have pre-ordered this book the moment I heard its release date. While it leans more savory than sweet, the aesthetic and vibe are everything I imagined their Gossip-Girl-worthy café would be.
A morning at Maman is definitely on my list for the next time I’m in New York.
takeaways
- love the matte pages and size of the book
- it helps fill those Paris and NYC cravings
ALSO ON MY KITCHEN SHELF …
- Bobbette & Belle by Allyson Bobbitt and Sarah Bell
- Boutique Baking by Peggy Porschen
- French Country Cooking by Mimi Thorisson
- Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines
- Oh She Glows Everyday by Angela Liddon
Do you have a favorite baking cookbook that deserves a spot on the shelf? I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to message me on Instagram or share in the comments section below!
JESSICA. xx
Disclosure:
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Products that are recommended are ones that I truly love or would purchase for a dear friend.
This blog post was updated for 2025.
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