Monster Cookies

My daughter has started to become more adventurous in the kitchen, so this is actually one of the recipes that *she* made and not me! Her brother (my son) loves monster cookies, and these were a big hit! Feel free to change up the mix-ins to use whichever ingredients you have on hand... this recipe is great for finishing up those last odds and ends that may be sitting in your pantry.

Monster Cookies
Yield: 19 large cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini M&M’s candies

Directions

1. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, and set aside.
2. In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Add vanilla, peanut butter, and eggs, and mix well.
3. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add the oats, mini chocolate chips, and mini M&M'S.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Let the cookie dough rest for 10 minutes before scooping.
5. Scoop the cookie dough using a large cookie scoop. Line 6 cookie dough balls per cookie sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes.
6. Cool for 4 minutes on the hot sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

Recipe adapted from Stephanie's Sweet Treats.

Cocoa Oatmeal Muffins

I make a fresh batch of muffins nearly every week, so when I came across this recipe, it reminded me of my favorite oatmeal chocolate chip muffins, but with even more chocolate. And more chocolate is always a good thing, right?! The consensus at our house is that these muffins taste like a brownie. I think we've found a new winner for the muffin rotation!

Cocoa Oatmeal Muffins
Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and sour cream; beat until creamy.
3. In separate bowl, stir together oats, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with milk.
4. Fold chocolate chips into batter.
5. Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
6. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 5-10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe adapted from Taste & Tell.

Cookies & Cream Cookie Cake

Chocolate chip cookie meets Oreo cookie in this fun dessert that scores bonus points for presentation, making it the perfect treat for birthday celebrations!

Cookies & Cream Cookie Cake
Yield: 8" springform pan

Ingredients
Cookie Cake:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 cup crushed gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies (about 12 cookies)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Icing:

• 6 Tbsp butter, softened
• 6 Tbsp shortening
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup crushed gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies (about 9 cookies)
• 4 tsp almond milk
• additional Oreos for topping, cut in quarters

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease sides and bottom of 8 inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Add flour and baking soda and mix until combined.
5. Stir in crushed cookies and chocolate chips. Dough will be thick.
6. Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 16 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. After two (or more) hours, remove sides of pan and place back on cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
9. For icing: Beat butter and shortening until smooth. Slowly add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix until combined. Mix in vanilla and 1 tsp milk. Add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Stir in crushed cookies. Add more milk to reach desired consistency. Ice edges of cake and press quartered Oreos into icing.

Recipe adapted from Life, Love and Sugar.

Applesauce Bread {Bundt Cake}

Get ready for your house to smell amazing as the sweet aroma of apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon fills the air! This versatile recipe can be made as either a bundt cake or two loaves of bread. You can easily cut the recipe in half to make just a single loaf. I love having options!

Applesauce Bread {Bundt Cake}
Yield: 2 loaves (or 1 bundt cake)

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups unsweetened applesauce

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 loaf pans with Crisco, line with parchment (fold extra over sides for easy removal after baking), then grease with nonstick cooking spray. (If using bundt pan, grease with Crisco, then dust all sides with flour.) Set pan(s) aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add eggs and mix until combined.
3. Add 1 cup of flour, baking powder, and cinnamon; mix until combined. Add 1 cup of applesauce and mix until combined. Add remaining flour and mix until combined. Add remaining applesauce and mix until combined.
4. Transfer batter to prepared pan(s). Bake 55-60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. For loaves: Cool in pans 10 minutes. Gently lift loaves from pans using parchment folded over sides, remove & discard parchment, and place loaves on wire rack to cool completely.
6. For bundt pan: Let cake cool completely in pan before inverting onto platter.
7. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired, and cut slices using serrated knife.
8. Store at room temperature. Cake ages well and becomes more moist with time!

Recipe adapted from Melanie Cooks.

Applesauce Muffins

These soft and tender muffins highlight two of my favorite aromas and flavors of fall: apples and cinnamon. These muffins are sure to make their way into your standard breakfast rotation, not only during autumn, but year-round!

Applesauce Muffins
Yield: 12 muffins

Note: Muffins need to be made one day in advance.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan with paper liners.
2. Whisk all liquid ingredients together.
3. In separate bowl, stir remaining dry ingredients together.
4. Pour dry mixture into wet mixture, and stir until just evenly mixed.
5. Fill paper liners 3/4 full with batter.
6. Bake on center rack for 17-20 minutes, or until muffins have domed and toothpick inserted into center comes out mostly clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove muffins from pan and place on wire rack to cool completely.

Note: Do NOT eat the muffins the same day you make them! The muffins really stick to the liners if you try to peel them off the first day. Store them in an airtight container overnight and the liners peel off more easily the next day. The flavor and texture become even better, too!

Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie.

Rich Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

My daughter has been talking about functional texts in school, and her teacher asked every student to bring an example from home to share with the class. She chose a cookbook and found this recipe inside. Since I want to support her budding interest in the kitchen, we spent the day baking together. Cake is definitely my love language!

Rich Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Yield: 2 layer cake

Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee
• 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup Crisco (original flavor in blue tub)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 6-8 Tbsp milk (I use almond milk)
• sprinkles, for decorating

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper; set aside.
2. Whisk together boiling water, cocoa powder, and instant coffee in small bowl until smooth; set aside.
3. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
4. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add vanilla and beat until combined.
6. Add hot cocoa mixture and beat until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
7. Add flour mixture and stir on lowest speed until combined. Finish by scraping bottom of bowl with spatula and folding all batter together.
8. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake 20-22 minutes, or until cake feels firm and toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few crumbs. Be careful as cakes overbake easily!
9. Remove from oven and run knife around edges between cake and pan. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
10. Once cakes are cooled, prepare frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together Crisco and butter until smooth. Add cocoa powder, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 3 Tbsp milk; mix until smooth.
11. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk; mix until smooth. Keep an eye on frosting consistency - add more powdered sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick.
12. To assemble cake, place one cake layer (dome side down) on platter and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer. Place second cake layer on top (dome side up). Smooth remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
13. Cake doesn't need to be made a day in advance, but do allow a few hours after assembly before serving for moisture and flavors to develop.
14. Serve at room temperature. Cake is best for 3-5 days.

Cake recipe adapted from "Creamy, Dreamy Chocolate Gateau" found on page 189 in The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz.

Frosting recipe adapted from Wilton.

Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars

My husband's favorite pistachio dessert from childhood was full of dairy: butter in the crust, milk to prepare the pudding, whipped cream on top... you get the point! Since the two of us try to limit the amount of dairy we consume, I was super excited when I stumbled upon this recipe that would evoke similar feelings of nostalgia while still accommodating our current dietary needs. His final verdict? They are just like a Lofthouse cookie! (And our youngest daughter has asked me to make this for her birthday next fall.) I'd call that a resounding win!

Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
Yield: 9x13 pan

Ingredients
Cookie Bars:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 (3.4 oz) pkg instant pistachio pudding mix
• 2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup Crisco (original flavor in blue tub)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 Tbsp milk, plus more if needed
• green sprinkles, for decorating

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed.
3. Stir in dry pudding mix. Add one cup of flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined. Add remaining one cup of flour and mix until just combined.
4. Press dough *very* evenly into prepared pan. (Bars will not spread when baking, so this step is important!)
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
6. Once bars have cooled completely, prepare buttercream frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine butter, Crisco, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until creamy.
7. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until smooth and creamy, adding milk to reach desired consistency.
8. Spread frosting over cooled sugar cookie bars and top with sprinkles.

Recipe adapted from Eat Cake For Dinner.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Reese's lovers unite! Three layers of moist chocolate cake are sandwiched between rich peanut butter frosting and studded with crumbled peanut butter cups in this deliciously decadent dessert.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Yield: 3 layer cake

Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:

• 3 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 2 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup hot water (or coffee for deeper flavor!)

Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter (I use Jif)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 7 cups powdered sugar
• 6–7 Tbsp milk
• 12 full size Reese's peanut butter cups

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper; set aside.
2. Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to large mixer bowl fitted with paddle attachment and combine. Set aside.
3. In medium-sized bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and beat on medium-low speed until well combined.
5. Slowly add hot water to batter and mix on low speed until well combined. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
8. Once cakes are cooled, prepare frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together butter, peanut butter, and salt until smooth.
9. Add about half of powdered sugar and 3 Tbsp milk; mix until smooth.
10. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk; mix until smooth. Keep an eye on frosting consistency - add more powdered sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick.
11. To assemble cake, place one cake layer (dome side down) on platter and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer. Top with 4 crumbled Reese's peanut butter cups and gently press into frosting. Spread a small amount of frosting on top of Reese’s so that it’s sticky on top for the next cake layer.
12. Add second cake layer and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer. Top with 4 crumbled Reese's peanut butter cups and gently press into frosting. Spread a small amount of frosting on top of Reese’s so that it’s sticky on top for the next cake layer.
13. Add third and final cake layer to top of cake. Smooth remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Crumble remaining 4 Reese's peanut butter cups over top of cake and gently press into frosting.
14. Cake doesn't need to be made a day in advance, but do allow a few hours after assembly before serving for moisture and flavors to combine.
15. Serve at room temperature. Cake is best for 3-5 days.

Recipe adapted from Life, Love and Sugar.

Chocolate Chip Cake with Buttercream Frosting

The combination of flavors in this dessert is reminiscent of everyone's favorite milk and cookies duo, only in cake form!

Chocolate Chip Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Yield: 2 layer cake

** Note: This recipe needs to be made one day in advance! **

Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cake:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Buttercream Frosting:

• 3/4 cup Crisco (original kind only!)
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tsp clear vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 4-6 Tbsp milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper; set aside.
2. Using stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each. Add sour cream and pure vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Mix just until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allow cakes to cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
7. Once cakes are cooled, prepare frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together Crisco and butter. Add clear vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with milk, beating on low speed until blended. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Then continue at high speed until smooth and creamy.
8. To assemble cake, place one cake layer (dome side down) on platter, spread with frosting (make sure layer is even!), place second cake layer (dome side up) on top of frosting, and spread additional frosting over top and sides of cake.
9. Cover and store at room temperature overnight before serving.

Recipe adapted from Life, Love and Sugar.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

These moist, tender muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or your mid-morning coffee break. Not only are they gluten free, but they can also be made dairy free as well!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins
Yield: 1 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 4 oz container puréed baby food (any fruit variety such as pears, prunes, apples, etc.)
• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with paper liners; set aside.
2. Using stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg and baby food, mixing well.
3. Stir in flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Fill paper liners 3/4 full with batter.
6. Bake 17-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
7. Store in airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate for longer.

Recipe adapted from Bunny's Warm Oven.

Chocolate Cake Donuts

When your daughter asks to make donuts, how can you say no?! One of the perks of being stuck at home this summer has been the quality time I've spent baking in the kitchen with my kids. It has been fun to make family favorite recipes as well as trying new ones, like this!

Chocolate Cake Donuts
Yield: 1 dozen

Ingredients
Donuts:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 1 1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate glaze or additional powdered sugar for vanilla glaze)
• 2-3 Tbsp almond milk (depending on desired consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray donut pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream brown sugar and coconut oil. Add egg, vanilla, and almond milk. Mix well.
3. Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
4. Spoon batter into large plastic storage bag. Close seal of bag. Cut tip off bag corner. Carefully squeeze bag to fill donut pan.
5. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when gently pressed.
6. In small bowl, whisk together glaze ingredients. Dip each warm donut into glaze and then top with sprinkles. Place on wire rack until ready to serve.
7. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe adapted from Mama Knows Gluten Free.

Flaxseed Muffins

Finally, a healthy muffin that tastes great! Flaxseed is a good source of dietary fiber, protein, iron, and healthy omega-3 fats. Ground flaxseed can improve digestive health and may lower blood cholesterol levels, making it a great addition to you diet!

Flaxseed Muffins
Yield: 9 muffins

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup coconut sugar
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line muffin tin with liners; set aside.
3. Whisk eggs in large bowl.
4. Add milk, vanilla, sugars, and oil and whisk until smooth and combined.
5. Add remaining ingredients and whisk just until all ingredients are combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between muffin cups using large cookie dough scoop.
7. Bake 15-17 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
9. Store in airtight container at room temperature for a few days or freeze for later.

Recipe adapted from Life After Wheat.

Snickerdoodle Cake

Three layers of vanilla cake are studded with crunchy cinnamon streusel and topped with creamy brown sugar cream cheese buttercream frosting. My 6 year old daughter has already decided that this will be the cake she requests for her birthday in October!

Snickerdoodle Cake
Yield: 3 layer cake

** Note: This recipe needs to be made one day in advance! **

Ingredients
Cake:

• 3 1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/3 cup corn starch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs + 2 additional egg whites, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or substitute 1.5 Tbsp lemon juice plus enough milk to equal 1.5 cups, stir & let stand 5 minutes)

Streusel:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Frosting:

• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 oz block full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper.
2. Sift flour, corn starch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together; set aside.
3. Using stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed.
4. Beat in 3 eggs, 2 egg whites, and vanilla on high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. (Mixture will look curdled.) Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed.
5. With mixer running on low speed, slowly add dry ingredients. With mixer still running on low speed, slowly pour in buttermilk; mix just until combined. You may need to stir by hand to ensure no lumps remain at bottom of bowl. Batter will be slightly thick. Pour batter evenly into cake pans; set aside while making streusel.
6. With a fork, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together until combined. Pour melted butter on top and mix just until combined. Immediately crumble streusel over batter in cake pans; gently pat down with hands.
7. Bake 23-26 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans 15 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
8. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and cinnamon; beat on medium-high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Stop mixer and add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Turn mixer on low speed and beat for 30 seconds, then turn mixer up to medium-high speed and beat until completely smooth and creamy. (Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed.)
9. To assemble cake, place one cake layer on platter, spread with 3/4 cup frosting, top with another cake layer, spread with 3/4 cup frosting, and end with final cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
10. Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving. (This cake ages well!)

Recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction.

Coconut Cupcakes

These special cupcakes, topped with cream cheese frosting and shredded coconut, are the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or any other important milestone event!

Coconut Cupcakes
Yield: 1 dozen

Ingredients

For Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 Tbsp butter, softened
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

For Frosting:

• 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 6 Tbsp butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• additional sweetened shredded coconut
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
   
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. With mixer running on low, add eggs one at a time, scraping down bowl after each addition. Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
3. In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In three parts, alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to batter, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in coconut.
4. Line muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each cup to the top with batter.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until tops are brown and toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes. Remove to baking rack and cool completely. Then prepare cream cheese frosting.
   
7. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, blend together cream cheese and butter. Add vanilla and almond extracts and mix well. Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth, scraping down bowl as needed.
8. Frost cupcakes and sprinkle with additional coconut.
9. Store covered in refrigerator.

Note: Cupcakes are best prepared one day in advance to allow frosting to set.

Recipe adapted from Barefoot Contessa.

French Toast Casserole

Instead of making traditional French toast on the stovetop where you can only cook a few servings at a time, try baking this casserole in the oven so that everyone can sit down at the table together to enjoy brunch at the same time!

French Toast Casserole
Yield: 8x8 pan

Ingredients
For Casserole:

• 6-8 cups cubed gluten free bread (I used this recipe)
• 1 1/4 cups almond milk
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 6 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Tbsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  

For Topping:

• 1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 4 Tbsp butter, softened
  
• 1 tsp cinnamon
  
• 1/8 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly layer bread cubes in prepared dish.
   
3. In medium bowl, whisk together almond milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour mixture over bread.
4. In separate bowl, mix together topping ingredients with fork. Crumble over bread.
5. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until center is set and topping is browned.
6. Serve hot from the oven topped with maple syrup. Enjoy!
   

Recipe adapted from Sweet and Simple Living.

Snickerdoodles

My middle daughter has been learning about fractions in math class, so her teacher tasked the students with preparing a recipe in the kitchen (with adult supervision, of course!) to reinforce the concepts they learned throughout third grade. What a fun, and delicious, way to end the school year!

Snickerdoodles
Yield: 6 dozen

Ingredients
For Cookies:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 3/4 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Rolling:

• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 3 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat baking mats; set aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
3. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt; mix just until combined.
4. In small bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon for rolling.
5. Roll dough into balls the size of small walnuts (about 1/2 Tbsp). Roll in cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. Place 2" apart on prepared baking sheets.
6. Cook 8 minutes. (Cookies puff up at first, then flatten out.)
7. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
8. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Made in loving memory of my husband's late Aunt Barb who shared my love of baking!

Honey Bread

I've been craving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich lately, so I figured I would pick up a loaf of gluten free bread at the store to get my fix. Unfortunately, I couldn't stomach the $6 price tag, so I decided to bake my own bread instead!

This aromatic loaf is the perfect canvas to build any type of sandwich, whether you're in the mood for something sweet (pb&j) or something savory (chicken salad), and could even be used to make french toast!

Honey Bread
Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 3 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp instant coffee
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup oil (or 2 oz tub of Gerber 1st Foods Prunes)
• 1 1/2 cups honey
• 3 eggs, room temperature

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, and grease with nonstick cooking spray again; set aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon; set aside.
3. Mix instant coffee with boiling water; add to flour mixture.
4. Blend in oil, honey, and eggs.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan.
6. Cover loosely with tin foil (to prevent over browning) and bake 30 minutes.
7. Remove tin foil and cook additional 30-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then lift from pan, discard parchment, and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
9. Store wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to keep fresh.

Recipe adapted from Nature Nate's.

Cake Batter Cookies

These soft, chewy cookies are simply the portable form of this delicious Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cake! Personalize the recipe with your choice of sprinkle colors to celebrate birthdays, holidays, sports teams, or school mascots. This is also a fun recipe for kids to help with in the kitchen!

Cake Batter Cookies
Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/3 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined.
4. Fold in white chocolate chips and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
5. Use small cookie dough scoop and roll dough between hands before placing 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake 9 minutes, or until edges are set and dough is no longer shiny. (Cookies will brown just slightly.)
7. Cool on baking sheets 3 minutes, then remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe adapted from What the Fork.

White Chip Chocolate Cookies {Bars}

Like many families, I try to maximize every dollar in my grocery budget. To minimize the financial impact of my need to be dairy free on top of gluten free, I have started making small batches of DF/GF desserts just for me while continuing to make regular GF baked goods for my family. An easy way to do this has been to cut cookie recipes in half and bake them as bars. I have included both versions below!

White Chip Chocolate Cookie Bars
Yield: 8x8 pan

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 8x8 pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in small bowl.
3. Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually stir in flour mixture. Fold in white chocolate chips.
4. Dump dough into prepared pan and flatten into even layer.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until center is set.
6. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

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Dairy Free Option

• Country Crock has a new line of plant based butters that are both dairy free and gluten free. I used the avocado sticks in this recipe, and they work just like real butter!
• Nestle Tollhouse has a line of "Simply Delicious" baking morsels that are free from the 8 major food allergens. It's the first company I've seen that offers dairy free white morsels in-store!
• Both of these products were purchased from Walmart, so you don't have to visit any specialty shops to make this recipe; you can simply pick up these ingredients during your regular shopping trip!

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White Chip Chocolate Cookies
Yield: 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 2/3 cup baking cocoa
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in small bowl.
3. Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually stir in flour mixture. Fold in white chocolate chips.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoon on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (This allows for easier removal from pan after cooling. You can reuse the same parchment between batches to cut down on waste!)
5. Bake 9-11 minutes, or until centers are set. Cool on baking sheet 2 minutes before removing to wire rack.
6. Cool completely before storing.

Recipe adapted from Very Best Baking.

Pumpkin Spice Truffle Cookies

I actually made these cookies at Thanksgiving, but I've been so busy preparing for Christmas that I haven't had a chance to share this recipe until now! Autumn is the season for pumpkin spice everything, and these cookies embody the aroma and flavor of traditional pumpkin pie with a modern twist. The soft, cake-like texture is studded with tasty truffles for a burst of fall flavor in every bite!

Pumpkin Spice Truffle Cookies
Yield: 3-4 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 2/3 cups (9 oz pkg) Nestle Toll House Pumpkin Spice Filled Baking Truffles (or substitute white chocolate chips)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
3. In small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
4. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add pumpkin and mix; then add egg and mix. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
5. Fold in pumpkin spice truffles.
6. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets. (Small cookie dough scoop works well for this step!)
7. Bake 9-11 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before moving to wire rack to cool completely.
8. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. (Cookies are moist and will last longer if stored in refrigerator.)

Recipe adapted from Very Best Baking by Nestle.