Desserts

The buttery, flaky layers of puff pastry, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together in this irresistible holiday appetizer that’ll make your taste buds sing. Cranberry pecan pinwheels are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and honestly, they’re as festive as it gets. Every bite feels like a celebration, and the vibrant colors make them almost too pretty to eat. Almost. I discovered this recipe during the holiday season years ago when I was looking for something quick and elegant to serve at a family gathering. Let’s just say, they were gone before I could even set the tray … Read more

The first time I pulled a tray of cranberry pecan pinwheels from the oven, the buttery aroma mingled with tart-sweet cranberries and toasted nuts was almost too much to resist. You know those holiday moments where you want something that looks fancy but secretly took you less than 30 minutes to make? That’s exactly why I keep this recipe on standby. Whenever friends drop by during the holidays, or I need to bring a crowd-pleaser to a potluck, these cranberry pecan pinwheels always come to the rescue. There’s something about the swirl of ruby cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy cheese … Read more

Introduction The unmistakable smell of buttery sugar cookies drifting through the house is my favorite sign that Christmas is close. Honestly, nothing gets me in the holiday spirit faster than rolling out dough, sneaking a taste, and seeing my kids’ faces light up as they decorate their own cookies. These aren’t just any Christmas sugar cookies—they’re my go-to, make-ahead version that lets you get festive without the last-minute rush. I stumbled onto this recipe years ago when, like many of us, I was overwhelmed juggling work, shopping, and school concerts. I needed a cookie that could be made ahead, stashed … Read more

The first time I pulled a tray of maple walnut blondies out of the oven, the kitchen filled with this cozy, nutty aroma that made my family wander in from every corner of the house. I’m telling you, there’s something about the scent of bubbling maple syrup and toasted walnuts that’s pure autumn magic—like fuzzy sweaters and crunchy leaves, but for your taste buds. I actually stumbled onto this recipe one chilly October, desperate for an easy fall dessert that wasn’t pumpkin pie (because, let’s face it, sometimes you need a break from pumpkin everything). If you love a dessert … Read more

The very first time I bit into one of these maple pecan shortbread cookies, I swear the world slowed down for a second. There’s just something magical about the way buttery shortbread melts on your tongue, especially when it’s kissed with real maple syrup and crowned with caramelized pecans. I grew up making classic shortbread with my grandma every December, but after a trip to Vermont (where maple syrup is basically a love language), I felt inspired to remix tradition. Honestly, these cookies are what happens when cozy winter mornings and Sunday brunch collide in one perfect treat. If you’re … Read more