The Joy of Cookies by Chef Chang: A Must-Have Cookbook for Cookie Lovers

  

 When I first opened The Joy of Cookies, I was a little surprised to find the book begins with a lengthy introduction, an even lengthier Q&A section, followed by baking basics, followed by a section on cookie baking ingredients and equipment. While the information is genuinely helpful, I have to admit that when I crack open a specialty cookbook, I’m eager to dive straight into gorgeous food photography and irresistible recipes rather than 20+ pages of text. Yes, this is all valuable information, but not to everybody, so in my opinion, it belongs in the back.

Thankfully, once the recipes begin, this book truly shines.

 The chapters are cleverly organized by cookie style, making the book feel fun and approachable from the start. “Drop Everything and Bake These” focuses on drop cookies, while “The Bar Is High” features brownies and bars. “Bake Rattle and Roll” highlights rolled cookies, “Icing on the Cookie” covers frosted creations, and “Pipe Dreams” introduces recipes requiring piping techniques. There’s even “Art of the Cookie Sandwich” for filled sandwich cookies and “Some Like It Savory” for those looking beyond traditional desserts. 

 Each recipe includes a beautiful full-color photograph of the finished bake, along with ingredients, directions, yield, and especially useful storage information. I loved the inclusion of notes explaining which cookies store best at room temperature, which should be refrigerated, and how long they’ll stay fresh (though honestly, leftover cookies are rarely a problem in my house).

 What impressed me most was how approachable the recipes feel. The book strikes a thoughtful balance between simple, beginner-friendly bakes and more advanced recipes that encourage home bakers to expand their skills. Nothing feels intimidating or completely out of reach, even for someone without professional baking experience. 

 Another standout feature is the collection of fillings, frostings, glazes, ganache, pastry creams, meringues, and dipping icings included throughout the book. Having all of these staple recipes gathered in one place is incredibly convenient and saves the usual last-minute scramble to search online for the perfect frosting or filling recipe. 

 And then there’s the photography. Every image is warm, inviting, and beautifully styled, the kind of cookbook photography that immediately makes you want to head into the kitchen and start baking. 

As someone who considers cookies the ultimate comfort dessert, The Joy of Cookies  absolutely lives up to its name. It’s a cookbook I can easily see myself returning to again and again, whether I’m looking for a quick weekend bake or a more ambitious baking project.

 Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone hoping to expand your cookie repertoire, this is a delightful addition to any cookbook collection.

 You can order a copy here.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.