I’m totally loving these Lofthouse copycat cookies. They don’t just look like the original, they taste about as much like them as they could too. They have the same tender texture that’s impossible to describe, but is so good. They also mirror the flavor really well.

When developing this recipe, I actually started with my Soft Cutout Sugar Cookies. I knew the addition of cornstarch in those would work well here to add to the cookies’ tenderness and lack of spread. I made a few adjustments though:

• Flour – Instead of all-purpose flour, I went with cake flour, which gives the cookies a more tender and cakey texture, while also making the flavor more similar to the storebought version (yes, I totally think cake flour has a taste to it).
• Cornstarch – I did reduce the cornstarch a bit for these. It keeps the cutout cookies from spreading really well, but I did want a little bit of spread for these Lofthouse cookies.
• Leavening – I used just baking powder for these. I tested them with the baking soda, since I tend to love that in cookies, but the texture was more “right” with baking powder alone.
• Sugar – These cookies tend to be quite sweet, so I added a little extra sugar.
• Almond Extract – This recipe uses vanilla and a touch of almond extract, to contribute to that lovely cookie flavor.

It took a bit of trial and error on my part to get these amounts just right, but I’m so happy with the way they turned out. I hope you love them too!

You guys know that I love a good cheesecake and when we get out to eat, I always have to try the cheesecake if it’s on the menu. Which is how I first ended up trying this red velvet cheesecake cake, one of the popular options at The Cheesecake Factory. It combines two of my favorite things – red velvet cake and vanilla cheesecake. I actually already have a red velvet cheesecake recipe but I love that this one has the actual cake layers along with the cheesecake too.

This isn’t the first time I’ve recreated a dessert from The Cheesecake Factory. I have several other cheesecakes inspired by theirs, including the Banana Cream Cheesecake (my all-time fave), Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake, Mango Key Lime Cheesecake and Kahlua Coffee Brownie Cheesecake. If you love red velvet, though, this red velvet cheesecake cake will be your favorite.

Buckeyes, aka no-bake peanut butter balls, are a classic candy that I’ve been making for years. They’re especially popular around the holidays, though they satisfy that chocolate-peanut butter craving year-round. I love to gift these with other candy favorites, like my easy chocolate fudge and homemade caramels.

A LOT of trial and error went into perfecting this buckeye recipe! We played around with varying amounts of peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar. I’m confident we finally got it just right! These buckeyes are not too sweet but also not too heavy on the nuttiness. Texture-wise, they are also a little on the slightly softer side, as opposed to being too dry, and are super smooth and creamy. So good!

Treat your holiday guests to these rich, chocolatey rum balls! Made with vanilla wafer crumbles soaked in rum, chocolate, powdered sugar, and a smattering of sprinkles, this easy no-bake recipe delivers a bold, boozy flavor that intensifies over time. Like my Baileys Irish Cream Cookie Balls, they’re the ideal make-ahead dessert for your festive gatherings.

They come together super quickly and easily. Plus, they’re super easy to make your own by using different cookie crumbs, experimenting with various chocolates, and/or swapping the rum for bourbon or brandy. Add them to your holiday traditions today!

This saltine cracker toffee is the ultimate solution for your sweet-and-salty cravings. Also known as “Christmas Crack,” it’s a holiday staple you’ll want right next to your favorite Cutout Sugar Cookies. The magic lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures: salty crackers, a rich layer of buttery toffee loaded with crisp, a layer of smooth, decadent chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Every bite is an irresistible explosion of flavor.

I love that you only need a few pantry staples and a handful of simple steps, too. No candy thermometer, no complicated techniques—just pure, straightforward deliciousness. It’s the perfect treat for beginner bakers and a quick favorite for seasoned pros. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, making it ideal for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying a sudden craving.