Cookies

I won't be as mean-spirited about reissues of Ms. Heatter's recipes in new additions as others have been. As with many other cookbooks that are reissued, they attract new readers with each issue. Back when Ms. Heatter's books were first issued I was doing all whole grains and foods and wouldn't have dreamed of using her recipes. Now, many years later, I am delighted to have them. One of the particular attractions to Ms. Heatter's books for me is the blend of experience and technical information. I don't agree with others that she is overly verbose in her recipes. In fact, her explanations of many of the processes in cooking and baking are very helpful to the novice and experienced baker alike. I find it much easier to sift out instructions than to dream them up from an overly terse recording. Having said that, the cookies are fantastic, every one I've tried, and I'd recommend this as a standard reference on the subject.

My original copy (1977) of Maida Heatter's Book of Great Cookies was just about to fall apart from all of the use it gets from me. I have yet to make a cookie from Maida's recipes that hasn't been delicious! I am thrilled to be able to purchase a new book to take over from my old tired copy! All my friends just love the cookies that come from this book and look forward to them every Christmas!

I have baked almost every cake in this book and they are all wonderful. Ms. Heatter offers a wide variety of flavors. Caramel Fudge Pecan brownies have become a standard in my kitchen -- frequently requested by my friends. The recipe instructions are meticulously explicit and easy to follow. This book has been used so often that the binding has cracked and flour wafts out when it is opened. I highly recommend it.

These cookie recipes give a detailed description of the final product, which more than makes up for no pictures. The Savannah Chewies and Oatmeal/Coconut drop cookies are some of the best cookies I've ever tasted, and they're as easy to make as chocolate chip cookies. I enjoyed just flipping through all of the recipes and had a hard time deciding where to start. I give this book two thumbs up!

I am a lousy cook, and I don't really enjoy the whole process. But Maida Heatter's Cookies is like being coached by the most patient grandmother in the world. Not only are the cookies delicious, but the writing is so supportive, I feel that none of the recipes are beyond my ability. When I'm in the mood to bake, I always go here, and my only concern is whether I have the ingredients, never whether I have the expertise. One note to cooks like me: many recipes call for parchment paper, which I'm sure is wonderful but since I don't have any I don't bother and they all seem to come out just fine. In short, I highly recommend this book, and regularly give it as gifts, to rave reviews.