As someone who particularly enjoys reading cookbooks, I loved this one! The book is well organized and includes very specific instructions, so that even if you are a beginning baker, you could choose one of these recipes and create something of which to be proud. I especially enjoyed reading the tips and tricks that can be applied to other recipes. I will be buying this book in a paper format, since it is a cookbook that I will want to refer to often.

Thank you NetGalley, Rose Levy Beranbaum and Mariner Books for the copy of The Cookie Bible. This is my personal review.
I love cookbooks! This is one that will be added to my shelf. And it will make a great gift.
This is much more than a common cookbook; this one goes into detail about what ingredients to use and why. The recipes are easy to follow.
This book is packed with so many wonderful recipes. The photos of the cookies were stunning. The book is divided into section which is very handy.
I had a hard time not wanting to bake every recipe in this cookbook.

This book is densely packed with just about every cookie recipe you could need and in that way, really is a cookie bible. In many ways, it also gives off the feeling of being that recipe book that had been passed down from grandmother to grandmother for ages, and if you’re someone like me who doesn’t have any recipes like that, this book is a good substitute.

The book was organized really nicely, separating the different types of cookies in very reasonable ways. The pictures were also phenomenal and they had some for most cookies. That said, there were a few that I couldn’t imagine in my own mind and definitely would have appreciated a picture for as well. Either way though, the book is densely packed with cookie recipes and very detailed instructions. One of my personal favourite parts about the book was the baking gems section with each recipe that gave tips and tricks that not only increase your chance of success but help you understand why (and make you a better baker in the process). However, the absolute best thing about this book was that the measurements were in grams and cups!! I love the assurance that I’ve got the ingredients measured out right and this simple detail made ALL the difference in my mind.

The only con I really had with the book is that most of these cookies seem very labour intensive. That’s not a bad thing per-say, but it does mean that if you’re just looking for a quick cookie recipe to whip up on a weekday night, this is probably not the book for you. However, if you want to challenge yourself to bake something new or better, then this book will most certainly help you do it. It’s large and not necessarily easy, but it’s results look like they’ll be delicious.

I received an ARC of this cookbook from the publishers via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Whether you will appreciate Rose Levy Beranbaum’s newest cookbook, The Cookie Bible, will depend on a few things. First, how much direction do you want? Beranbaum meticulously details each step, including how long dough should rest in the refrigerator, exactly how to prepare your pans, how to roll each cookie dough ball, and and what size and weight everything should be. She’ll tell you how often to turn your pan in the oven and what the cookies should look like when they are ready. I like a lot of direction — I’m not an instinctive baker and I measure everything to the gram, so Rose’s instructions are perfect for me.

Second, how simple do you want your recipes? Even for the most basic recipe, like chocolate chip cookies, Rose has you go through a lot more steps than your average Toll House recipe. If you want easy, bake from a box. Rose will have you brown your butter rather than melt it, for example, and she tells you which ingredients need to be taken out 30 minutes or an hour in advance so they can come to room temperature. Recipes with walnuts have you toast the walnuts first, then roll them in a towel to get the skins off, then bring to room temperature. You have to plan your day around these recipes. No impulse cooking here.

A third key factor is how sweet you like your cookies. I prefer baked goods that are not sticky sweet, so Beranbaum’s recipes work for me. Less so for Mr. CG — he’s been pretty unhappy with most of the cookies I tried from this cookbook. He blames this on the British approach to baking although Beranbaum is American.

Finally, these recipes are pretty light on spices like cinnamon and ginger, even the ginger snaps. These are fairly subtle, where we’re used to the triple-ginger gingersnaps from Trader Joe’s. So if you’re looking for recipes that are good for all palates, these are great, but my husband wanted more spice.

All the recipes I tried were from the “Rolled by Hand” category, because I’m not an advanced baker. But as its name suggests, you’ll find almost every type of cookie imaginable, including dropped, piped, sandwich, dipped, bars, and holiday cookies.


Here’s what I tried from this book:

Chocolate chip cookies. I substituted pecans for walnuts because Mr. CG hates walnuts. Sigh. These came out pretty dense, not sweet but with plenty of chocolate and lots of chopped pecans. Mr. CG felt they needed a bit more salt. They baked really evenly and didn’t burn on the bottoms at all, and are good reheated. My oven tends to overcook so I had to add a minute or two.
Lemon lumpies. I used Beranbaum’s suggestion to substitute candied ginger for the candied lemon, so these ended up being Ginger Lumpies instead, and both of us loved them. Very gingery and soft, and while the white chocolate seemed an odd combination with ginger it added a nice touch of sweetness.
Pumpkin pecan cookies. I liked these a lot, but Mr. CG found them bland. Again, they are not the sweet pumpkin-y cookies you might expect from the name, the flavors are much lighter.
Peanut butter chocolate chip shortbread. I’m not a huge shortbread fan so I chose these for my husband, who likes shortbread and peanut butter cookies. That turned out to be a mistake. These were dry, so dry they sucked the moisture right out of your mouth. They were good with coffee though, and they stayed good in the fridge for a couple of weeks, so I enjoyed them.
Ginger snaps. I chose to cook these a little less, so instead of being hard and crispy these were soft and almost pillowy. Both of us really liked them but agreed we’d add extra ginger next time. There’s no molasses or ginger chunks in these cookies, so they almost taste more like sugar cookies with a bit of ginger. But they were a perfect cookie with a cup of coffee, and not overly sweet. (This book also has a recipe for a double-ginger molasses cookie, which is more our preference, but I wanted to try a basic ginger snap for this review.)

I found the ARC a bit clunky to work from (I used a mini tablet), because the pages jumped around unpredictably. I’m assuming that’s corrected in the final version. But full disclosure, I’m not someone who likes to use e-cookbooks, as much as I prefer to read from an e-reader. I’d much rather cook from a paper cookbook even if that means it gets all messed up. The other formatting downside was you won’t find pictures for every recipe. With baking, I need to see what the end product should look like, even though her descriptions are very good.

For someone looking for a comprehensive cookie cookbook that provides meticulous instructions about things like measuring, mixing time, and ingredients, I’d recommend this book. For someone who bakes intuitively or is looking for something quick and easy, I wouldn’t recommend this book. And if you’re looking for subtle flavors and drier cookies, like the kind that are good with coffee, this is a better pick than for someone who wants really sweet gooey cookies.

For me, I love the detailed instruction and the slightly-less-sweet flavors. But then I’m also willing to eat just about anything I make — I’m just not that picky. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of Beranbaum’s cookbooks and I’ve learned a lot from them. In fact, now I get frustrated when I use other recipes, which don’t tell you how large a pan to use, or distinguish between light or dark brown sugar, or tell you what something should look like when it’s done. With Rose, I know it’s come out the way it’s supposed to (it’s like she’s right there in your kitchen).

My go-to is Rose’s Baking Basics, because it has step-by-step pictures and covers a wide range of baked items. We’ve had more success with some of her cake recipes and I love her blueberry muffins. But if you’re looking for an all-cookie cookbook, this is a good one.

Note: I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This book publishes November 9, 2021.

A nice compilation of traditional homemade cookies that evolves into more advanced bars and confections. I would purchase this as a shower or wedding gift for a young woman beginning her baking adventure.

This is a must-read for any baker or cookie aficionado! Such great, thorough, delicious. recipes! Cannot wait to try a few. The author knows her audience and is very down to earth in her presentation and instructions.

Delicious cookie book! Clearly Rose really knows her cookies. I'm obssesed with all of the recipes and I love the little tips and tricks she adds through out the book. Definitely a must have for every kitchen.

This is really the bible of cockiest
I baked the cookies in the book and magic thing happen
They were edibles
I am a awful in baker
The culprit is obviously the oven and my kitchen
Well my kid were delighted with the results that is a self explaining review
Great simple to follow with no strange bat wings ingredients
A great cook book for cookies

4 stars

Such a great cookie cookbook, definitely a must read for lovers of baking. Didn't give a higher rating since a lot of the cookies are pretty standard, not that that's an issue at all but it didn't seem as unique or different to gain a 5 star. But everything looked super tasty and very accessible for any baker.

ARC given by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

If you want to impress family and friends this is your book. Rose bring cookies to a new level and you will enjoy making and eating them. A really great book.

This cookbook is awesome! I was amazed at how much you get out of it in comparison to other cookbooks. Rose went out of her way to get every little detail of each recipe and explains exactly why and how each recipe should be followed. The introduction was super informative and the cookies I made from these recipes Were so yummy! You can tell she really spent the time and effort to make each recipe and the cookbook as a whole perfect. Would definitely recommend this cookbook and it would be the perfect gift for your baker friends and family.

Yummy, Yum, Yum!!!

This is the first Beranbaum cook book I have read, but it won't be the last. The Cook Bible is the latest in a series of food "bibles". Beranbaum makes this book easy to understand for the even the most novice of bakers. She explains aspects and techniques of baking in a simple way that a lot of cookbook authors use to make themselves sound smart. Her recipes are extremely easy to follow and most of them have pictures to help you see the finished product. They are also broken in groups such as Dropped, Bar, Holiday and so forth. Some of the recipes, I have to admit, are well above my baking skills.

Now lets look at some of the recipes I was capable of making. The Cranberry Chocolate Chippers were the first cookie I tried because I had all ingredients on hand. Oh boy, they were amazing. I'm not usually for a cakey cookie, but wow, the richness of the chocolate and the chewy of the cranberries was so good. My family liked them so much that they wanted more immediately. Next came the Lemon Jammies. These cookies were a little more challenging but still tasty all the same.

Again, this book gives easy instructions for the novice baker. I am definitely going to pick up some of the other bible cookbooks by this author and definitely recommend you pick this book up for anyone just starting out in the cooking world, newlyweds, or anyone interested in making yummy cookies. This book comes out November 23, 2021, so it would make a wonderful holiday gift as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the Advanced Copy!

The Cookie Bible is a must-have book for any cookie-lover. Legendary baker Rose Levy Beranbaum provides recipes for many timeless classics, such as chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and melting moments, and some more uncommon cookies such as tahini crisp cookies and lemon lumpies.
Beranbaum’s tips and tricks are very helpful and I like that she advises of advance preparations, such as cutting the butter into cubes half an hour before starting the baking process. The instructions are easy to follow and very detailed, such as how thick the dough should be rolled out, making it possible for any novice to create delicious cookies. The book is very well thought through and includes photos and helpful tips for baking in general, labelled “baking gems”.

There are so many recipes that sound delicious, I didn’t know where to start. I tried out the walnut sablés, which were great. Next I baked the Scottish shortbread cookies, which were absolutely scrumptious and an instant favourite. I made them two days in a row to ensure that everyone in my family had enough cookies for the weekend. I also baked the cocoa powder brownies, which were so airy and tall but also very fudgy. It’s now one of my new favourite recipes. I have baked them five times (so far).
Next I made the lemon jammies and tried them with sour cherry jam and lemon curd. Both were delicious. The chocolate chip cookies also turned out great, as did the chocolate sablés. I look forward to trying out many more recipes from the book.
I had not weighed whole eggs or egg yolks before, because I’m lazy, but for consistent results it’s an obvious step in the process.

I decided to write this review now, however I will definitely try out more recipes before publication in November, which I’m sure will result in even more praise for this book. I will definitely buy the book and most likely some of Rose Levy Berenbaum’s other books as well.

The Cookie Bible is definitely a must-have baking book to add to the collection, a book worth coming back to for many different occasions, such as bake sales, holiday gifts, or a little Sunday project.

Ever since I could remember I bake. Mostly for my family, nothing comercial but I do with such a passion. It’s hard to find a recipe book with the same passion and targeted for those home bakers. I absolutely loved this book and it will certainly be on my top shelf (where I keep all my special recipes) the tips, the details, everything. This upcoming Christmas, Santa would definitely have some tasty cookies!

Way back in 1988, I was working in corporate America, coming home to take care of my young family, and when they had settled for the evening, I would pull out my copy of The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum and read it with the devotion worthy of any cultist.

You see, my dream was to go to New York and study pastry. I never dreamed I'd ever be able to do that, and The Cake Bible was as close as I was ever going to get to the level of master education in a subject I adored. But I did get that chance, and everthing I learned from Beranbaum's book gave me the edge I needed to earn a blue ribbon and launch my career.

You may not want to attend a culinary school after reading The Cookie Bible, but I guarantee you will receive the same master class education I received, and more.

The Cookie Bible is another brilliant entry in Rose Levy Beranbaum's Bible series.

With attention to the smallest of details, Beranbaum guides you through the vast world of cookies. From drop cookies (her My Dream Chocolate Chip cookies are worthy of poetry) to the very popular macaron - and Beranbaum's are otherworldly, to Maida Heatter's Palm Beach Biscotti, my personal favorite, and one I made in my career every week for 20 plus years. Some recipes are perfect for beginners, and others will be a challenge for even dab hands.

What sets this book apart from any other cookie cookbook is each recipe is arranged as though you're in an educational setting. Each component listed. The pans you'll need as well as any special tools to accomplish the recipe. Ingredients and their measurements, both weight and measure. Each step is detailed for success. Tips and tricks to help you along the way. You can not fail.

A special section in the beginning details everything you could possibly need to achieve success, right down to Rose's favorite plastic wrap.

If you're a fan of Rose Levy Beranbaum's other books, you know the treat that awaits you. If you are only beginning to bake, you could not have found a better book to guide you on this journey.

Regardless, this is a master baking class taught by the master herself. I recommend you make the first cookie in the book, get a glass of milk, tea or coffee, and read through the book for your next cookie adventure. Enjoy!

The Cookie Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum is loaded with cookies recipes and worth having in your cookbook collection. As the author says “Cookies are fun, and they make people of all ages happy”.

The book starts with an introduction about cookies. There is a section entitled Golden Rule for Baking the Best Cookies which has tips such as using a measuring cup with an unbroken rim for dry ingredients. A section entitled Baking Gems which includes a tip to chill your cookie dough if you find your cookies spreading to much on the baking sheet. She has a section about the methods for mixing the cookie dough, types of equipment, and discusses the ingredients (types and measuring). I loved that she posted a box showing the yield of juice and zest from one orange and one lemon. She indicates that the speed timing in each recipe is based on using a Kitchen Aid Mixer, and may need to be adjusted depending on what the baker is using. My only complaint about the book is I wish they had pictures of the cookies for each recipe, individually. Some do, and others are in a compilation of cookies. Examples of cookies from each section include Lemon Lumpies, Piped Churro Nuggets, Pecan Tassies, Raspberry Almond Cookies, Gingerbread Folks, Chocolate-Cherry Almond Brownies, Brandy Snaps, and how to make Lemon Curd.

The recipes are separated into the following sections:

Rolled by Hand
Dropped or Piped
Shaped by Hand
Rolled and Cut
Holiday Cookie Cutouts
Bar and Cake Cookies
Meringues and Candies
Extra Specials

Each recipe is broken down into several sections as well as has information about cooking in grams and Celsius. The sections include:

How many the recipe makes.
Synopses about the cookie and recipe.
Oven Temp
Baking Time
Special Equipment
List of Ingredients
Preheating the Oven
Mise en Place (Putting in place.)
Make the Dough
Shape the Dough
Bake the Cookies
Cool the Cookies
Store
Baking Gems
Variations of the Cookies

Of course expectations are high with any title by Rose Levy Beranbaum, and I'm pleased to say her newest addition does not disappoint. This thing really is the cookie bible - everything from simple drop cookies to complex macarons, from familiar holiday classics to unique extras like goat's milk caramel. It's very well organized and encyclopedic in it's approach, but certainly not dull. One of my pet peeves to do with cookbooks is a lack of photos, and that is certainly no problem here - the pages are chock full of glossy close-ups for nearly every recipe. Whether you have a particular cookie in mind or are searching for some inspiration to try something new, this book has got you covered.

I must preface this review by admitting I am the WORST cook in the world. My baking is better but whilst it might taste ok, it generally looks like the dogs dinner! However, even I found recipes I could tackle within these wonderfully laid out, glossy pages.

I love watching MasterChef, GBBO and the like but always struggle to get anything resembling their masterpieces out of my oven! But these recipes are broken down into manageable chunks. There are hints and tips on basic techniques and equipment. There are handy sections so you can tackle something to your level without feeling stressed about anything - I loved all the traybakes and bars.

A great book for the intrepid novices and the master bakers alike!

I love this cookie book. I have made several of the cookies and they were great! This is a perfect book for a newly married couple!

This book lives up the it's name! There are SO MANY amazing recipes in this cookbook! The pictures are beautiful and make you want to grab a cookie off the page for a bite! I love the way the recipes are written, it is so clear and concise. I really appreciate all the tips she gives, I want to circle and highlight them!! This cookbook makes me excited to bake again!