10 Best Baking Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

"Small Batch Baking: 60 Sweet and Savory Recipes to Satisfy Your Craving" is a great choice for home bakers who want to make smaller portions without wasting ingredients. The book offers 60 recipes that cover both sweet and savory options, adding nice variety for those looking to try different flavors and types of baked goods.

The recipes are designed to be approachable for bakers with basic to intermediate skill levels, making it suitable for most home cooks who want to try baking without feeling overwhelmed. The cookbook’s compact size and page count make it easy to handle and store, though it may have fewer photos or less visual appeal compared to larger, more illustrated cookbooks, which could be a consideration for visual learners.

This book is well suited for people who want to bake efficiently for one or two people, reduce food waste, or experiment with a range of smaller recipes without needing extensive baking expertise.

The 'Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza' cookbook by Ken Forkish is tailored for baking enthusiasts, especially those interested in mastering artisan bread and pizza. One of the standout features of this cookbook is its comprehensive approach, breaking down the bread-making process into easy-to-understand steps, making it accessible for beginners while still providing depth for more advanced bakers. Forkish's expertise as a professional baker shines through, offering valuable insights and techniques that can elevate home baking to bakery-quality results.

The recipes in the book cover a variety of bread and pizza types, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether you're looking to make a simple loaf or an intricate sourdough bread. The ingredients used are straightforward and readily available, which is convenient for home bakers. The instructions are detailed and clear, supported by step-by-step photos, which greatly help in visualizing the process and avoiding common pitfalls. Visually, the book is appealing, with high-quality photographs that not only inspire but also guide through each stage of baking.

However, the book's size and weight might make it cumbersome to handle while cooking, and some readers might find the in-depth explanations a bit overwhelming if they're looking for quick, easy recipes. For those serious about honing their bread-making skills, this cookbook is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration.

The Elements of Baking is a comprehensive guide that aims to make baking accessible to everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. It specializes in offering gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan recipes, which is a major strength for people with specific dietary needs. The book is well-structured to cater to both beginners and more experienced bakers, making it versatile in terms of skill level. With 496 pages, it provides a wide variety of recipes, ensuring that there is something for every occasion and preference.

The ingredients used are commonly available, making it easy to follow the recipes without needing to source rare items. The instructions and techniques are clearly explained, making it easier for users to replicate the recipes successfully. Additionally, the author’s expertise is evident, given the book's status as a Sunday Times bestseller, which suggests credibility and quality. The visual appeal of the book is another highlight; it features attractive photos that not only guide but also inspire.

However, at 2.31 pounds, the book is quite heavy, which might make it cumbersome to use while cooking. Furthermore, the focus on gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan recipes, while a strength, may limit its appeal to those looking for traditional baking recipes. Published by Mobius and set to release in October 2024, it is a recent addition to the market, which means it includes up-to-date baking trends and techniques.