10 Best Cookbooks Books 2025 in the United States

The Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition, is a well-established resource for home cooks looking for a broad range of recipes. It covers many classic American dishes and some international options, making it suitable for those wanting variety without overwhelming complexity. The recipes are designed for cooks with beginner to intermediate skill levels, which means it's friendly for those just starting out but still useful for regular home chefs. You’ll find recipes that use common, easy-to-find ingredients, which is great if you don’t have access to specialty stores.

Though it doesn’t specifically focus on dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free, it includes enough options to accommodate many preferences with some adaptation. The cookbook is nicely presented with clear instructions and helpful photos, making it visually appealing and easy to follow. Being part of the Betty Crocker brand, it benefits from decades of cooking expertise, which builds confidence in the reliability of the recipes.

If you are looking for very specialized cuisine or advanced culinary techniques, this book might feel a little basic. Also, while the book is large and detailed, some users might find it a bit bulky to handle in the kitchen. For everyday cooks who want a dependable, comprehensive guide with a classic American cooking focus, this edition makes a solid choice.

‘Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook’ by Ina Garten offers a variety of practical and delicious recipes aimed at making dinner preparation easier. The book caters to a wide range of culinary tastes with its diverse selection of dishes, making it versatile for different cuisine preferences. Most recipes are designed to be approachable, even for those with basic cooking skills, ensuring accessibility for home cooks of all levels. However, some dishes might require a bit more time and attention, which could be a consideration for very busy individuals or beginners seeking quick solutions.

The cookbook includes thoughtful attention to dietary preferences, offering options for vegetarians and those seeking healthier meals without sacrificing flavor. One of the strengths of this cookbook is its emphasis on using readily available ingredients, which helps in reducing the hassle of sourcing special items. Visually, the book is appealing with high-quality photographs that make the dishes look enticing and provide a helpful reference for presentation.

As the author, Ina Garten brings her extensive expertise and reputation from her popular ‘Barefoot Contessa’ series, which adds credibility and trust for those familiar with her work. On the downside, while the book is comprehensive, its hardcover format and substantial weight might make it less portable for those who prefer a more lightweight or digital option. Additionally, the price point might be a bit higher compared to other cookbooks, but it reflects the quality and detailed content provided. This cookbook is especially beneficial for home cooks seeking reliable, elegant, yet manageable dinner recipes that can become household staples.

Betty Crocker's Cooky Book is a classic choice for anyone interested in baking cookies, suitable for both beginners and casual bakers. The book primarily focuses on cookie recipes from a variety of traditional American and some international influences, making it a good fit if you enjoy classic and approachable treats. It offers a moderate skill level, with recipes that are generally easy to follow and don’t require advanced baking experience. The ingredient list mostly includes common pantry staples, so you won’t have to hunt for hard-to-find items.

While the book does not emphasize specific dietary preferences like gluten-free or vegan options, it covers a broad enough variety of cookie types that almost everyone can find something enjoyable. The recipe variety is solid given the book’s size, featuring different cookie styles such as drop cookies, bars, and rolled cookies, which keeps things interesting without overwhelming you. Visually, the book is somewhat basic compared to newer cookbooks—it doesn’t have many glossy photos or step-by-step images, which might make it less appealing if you rely on visuals for guidance.

Betty Crocker’s long-standing reputation and expertise in baking add a trustworthy element to the recipes, providing confidence that the instructions will work as intended. At around 160 pages, the book is compact and user-friendly, making it a handy resource for anyone wanting to bake a variety of cookies without too much fuss.