Life

Baking is the immersive and delicious distraction many of us could use right now

Preheat your oven while you choose which recipes to master.

Preheat your oven while you choose which recipes to master

(Credit, left: Leela Ceed; middle: David Bagosy; right: Ryan Szulc)

Baking is one of those beautiful activities you can let yourself get lost in (who doesn't need a distraction right now?) and then feel totally accomplished when your creation emerges from the oven. It's also a perfect pastime if you find yourself wanting to learn a new technique, so if you're looking to master croissant-making or try your hand at cake decorating, now may just be an opportune time. So, we've scoured our archives for recipes that will challenge and reward you (with delicious snacks!) that are made mostly from baking cupboard staples. Below, 18 recipes for when you're ready to dive in.

Chocolate Soufflé

Don't let its reputation dissuade you — you can definitely tackle this impressive French dessert.

Torso of a person standing at a kitchen island in front of a white baking dish with a chocolate soufflé in it. A bowl of raspberries and a green baking bowl sit next to the soufflé.

Cupcake Bouquet

Make this sweet conversation starter and finally use those icing tips you never try out too.

Croissants

Do not be intimidated — you absolutely can make these flaky, yet melt-in-your-mouth pastries at home.

A croissant on a white plate on a white table. A white napkin, golden butter knife and a glass butter dish sit next to it.

Brioche à Tête

These pieces of pillowy, buttery, perfection were the technical bake for Bread Week on season 3 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. 

Make Rye Starter from Scratch

Holly Davis breaks down the best ways to rest, rise and bake your dough for perfect loaves every time. 

Closeup on a loaf of bread in a bread pan, on a grey table with a black background.
(Photography by Ben Dearnley)

No-Wait Cheddar Biscuits

A cheesy biscuit recipe you'll want to make again and again.

Arlene Lott's Pie Crust and 3D Pie Art

Watch how simply this intricate 3D pie art comes together and we promise you'll think "I totally can do this!".

Tartine's Morning Buns

Get ready to dream about these orange-cinnamon caramelized buns.

(Photography by Gentl + Hyers)

Hazelnut Espresso Shortbread Crescents

Serve these buttery cookies with tea, or keep a stash in the cupboard to have with your afternoon coffee or store a bunch in your freezer. 

Overhead shot of Shortbread Crescents on parchment paper cooling on a baking rack. They're dusted with icing sugar and a bowl of the sugar sits next to the rack.
(Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

Old-Fashioned Madeleines

Light, buttery bites of goodness — perfect for dipping in tea or drizzling with chocolate.

Madeleines dusted with icing sugar, sitting on a pink plate.

Soft Korean Sweet Rice Cakes | Injeolmi

Read on and make this traditional Korean treat that's sure to become a staple in your repertoire.

(Photography by Leela Ceed)

Classic Vanilla Bean Crème Brulée

Caramelized, creamy goodness that will leave you licking the spoon.

A Crème Brulée in a white baking dish on a marble surface. The Crème Brulée is topped with raspberries and blueberries.

Roselle's Banana Cream Pie Éclairs

Customizable and freezable, they're easily worth the effort. And then some.

overhead shot of 2 eclairs on a pink plate on a beige surface. the eclairs are filled with white cream and sprinkled with icing sugar.
(Photography by Ryan Szulc)

French Macarons

Tara O'Brady shows how to create the most gorgeous little cookies to satisfy that sweet craving. Perfect morning, noon, and night — with tea, espresso, or on their own.

Closeup on a glass plate with pink macarons on it.

Cinnamon Buns

These succulent cinnamon buns are the perfect breakfast snack or end-of-the-night treat.

Overhead closeup on a pan of cinnamon rolls drizzled with white icing.
(The Goods)

Flourless Coconut and Chocolate Cake

With its coconut-laced base and uber-rich icing, this cake from Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh is sure to quell all your fears about gluten-free desserts and become your new go-to.

2 small cakes on a cooling rack, drizzled with chocolate ganache
(Photography by Peden + Munk)

Tartes Tatin

This take on a French classic comes with a puff pastry tutorial you can come back to again and again.

Overhead shot of a circular apple tart sitting on a plate on a white cloth napkin on a table. A fork sits on the left of the plate.
(Photography by Kevin Clark)

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

A cookie that takes the PB crown.

A stack of Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies filled with peanut butter buttercream icing. They're sitting on a light pink plate.
(Photo: David Bagosy, Styling: Melissa Direnzo)

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