Resolution: Baking!

I think most adults probably say this every year, but I can’t believe it’s 2026 and a new year is starting. The second Friday in January (today) is known as quitter’s day. It’s the day many people give up on their new years resolutions. So.. did you quit?

I know many people have resolutions to get in shape or lose weight at the beginning of a new year so maybe a baking blog isn’t exactly who you want to be hearing from. Friend to friend - I personally believe that sweets and bread can and should be part of a balanced diet/lifestyle because food isn’t JUST fuel. Food is connection, love, and history. Sometimes you need to just enjoy the food too. Besides, have you TASTED cinnamon rolls?

So this month for the newsletter I was chatting with one of my close friends and how she wants to start trying out baking some of my recipes (I usually just supply my friends with the goods so they don’t have to bake haha). After I felt so special and honored - because I feel that way any time someone tells me they used one of my recipes for their event or family, etc - it gave me an idea.

I know another resolution lots of people have is learning something new. So maybe yours is getting better in the kitchen this year. I know baking can seem intimidating because it’s science and not everyone grows up doing it. Well, that’s why I’m here to help. I’m going to share some recipes that are great recipes for beginners to jump into their goals this year. I’ll share three dessert recipes and three bread recipes so whatever you have in mind you’ll be covered.

Additionally, one of MY resolutions this year is to in addition to new content, I’ll be going through content that’s older and updating the photos, retesting the recipes I haven’t made in a while and adding more helpful info. Whether that means substitutions, or how to freeze it, how to prep it differently, or just more detailed instructions. Because while I don’t think any of the recipes I’ve published are bad, there can never be too much helpful info when sharing knowledge. Plus, my blog will be six in 2026 and I have grown as a baker and recipe developer in that time. I’m sure I will find ways to make something easier or better.

Another one of my resolutions is to get more comfortable with sharing the face behind the mixer more often, so I’ll start with you my subscribers. I hope your family had a lovely holiday - whether it was Christmas or Hannukah or any other celebration, I know mine with my little family was excellent. Here’s to another year of deliciousness!

Let’s get to the recipes!

3 Easy Dessert Recipes:

1. Ted Lasso Shortbread Bars - These aren’t actually the recipe from the show. This is just my version of shortbread bars that were inspired by the show and I feel have an equal reaction when given to people. Simple recipe with not too many ingredients, and all the cookies are baked in a pan then sliced. No scooping or batches.

2. Big Batch Chewy Brownies - Making brownies from scratch is honestly not much more different than making them from a box. It’s just a few extra ingredients but they definitely taste way better.

3. Chocolate Oreo Rice Krispies Treats - An elevated Rice Krispies treat. The ones at the store taste so artificial, if you make a homemade one you’ll remember why you loved them so much. These? They take that up another 10 levels.

3 Easy Bread Recipes

1.  Overnight Focaccia - One of my first kinds of bread I feel like I mastered, because it was easier than expected. This recipe requires no kneading, no mixer, just a big bowl, something to stir with, and time. The result? Chefs kiss.

2. Dutch Oven Bread - This recipe, like the focaccia doesn’t need a mixer or special tools but you do need a Dutch oven to bake the bread in. If you have that, this will get you one of those big round crusty bread loaves.

3. No Knead Dinner Rolls - I know not everyone has a stand mixer, which can make bread baking - especially yeasted rolls - difficult. This recipe was created for that baker in mind.

I have tons more recipes that are simple, and more challenging ones as well but I try to keep them all simple to understand with lots of steps and photos. Let me know if you’d like a personal suggestion!

Hungry and inspired to pop something in the oven? Find the latest (or the not so latest) and greatest at thebreadbakingbabe.com

Is there a recipe you’d love to see on the blog or something you can’t work out on an existing recipe? Let me know! Until next month, happy baking!