Find the perfect gift for the star baker in your life with our pick of the best cookbooks on baking.
The Sweet Roasting Tin
If the baker on your Christmas list is a fan of Rukmini Iyer’s best-selling The Roasting Tin cookbooks, you’ve just landed on their dream cookbook. The Sweet Roasting Tin is the latest in the series, and this time the focus is on cakes, bakes, puddings, pastries and more, all made in the most common baking tins. Much in the same vein as the recipes across the series, Rukmini’s one-tin bakes promise punchy flavours, contrasting textures and recipes that deliver results without any fuss.
Jane’s Patisserie
Jane Dunn, the baker behind the website Jane’s Patisserie, is somewhat of a baking sensation. Adored for her easy, customisable bakes, she has amassed hundred of thousands of devoted followers who never miss the opportunity to try out her latest gooey-centred NYC-style cookie, drip cake, no-bake cheesecake or loaf recipe. Her first cookbook brings together the most popular recipes from her website, alongside all-new recipes, and is a must for bakers of all levels.
Finch Bakery
Sisters Lauren and Rachel Finch are the founders of popular Blackburn-based Finch Bakery. In their first cookbook they let readers in on the secret to their dreamy drip cakes, fudgy brownies, creative cake jars, and much more. Packed with tips and tricks to help you master everything from a smooth icing finish to different piping techniques, Finch Bakery is all about elevating your baking skills to the next level with Instaworthy bakes to show for it.
Nadiya Bakes
Whether you’re a novice baker or total pro, there’s something in this book for everyone, with fun, creative, and totally unique recipes. Every page is infused with Nadiya’s warmth and enthusiasm, and with her straightforward, step-by-step instructions you can be confident every bake will deliver.
Sweet
If you’ve ever wandered into an Ottolenghi deli and found yourself mesmerised by the counter of baked goods, this cookbook is for you. In his first cookbook dedicated to all things sweet, Ottolenghi goes back to his pastry chef roots with his go-to fellow baker, Helen Goh. Full of beautifully-shot inspiration for all manner of bakes (including all of your deli favourites) it promises precise and easy instructions and results that deliver Ottolenghi levels of flavour and presentation, every time.
Baking School
A practical and realistic manual for bakers of all levels, Baking School is the cookbook from popular London bakery, Bread Ahead. The ultimate guide to successful baking at home, it teaches readers what is possible using just basic household equipment and a passion for all things dough. Divided into chapters based on different cuisines, it includes recipes for bread, biscuits, pastries and more from across the world, from Italian focaccia to Finnish piparkakut. And don’t miss the recipe for their instafamous doughnuts too.
The Violet Bakery Cookbook
Claire Ptak hit superstardom in 2018 when Harry and Meghan chose her to bake their wedding cake. Bringing the bakes of her hugely popular East London-based bakery to your home, The Violet Bakery Cookbook is a great choice for adventurous bakers who like experimenting with new flavours and techniques, and incorporating seasonal fruit into their bakes.
Three Ingredient Baking
Tapping into the trend of the moment, Three Ingredient Baking features 100 bakes made with just, you guessed it, three ingredients. This is a cookbook that proves you don’t need a store-cupboard full of ingredients to make accomplished breads, brownies, cakes, biscuits and more. All you need is a little baking alchemy and Sarah’s easy-to-follow instructions.
Biscuiteers Book of Iced Gifts
From the popular Notting Hill Bakery, Biscuiteers, this cookbook demonstrates all of the essential recipes and techniques behind their awe-inspiring biscuits. From different types of dough and icing skills, to how to make different biscuit designs, this book is a treasure trove of ideas for the baker wanting to expand and refine their skills.
Stork: The Art of Home Baking
Stork: The Art of Home Baking marks 100 years of the iconic British margarine brand with 100 recipes spanning breads and brownies, cakes and biscuits, tarts and desserts. With archive material and vintage packaging, this is a nostalgic baking book for classic bakers.
Mary Berry’s Baking Bible
Mary Berry’s Baking Bible is an indispensable kitchen companion for anyone wanting to learn the secret to fail-safe cakes and bakes. Featuring over 250 classics, you’ll find cakes, meringues, muffins, scones, bread and more. Whatever you fancy baking, there’s a recipe to guide you all the way through to the first bite.
