8 Best Baking Cookbooks In 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned pastry chef or a home baker perfecting your first banana bread, a well-curated collection of baking cookbooks is essential. From crusty artisan loaves to delicate macarons, these books offer tested recipes, expert tips, and the kind of culinary confidence only master bakers can provide. Below is a list of the 8 best baking cookbooks that belong in every baker’s kitchen, each one packed with rich visuals, foolproof methods, and delicious results.

1. Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish

Flour Water Salt Yeast is a must-have for any bread enthusiast looking to replicate bakery-level loaves at home. His approachable tone and detailed schedules make it ideal for beginners and advanced bakers alike. With stunning step-by-step photography and Forkish’s passionate teaching, this book goes beyond recipes—it’s a complete course in baking. From crusty country loaves to pizza doughs, each recipe builds mastery and confidence in the home kitchen.

2. Modern Baking by Donna Hay

Known for her minimal aesthetic and fresh approach, Hay focuses on simple techniques that yield extraordinary results. The book is divided into categories like “Chocolate,” “Fruit,” and “Sugar & Spice,” making it easy to find recipes that suit your cravings. From flourless chocolate cakes to berry-laden crumbles and flaky pastries, every recipe is presented with elegant photography and step-by-step tips. Hay’s focus on modern flavor pairings and streamlined methods makes this book ideal for home bakers looking for bold simplicity and stylish outcomes.

3. How to Bake by Paul Hollywood

Best known as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, Hollywood brings years of baking experience to this beautifully presented book. The chapters cover bread, pastries, pies, and cakes, each broken down into easy-to-follow steps with color photos. You'll learn how to master traditional British bakes like Chelsea buns, scones, and Cornish pasties, along with everyday staples like sandwich loaves. Hollywood’s emphasis on kneading technique, flour quality, and fermentation timing gives depth to even simple recipes. A dependable companion for mastering everyday and classic baking alike.

4. Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson

His narrative weaves together technical instruction with his personal baking philosophy, emphasizing patience, touch, and timing. High-hydration dough, bulk fermentation, and steam baking are all thoroughly explained with beautiful photographs. The book’s structure guides readers from the foundational country loaf to more complex variations. For anyone ready to explore sourdough at a deeper level, Tartine Bread is a beautifully written and visually rich essential.

5. BraveTart by Stella Parks

Stella Parks, a former pastry chef and culinary columnist, unpacks the history and technique behind favorites like brownies, Pop-Tarts, and fudge stripes, offering meticulously tested recipes for homemade versions. Beyond baking, the book includes chapters on making your own marshmallows, sprinkles, and even red food coloring. Parks’ engaging writing style makes it a joy to read, while the precision and science behind her recipes ensure exceptional results. This book is perfect for those who love indulgent, playful baking with a twist.

6. Dessert Person by Claire Saffitz

Dessert Person is a refreshing and empowering cookbook that speaks directly to hesitant home bakers. Claire Saffitz, formerly of Bon Appétit’s "Gourmet Makes," approaches baking with a balance of scientific clarity and warmth. Each recipe includes a “difficulty index,” guiding readers based on time, complexity, and technical challenge. From the buttery “Galette Dough” to her famous “Salted Halvah Blondies,” Claire walks readers through smart techniques and flavor-forward combinations. What sets this book apart is the tone—it’s equal parts teacher, cheerleader, and food scientist.

7. 100 Cookies by Sarah Kieffer

100 Cookies is a beautifully curated collection by Sarah Kieffer, known for her innovative “pan-banging” cookie technique that revolutionized the way we think about texture. This book is more than just a compilation of cookie recipes—it’s a masterclass in flavor, balance, and presentation. From classic chocolate chip and snickerdoodles to more adventurous offerings like rosemary shortbread and tahini blondies, Kieffer brings creativity and consistency to every recipe. Each cookie is photographed beautifully, with helpful notes on storage and technique. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift box, or just for yourself, this book will quickly become your go-to cookie companion.

8. Bread on the Table by David Norman

Bread on the Table is both a love letter to European breads and a practical guide for mastering them at home. David Norman, head baker at Easy Tiger in Austin, Texas, combines cultural exploration with technical instruction. From German pretzels and French bâtards to Scandinavian rye and Turkish flatbreads, the book provides a global perspective on artisanal baking. Norman explains fermentation, flour types, and baking methods in a conversational yet authoritative voice. With detailed process photos and unique regional insights, this book is a must-have for any home baker interested in diverse international breads with rustic authenticity.

Final Thoughts

Each of these baking cookbooks offers a different perspective, from rustic loaves to delicate tarts, from nostalgic comfort treats to sophisticated confections. Whether you're mastering sourdough or piping choux, the right cookbook can transform your kitchen into a bakery.