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Cherry Berry Crisp

By · PUBLISHED · 31 Comments

Nothing says summer like homemade Cherry Berry Crisp! This fruity dessert features sweet cherries, blueberries, and a crunchy oat topping. Ready in under an hour, this easy recipe is great for any occasion.

A serving of berry cherry crisp topped with vanilla ice cream.
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Berry Crisp With Oats

Summer is here, so it's a great time to enjoy all the fresh, juicy fruits. I love buying extra fruit during peak season to make different kinds of desserts, such as fruit butter and berry coffee cake. 

A few of my favorite summer desserts are blueberry cobbler and cherry crisp because they are easier than pie. There is no need to create or roll out a pie crust here. Just make a sweet fruit mixture and sprinkle it with an oat topping.

I decided to switch up the easy, crisp dessert by adding both berries to the filling and coconut to the topping. It's now my favorite way to use fresh summer fruit.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make. There is no need for rolling out dough or complicated steps—just mix, assemble, and bake.
  • Versatile and adaptable. You can use almost any combination of berries, so it's a great way to use fresh or frozen fruit.
  • Amazing texture and taste. The combination of fresh fruit, crispy oat topping, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven.
  • Great for any occasion. Crisps are great for picnics, BBQs, or any summer get-together.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

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These bakery-style Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are soft and puffy with a brownie-like texture. Loaded with Reese's chips, they are the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.

A stack of chocolate peanut butter chip cookies on a white board.
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Peanut Butter Chip Chocolate Cookies

These soft, puffy chocolate cookies will transform your cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. Chocolate and peanut butter are my favorite combo, so I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy it. I can't resist when this chocolate peanut butter cake or Reese's cupcakes are around.

The other day, I was cleaning out our pantry when I found a bag of peanut butter morsels. I knew they would be amazing in these chocolate Oreo cookies. 

I immediately made the chocolate cookie recipe and used the whole bag of peanut butter chips. After taking a bite of the warm peanut butter chocolate cookies, I knew that this was a recipe I would make over and over again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you are looking for a go-to cookie recipe for parties or events, look no further than these large cookies. They taste like peanut butter cups in cookie form, and everyone loves them!

  • Easy to Make: You don't need to be a baking pro to make these cookies. Plus, no chilling is necessary so that the cookie dough balls can be immediately baked.
  • Awesome Flavor Combo: The chocolate and peanut butter combo is a match made in heaven. These cookies have a rich chocolate base loaded with creamy peanut butter chips.
  • Perfect Texture: They're thick and chewy with a slightly crispy edge. The peanut butter chips add a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Great for Any Occasion: These cookies are always a hit, whether you share them at a party or a holiday dinner or make them just because.
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Oreo Cappuccino Ice Cream

By · PUBLISHED · 61 Comments

Get ready to treat yourself this summer with our Cappuccino Ice Cream. This simple, no-churn ice cream is taken to the next level with coffee, Oreo cookies, and hot fudge. It's a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy on a hot day.

Scoops of cappuccino ice cream in a white bowl.
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Oreo Cappuccino 

A few years ago, I told our kids that I was making two-ingredient ice cream and needed ideas for mix-ins. Right away, our youngest son yelled out, "Cappuccino." When he was little, he used to sneak sips of my coffee, so it didn't surprise me that he wanted coffee ice cream.

Our daughter loves cookies and cream ice cream, so she suggested Oreo cookies. I mixed cookie crumbles and hot fudge ice topping into the caffeinated base because their ideas sounded good.

The next day, the entire container of cappuccino ice cream vanished in less than an hour. My kids claimed it was the best homemade ice cream they had ever tasted. To this day, we still make it every summer!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • This easy ice cream recipe does not require an ice cream maker. It can be made without ice, salt, or churning.
  • It's a delicious flavor combination. The blend of coffee flavor, crunchy cookies, and sweet hot fudge creates a fantastic summer treat.
  • It's simple to create gourmet-flavored ice cream in seconds. Mixing the ice cream takes about 10 minutes and 4-6 hours to freeze solid. Enjoy customizing the base with your preferred toppings or mix-ins.
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S'mores Cookie Cups

By · PUBLISHED · 66 Comments

These S'mores Cookie Cups have everything you love about s'mores in a cute cookie cup. Made with chocolate chip cookie dough, gooey marshmallows, and a Hershey's bar, this treat is perfect for any party or event.

S'mores cookie cups stacked on a white plate.
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S'mores Cups

I love s'mores! There is something about a sticky, toasted marshmallow pressed between chocolate bars and graham crackers. However, I could do without the sticky hands, dirty sticks, and smoky clothes that usually accompany this sweet treat.

I'm always looking for fun and delicious ways to make s'mores without all the mess. These s'mores blondies and these cookie dough s'mores are a few of my favorites.

This summer, I turned my favorite summer treat into an adorable cookie cup. I modified the dough from my favorite chocolate chip cookie cake to create the base for the treats. Every bite contains graham crackers, marshmallows, and milk chocolate baked into a soft, gooey cookie.

The best thing about these cookies is that you can make them at home without having to start a fire. So, these s'mores cookies are the perfect choice for a summer barbecue, a pool party, or just relaxing on the couch.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients. You can find all the baking supplies at Walmart or your local grocery store. If you bake frequently, you may already have many of the things you need at home.
  • No campfire is required. The best part about these delicious treats is that you can make them in your oven. After eating these little bites, you won't have sticky hands or smokey clothes to wash.
  • Fun summer treat. It offers the classic s'mores flavor with a sweet cookie twist that all ages enjoy.
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Chocolate Coconut Bars

By · PUBLISHED · 54 Comments

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Chocolate Coconut Bars. Layers of gooey coconut and rich chocolate make this treat a dream come true for coconut lovers. Trust me, this dessert will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!) in no time.

Three chocolate coconut bars stacked on top of each other.
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Coconut Chocolate Bars

Coconut adds a tropical flair to any dish. Of course, my favorite way to eat coconut is always with chocolate because it enhances the nutty flavor. This chocolate cream of coconut cake and this coconut chocolate pie are two of my all-time favorites.

However, when I need a quick dessert, I reach for a box of cake mix. This week, I modified my easy coconut bars to create a chocolate version.

With a sweet coconut filling and a rich chocolate glaze, these bar cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with your whole family.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Amazing flavor combo. The rich chocolate and sweet coconut combine perfectly in these magic bars. They are guaranteed to make you smile!
  • Easy to make. This recipe is easy to assemble using a cake mix as the base. It's perfect for busy schedules or sudden cravings.
  • Crowd-pleasing dessert. Planning a family gathering, hosting a party, or just craving a sweet treat? These bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Strawberry Lemon Ice Cream

By · PUBLISHED · 47 Comments

Cool off this summer with a bowl of this Strawberry Lemon Ice Cream. Swirls of Oreo cookie chunks and strawberry preserves give this no-churn ice cream a pretty and refreshing taste.

A stack of bowls with lemon ice cream in the top one.
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Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream 

Nothing says summer more than a frosty glass of lemonade. It just tastes so much better when it's hot and humid outside. 

A few years ago, Blue Bell's strawberry lemonade ice cream was the official ice cream of summer. Unfortunately, it was only available for a limited time. I recreated the limited-edition flavor by using lemon juice and strawberries in my own ice cream recipe.

Did you know you can make ice cream without an ice cream machine? It's pretty easy. All you need for the base of no-churn vanilla ice cream is whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. With just two ingredients, you can have creamy homemade ice cream in your freezer in no time.

Of course, I like to be extra, so I pulled a few things out of the pantry to jazz up the homemade lemonade ice cream.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and refreshing flavor. Lemon juice and strawberry preserves give the creamy ice cream a sweet and tart taste.
  • No machine is needed. You don't need an ice cream maker to make this recipe. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and freeze.
  • Perfect summer dessert. This yummy lemon dessert will be the star of any party.
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Homemade Ranch Dressing

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Get ready for the tastiest salad dressing ever! Our Homemade Ranch Dressing is super creamy and only takes 5 minutes to make. It's perfect for pouring over salads or dipping veggies and chicken tenders.

A spoon lifting out dressing from a jar.
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Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a staple in our household, as it is in most homes in the US. We use it for everything from macaroni salad to buffalo chicken sliders.

I understand purchasing a bottle of dressing from the store is the most convenient option. But once you taste this homemade version, you'll know why I prefer making an easy homemade ranch dressing.

I used to buy salad dressing without giving it much thought. However, I recently discovered how simple it is to make it from scratch. It only took me 5 minutes to make a batch using dried herbs from our pantry. The best part was that it tasted 100 times better than any store-bought version from the grocery store.

Recently, I've been enjoying these mini bell pepper nachos for lunch, topped with a drizzle of dressing. Our youngest son also loves to make buffalo chicken dip. So, I now keep a big jar of this easy ranch in our fridge for every snacking adventure.

Why You Will Love Ranch Without Buttermilk

  • You control the ingredients. Most store-bought dressings contain preservatives, additives, and unnecessary added sugar. When you make your dressing, you have control over what goes into it.
  • It's budget-friendly. Instead of buying expensive salad dressings, make your own using dried spices and a few simple ingredients.
  • Better than store-bought. This homemade ranch recipe tastes great on any salad and is perfect for dipping veggies, fries, and pizza.
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Easy Macaroni Salad

By · PUBLISHED · 15 Comments

This Easy Macaroni Salad is a must for your summer picnic plans. Made with homemade Ranch dressing, veggies, and eggs, this creamy pasta salad is a family favorite.

An overhead picture of a bowl of macaroni salad.
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Macaroni Salad

Summer is the perfect time to gather with friends and family. When we get to a picnic or BBQ, I immediately go to the food table to place our dish. Honestly, I'm just excited to see what other side dishes are there.

A picnic isn't the same without orange fluff, deviled eggs, potato salad, and macaroni salad. My mom used to make this creamy pasta salad every summer.

Over time, I've made some slight adjustments to her recipe. My version is simple and quick, with homemade ranch dressing. I know everyone has their personal preferences for this dish, but I always include peas, tomatoes, and eggs.

Why Make This Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe

  • Easy to customize. There is no wrong way to make a salad like this. You can use your favorite veggies or change up the creamy dressing.
  • Classic potluck recipe. A good macaroni salad is a staple for summer BBQs and picnics.
  • Feeds a crowd. It makes a large serving, making it the perfect side dish for parties and get-togethers.
  • Great year-round. Cold pasta salad is a great addition to any meal. It tastes even better the next day, so it is a great dish to prep ahead of time.
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Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

By · PUBLISHED · 24 Comments

Our Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfectly thin and chewy with crisp edges. These soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with coconut, toffee, and chocolate chips are a family favorite!

Oatmeal coconut cookies stacked on a metal pan.
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Coconut Chip Cookies

For the past few weeks, I have been making all kinds of chocolate chip cookies. I usually make thick chocolate chip cookies and crispy chewy chocolate chip cookies for parties or events. Sometimes I even add M&M's to make M&M chocolate chip cookies.

This summer's sunshine and heat have me craving an island adventure with tropical treats. Since I adore the taste of coconut, I added it to my classic chocolate chip cookie dough.

Wow! I didn't think chocolate chip cookies could get any better, but the coconut twist blew me away! The combination of coconut flakes, oatmeal, and toffee bits transformed the treats into a thin, chewy delight. This might possibly be my new favorite cookie!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Trust me and give them a try. You will like these delicious cookies even if you are not a huge coconut fan. Our youngest son devoured five straight from the oven, and he usually dislikes coconut.

  • The texture of these cookies is incredible! Each one is thin and chewy with a crisp golden brown edge. 
  • They have a rich, nutty flavor. Coconut extract and toffee bits are game changers in this recipe. They add so much flavor to the dough.
  • No chilling is necessary. You can bake this dough as soon as you mix it.
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Strawberry Slushie

By · PUBLISHED · 7 Comments

A refreshing Strawberry Slushie is a delicious and fun way to beat the summer heat. It's simple to make this frosty drink with just three ingredients and a blender on a hot day.

Two strawberry slushies with straws and lime slices.
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Strawberry Slushies

Nothing is better than finding perfectly ripe fresh fruit in the grocery store. Usually, when I buy fruit, it doesn't last very long. However, recently, everyone has been ignoring the berries in the drawers. 

Fortunately, I've discovered a fantastic way to revive the fruit and use it before it spoils. Summer slushies are the best way to use any berries!

I blended our strawberries with ice, water, a splash of citrus juice, plus a little sugar. Then, I poured the mixture into glasses, and the kids and I enjoyed a delicious drink on our back patio.

The great thing about these easy icy drinks is that you can make them with any fruit. Now that warm weather has arrived, we will enjoy strawberry and raspberry slushies all summer!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients. With just three ingredients, which can be found in stores or in your kitchen, you can blend up a chilly drink in minutes.
  • It's a refreshing drink. This icy slushie will cool you down in seconds on a hot summer day.
  • Saves money and time. The cost of buying store-bought slushies from fast food places can quickly add up, and they are usually high in sugar and syrups. Making a healthier version at home is the perfect way to indulge and save a few dollars.
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