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Pumpkin Pecan Cookies

Fall in love this season with these Pumpkin Pecan Cookies. The warm spices combined with a sweet coffee glaze transform them into a fancy bakery-style treat. And that sea salt sprinkle? It's pure magic!

If you are a fan of pumpkin treats, try my pumpkin snickerdoodles and pumpkin bundt cake.

Pumpkin pecan cookies with a coffee glaze stacked on a white plate.
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Make a Cinderella latte and cozy up with one (or more) of these pumpkin pecan cookies. With soft centers, crunchy pecans, and a sweet drizzle on top, these chewy cookies taste like fall in every bite.

I actually created this recipe a few months ago while visiting my nieces in Texas. They were so excited to learn about baking. So we spent an entire afternoon testing variations of these cookies together. It was a fun day of learning and finding the right combination of ingredients and bake time.

But when I got home and made them again, I couldn't just stop at plain cookies. I just had to add a coffee glaze and a pinch of sea salt. It took them from delicious to absolutely amazing!

  • Soft and chewy texture. These cookies stay tender in the center with the right amount of chew, thanks to the pumpkin and oats.
  • Filled with warm spices. Every bite has cozy fall flavors from the cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Loaded with crunchy pecans. The chopped nuts add the perfect contrast to the soft cookie.
  • Jazzed up bakery-style. A quick drizzle of coffee glaze gives these cookies a rich, cafe-style finish.
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Cranberry Orange Muffins

These Cranberry Orange Muffins have the perfect mix of sweet citrus and tart berries. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing as they bake. It's an easy holiday recipe to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack.

If you love sweet-and-tart recipes, also try my cranberry orange scones and apple cranberry cake.

Orange muffins with cranberries on a plate and wire rack.
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One of my favorite holiday combos is orange and cranberry. And since all the stores have fresh cranberries in stock right now, I couldn't resist giving my glazed orange muffins a holiday twist.

I bought a bag of berries, chopped them up, and folded some into the batter. A sprinkle of sanding sugar on top transformed my easy muffin recipe into a festive treat.

Each one is bursting with fresh orange flavor and tart pockets of berries, making them perfect for cozy mornings this season.

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Orange Muffin Recipe

  • Bright and festive. The fresh cranberries and orange zest give it a vibrant pop of flavor.
  • Sparkly holiday shimmer. The sanding sugar on top of the muffins adds a fun sparkle and crunch to every bite.
  • Great any time of day. Enjoy the soft, moist muffins for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
  • Easy to make ahead. Freeze a batch so you have Thanksgiving or Christmas morning muffins ready to go.
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Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Nothing beats a warm, flaky homemade chicken pot pie for comfort food. This easy recipe has a thick, creamy chicken filling topped with a golden crust. Why go out to eat when you can make a cozy meal at home?

If you love making restaurant food at home, try my broccoli cheese soup and crockpot chicken and dumplings.

A big slice of easy homemade chicken pot pie on a white plate.
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There are certain foods I can't resist, and chicken pot pie is one of them. Whenever I see it on a diner menu, I order it. That thick creamy filling paired with a buttery, flaky crust is my idea of pure comfort food!

I finally decided to make a homemade chicken pot pie in my kitchen. I couldn't believe how easy it was! In under 30 minutes, I had cooked the filling, assembled the pie, and had it in the oven.

When I pulled the dinner from the oven, the crust was perfectly golden and the chicken filling was bubbling through the edges. After one bite, I wondered why I had waited so long to make chicken pot pie at home.

Why You'll Love This Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

If you love warm, cozy food, give this homemade recipe a try. You'll never go back to store-bought pot pies again.

  • Uses simple ingredients. No fancy shopping list here, just basic ingredients that come together for a delicious home-cooked meal.
  • Ready to bake in 30 minutes. This recipe comes together quickly. It's perfect for nights when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-friendly. Everyone at your table will love it, and you will love how easy it is to make and clean up.
  • Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers. Swap the chicken in the recipe for chopped or shredded turkey.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

This easy chocolate peanut butter pie recipe is a no-bake dessert that takes just 15 minutes to prepare! It has layers of rich peanut butter filling, instant chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, all in a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. 

If you love a chocolate and peanut butter combo, also try my peanut butter cup cheesecake and chewy chocolate peanut butter chip cookies. 

A slice of chocolate peanut butter pie with Reese' candies on top.

The post and recipe for this chocolate peanut butter cream pie were first published in April 2019. It was updated and republished in November 2025.

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A while ago, I was in the car listening to the radio when the announcers started talking about their favorite pies. One of the hosts mentioned a pie with creamy layers of peanut butter and chocolate pudding.

Right away, my mind went to my peanut butter pudding pie and this no-bake chocolate pie, which I'd made before. I took it as a sign to combine these two desserts into one easy, no-bake chocolate peanut butter pie.

With layers of fudgy peanut butter filling, silky chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, boy, this dessert did NOT disappoint!

Why You'll Love This No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

  • Decadent layers. This pie has a crunchy cookie crust filled with a (semi) homemade peanut butter layer and instant chocolate pudding.
  • A classic flavor combination. This is a crowd-pleasing dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.
  • No baking. The best part is, this pie doesn't need an oven! It only takes about 15 minutes of hands-on prep.

The chocolate and peanut butter combo is fabulous! I added a little espresso powder to the chocolate pudding layer and used a prepared crust to save some time. It came together quickly, and everyone loved it. Will definitely make again.

- DeAnne

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Cinnamon Apple Bars

These cinnamon apple bars are packed with sweet shredded apples, wholesome oats, and spices. Top these chewy squares with creamy homemade cinnamon frosting to take them from breakfast to dessert!

If you love the cozy fall flavors in these easy apple squares, try my apple bundt cake and cinnamon apple baked oatmeal recipes. 

A slice of frosted cinnamon apple bar on a plate.

The post for these frosted cinnamon apple bars was first published in April 2015. It was updated and republished in October 2025.

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Are you looking for a delicious apple dessert for Thanksgiving? I think you're going to love these cinnamon apple bars! These bars are less gooey than my apple pie bars and caramel apple bars. Instead, they're thick and chewy with hearty oats, shredded apples, and spices.

To take these apple bars from breakfast to dessert, I've added a layer of fluffy homemade cinnamon frosting. I just love enjoying a soft square and a pumpkin cream cold brew for a cozy fall treat.

Things to Love About This Cinnamon Apple Bars Recipe

  • Full of fresh apples and cinnamon. The combination of fresh shredded apples, brown sugar, and cozy cinnamon fills these apple cinnamon bars with fall flavor.
  • Easy to make. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, combine, and bake! The dessert is ready in under an hour, making it a great option for last-minute fall baking.
  • Eat them frosted, or not. Cinnamon frosting makes these bars perfect for dessert (served like a slice of apple cider cake topped with vanilla bean ice cream). Meanwhile, the unfrosted squares make a fantastic breakfast bar with a cup of coffee.
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Fall Snack Mix

Whether you're watching a movie, hosting a fall party, or simply craving something sweet, this Fall Snack Mix is fun to make. It's also so easy to customize. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or candies to create a mix that's your own.

A sweet and salty fall snack mix in a orange bowl.
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I love having something to munch on while we watch movies, and while I enjoy buttery popcorn, sometimes I want something sugary. Over the years, I have made many sweet mixes. Some of my favorites are peanut butter puppy chow, hot cocoa trail mix, and animal cookie muddy buddies.

This year, I went through my pantry looking for anything I could use. I found caramel corn, cereal, pretzels, candy corn, Reese's, potato sticks, nuts, and the cutest tiny cookies. This sweet-and-salty snack mix is a little bit of everything, all mixed into one large bowl of fall happiness.

Grab a handful (or two) and get cozy because once you start snacking, it's hard to stop.

Why You'll Love This Sweet and Salty Mix

  • Sweet and salty goodness. The mix of caramel corn, pretzels, candy, and potato chips gives you the best of both worlds in every scoop.
  • Packed with fall flavor. Reese's Pieces, candy corn, and pumpkins make this mix perfect for the season.
  • Easy to make and share. Just toss everything in a bowl and you're ready to go. No baking required. Make it for parties, movie nights, or road trips.
  • Change it up with your favorite mix-ins. The best part is that you can easily swap in your favorite nuts, cereal, or candy to make your own special blend.
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Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings is a cozy dinner that's perfect for busy nights. The hearty chicken stew has soft Bisquick dumplings that cook in the creamy broth. If you like easy chicken dinners, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds.

Two bowls filled with chicken and dumplings.
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This comfort food reminds me of home. When I was a kid, my parents made this dish in an old electric skillet. Once the meat and veggies were done cooking, they'd drop Bisquick dough on top and let the dumplings steam until soft and fluffy.

My version keeps all that cozy comfort but makes things easier. Instead of standing over a skillet, I let my slow cooker do most of the work. I toss everything in, let it simmer all day, then throw the biscuit dough on top at the end.

This meal has the same flavors of chicken pot pie, but instead of a crust, it has soft dumplings that soak up all that creamy broth. It's perfect for those chilly nights or whenever you want a simple dish that reminds you of home.

Why You'll Love Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick

  • Easy comfort food. This crockpot dinner practically cooks itself, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending the day in the kitchen.
  • Cozy and hearty. A thick, stew-like texture, packed with meat and veggies, will warm you up on cold nights.
  • Family favorite. It's one of those classic dinners that everyone goes back for seconds. Even picky eaters love the creamy, rich flavor.
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Halloween Bark

Halloween Bark is one of the easiest treats you can make. With plenty of candy and sprinkles, it's a fun treat for Halloween parties or snacking on while you watch spooky movies.

Looking for more no bake treats? Try our Halloween cheesecake cups and spooky eyeballs next.

A tray of chocolate bark filled with Halloween cookies and candies.
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One of my favorite things to do each season is to wander the holiday aisles in stores. I always find fun candies that give me ideas for new desserts.

This year, I found orange cream Oreos and marshmallow pumpkins at Walmart. Immediately, I knew they would be perfect for an easy Halloween bark. If you've never made Oreo bark before, this is your sign to make it now.

Melt white chocolate, spread it on a pan, then add your favorite toppings before it sets. For this batch, I used whole Oreos, candy corn, M&M's, and lots of sprinkles. It turned out so cute!

I made a batch before heading to Texas earlier this month and shared it with my nieces. They loved it and had so much fun picking out their favorite pieces. If you are looking for an easy treat, this Halloween bark is a must.

Why You'll Love Halloween Chocolate Bark

Whether you're baking with kids or just feeling creative, decorating this chocolate bar is so much fun.

  • Fun to make. You only need a few ingredients and 15 minutes to make this spooktacular treat.
  • Perfect for seasonal sweets. It's a great way to use your kids' leftover candy or those fun food finds.
  • Great for sharing. Break it into pieces, wrap it in a gift bag, and then hand it out to friends, co-workers, or trick-or-treaters.
  • Easy to customize. Use whatever chocolate and sweets you have on hand. It always turns out cute and delicious.
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Barbacoa Tacos

Barbacoa Tacos are juicy pulled beef tacos packed with flavor. The meat cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, and then you can enjoy it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. This easy barbacoa recipe is a favorite for family taco night.

Barbacoa tacos in a taco holder on a wooden cutting board.
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Most nights around here, taco night means a beef filling with all the toppings. Occasionally, we like to mix things up. From pulled pork tacos to Caribbean-style jerk shrimp tacos with mango salsa, or my new favorite, barbacoa tacos. It keeps dinner fun and never boring.

Traditional Mexican barbacoa is a dish made from beef, pork, or lamb, slow-cooked until it falls apart. Today, we're speeding up the process and making the best beef barbacoa tacos in the Instant Pot.

Our homemade barbacoa tacos will melt in your mouth. I make them using beef chuck, cooked with a delicious blend of chipotles in adobo sauce and pantry spices. 

After that, all you do is shred the beef and stir it back into the sauce. Tuck it inside soft tortillas for a delicious family meal.

Why You'll Love These Easy Beef Barbacoa Tacos

  • Ultra-tender beef. The Instant Pot is my favorite way to get that cooked-all-day flavor and tender texture without slow cooking for hours.
  • Tacos with kick. Chipotle peppers in the Barbacoa beef recipe are a great way to add some spice to your Mexican night menu.
  • Easy and (almost) hands-free. You need to do a little prep to sear the beef chunks. After that, just mix the ingredients and press cook!
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Eyeball Cupcakes

If you're looking for a spooky yet cute treat, these Eyeball Cupcakes are just the thing! Bright sprinkles, dark chocolate frosting, and marshmallow eyes make an awesome Halloween dessert that's perfect for parties. Plus, using a box cake mix keeps it easy, and everyone will be totally impressed!

Three chocolate frosted eyeball cupcakes with sprinkles and gummy eyeballs.
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Halloween has always been one of my favorite times to bake fun treats. When our kids were younger, I went all out making themed desserts for school parties and trick-or-treat events. Some of their favorites were peanut butter eyeballs and spider web brownies.

Now that our children are grown and we're empty nesters, I still reach for the spooky candy and sprinkles this time of year. It's a tradition I refuse to let go of.

This year, I decided to bake something fun with a bit of spookiness. I took a white cake mix and added Halloween sprinkles for color. A swirl of dark chocolate buttercream with black cocoa powder gave them a spooky vibe.

The final touch was marshmallow eyeballs I found in the seasonal aisle at Walmart. "Eye" can't believe how cute these cupcakes turned out! Make them for holiday parties, and they will disappear faster than you can blink.

Why You'll Love Eyeball Cupcakes

If you are baking for a holiday party, a classroom celebration, or just for fun, these eyeball cupcakes are a great treat.

  • Spooky and fun! These cupcakes look like they are staring right back at you, making them perfect for Halloween parties.
  • Easy to make. You'll start with a boxed cake mix, so there's no need for fancy steps or equipment. Just mix, bake, and decorate.
  • Dark and delicious. Black cocoa powder gives the frosting a rich chocolate flavor and a spooky dark color that complements the sweet funfetti cake.
  • Kid and adult approved. Whether you are baking for little ones or keeping traditions alive now that the kids are grown, these cupcakes bring smiles to everyone.
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