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Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

Inspired by the famous Gideon's Bakehouse, these pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookies are packed with mix-ins. A sprinkle of sea salt makes them every bit as delicious as the original, and the best part? No waiting in line!

A stack of pistachio toffee cookies on a white plate.
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If you have ever visited Disney Springs and spotted the long line outside Gideon's Bakehouse, you already know their desserts are worth the wait. I have stood in that line more times than I can count, and I have zero regrets about it.

Gideon's is famous for their giant half-pound cookies packed with mix-ins from edge to edge. My husband's favorite is the pistachio toffee, so naturally, I had to recreate it at home.

Starting with my thick chocolate chip cookies, I created my own delicious version of the pistachio toffee cookie. I kept them a little smaller, so they are easier to enjoy in one sitting. And I love the way the cookie shows through between all those amazing mix-ins.

Each one is thick, chewy, and loaded with chopped pistachio nuts, buttery toffee, and chocolate chunks. They are seriously so good, and the best part? No waiting in line required!

Why You'll Love These Pistachio Toffee Cookies

  • Thick and chewy cookies. These big cookies have crisp edges, soft gooey centers, and a gorgeous bakery look you love without leaving your house.
  • Loaded with extras. There are plenty of nuts, bits, and chocolate mixed into the dough and added after baking.
  • No chill time required! Mix the dough, scoop, and bake. That is it!
  • Inspired by Gideon's Bakehouse. If you love those famous Disney Springs cookies, this homemade version will make you very happy.

If you love treats inspired by Disney Springs and Disney World, you might like this edible cookie dough or these Jack Jack cookies.

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Lemon Pie Filling

This homemade lemon pie filling is made with fresh lemon juice and zest and comes together on the stovetop in minutes. Skip the canned filling and make this easy recipe instead. Perfect for pies, tarts, cupcakes, and so much more!

A jar of lemon pie filling with lemons all around it.
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Finding lemon pie filling at the store is hit-or-miss, so I decided to just make my own. Turns out it comes together on the stovetop in minutes, and the fresh lemon flavor is absolutely worth it.

Now I always make homemade whenever a recipe calls for lemon filling. Once you taste how bright and fresh it is, you will never look for the canned version again.

I first made this filling as a layer in my lemon supreme pie. It was so good, I knew it needed its own post. Whether you are making a classic lemon pie or lemon parfaits, this is a great citrus topping. Trust me, you will want to keep it on hand.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Filling

  • Better than store-bought. Fresh lemon juice gives this filling a bright, bold citrus flavor that canned filling lacks.
  • Ready in minutes. This filling comes together quickly on the stovetop and is ready to use once it cools.
  • So versatile. Use it in pies, tarts, parfaits, and more. Once you have a batch in the fridge, the possibilities are endless.
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Cheeseburger Tortellini

If your family loves burger night, this cheeseburger tortellini is about to become a new favorite. It is a quick and easy pasta dinner loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheddar sauce that pulls it all together. One skillet, 30 minutes, and dinner is done.

A skillet of cheeseburger tortellini with a spoon lifting some out.

This tortellini skillet was first published in December 2017. It was updated and republished in April 2026.

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There was a season of life when our evenings were basically a blur of school pickups, sports practices, and church activities. Getting dinner on the table meant finding something quick and easy. Some nights, it looked like a BLT wrap, or slow cooker pulled pork, but this cheesy pasta skillet quickly became a favorite.

Burgers were always a hit in our house, and pasta was the one thing I could count on all the kids to devour happily. So one night, I threw the two together in a skillet, and just like that, this cheeseburger tortellini was born. It was on the table in under 30 minutes and gone even faster.

Honestly, I still make this dinner even though the kids are grown, and the house is quieter. The seasoned beef, crispy bacon, and cheesy sauce wrapped around the soft tortellini are so good. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to go back for seconds before you have even finished your first bowl.

Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger Tortellini

  • Ready in 30 minutes. Dinner is on the table fast, which is exactly what you need when everyone is asking what's for dinner.
  • A fun twist on burger night. All the flavors you love about a cheeseburger, but cooked in a cheesy pasta skillet instead.
  • One skillet, easy cleanup. Everything comes together in one pan, so you can spend less time on dishes and more time enjoying dinner.
  • The whole family will love it! Beef, bacon, pasta, and melty cheese are a combination that is hard to say no to.

If you love easy dinners like this one, you might want to try this bacon cheeseburger stuffed zucchini for another fun twist on burger night.

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Carrot Cake Bread

This carrot cake bread has everything you love about classic carrot cake baked into the perfect breakfast loaf. Each slice is soft, full of warm spices and coconut, and topped with creamy frosting. Whether you call it cake or bread, it always disappears fast!

If you enjoy the flavor of carrot cake, try our carrot cream cheese muffins or carrot cake bars.

Slices of frosted carrot cake bread laying on a black tray.

The post for carrot coconut bread was first published in November 2011. The photos were updated in April 2019 and republished in April 2026.

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I've always loved carrot cake. It's usually my go-to dessert when we go out to dinner. I just cannot resist the mix of spices, sweet carrots, and cream cheese frosting.

That's exactly why I don't make this carrot cake sheet cake at home anymore. Because I'm the one sneaking bites for breakfast until it's gone. I mean, it's got fruit and veggies, so that makes it acceptable, right?

So instead, I took all the flavors I love from this carrot bundt cake and baked them in a bread pan. Somehow baking it in this shape makes it feel more like a breakfast treat.

Of course, once I added frosting and toasted coconut on top, my husband was quick to point out that it still looked like cake. But I'm ignoring that and happily calling it carrot cake bread while enjoying it with my morning coffee.

Why You'll Love This Carrot Bread

  • Soft, moist texture. Thanks to the fresh carrots, oil, and sour cream, this loaf stays tender and delicious for days.
  • Sweet tropical flavor. Shredded coconut adds flakes of sweetness and just the right amount of texture to each bite.
  • Fun topping. A thick layer of creamy frosting and toasted coconut makes it taste just like a slice of your favorite carrot cake.
  • Perfect for spring baking or Easter. This recipe is great for a holiday brunch, but it's just as fun to bake for a slow weekend morning.
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Raspberry Filled Cookies

These raspberry filled cookies are soft, sweet, and just a little bit fancy without being complicated. A homemade raspberry filling and dark chocolate drizzles make the sugar cookies stand out on any dessert tray. Everyone will be asking for more after one bite, so you'll want to make them again and again.

If you love raspberries, try our raspberry crumble cookies or raspberry thumbprints.

A stack of raspberry filled cookies cut in half so you can see the fruit filling.

The recipe for raspberry cookies was first published in August 2011. The photos and post were updated and republished in March 2026.

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I love baking treats that have an unexpected but delicious surprise inside. My latest creation is these raspberry filled cookies, and I think you will really like them. From the outside, they look like simple sugar cookies. But once you take a bite, you'll discover a pocket of fruit filling that is so good.

I started with the same recipe I used for my Nutella stuffed cookies. However, this time, I filled them with my homemade raspberry pie filling. To decorate them, I added a drizzle of dark chocolate and crushed freeze-dried raspberries. They look really fancy, but honestly, they are so easy to make.

The best part? These raspberry cookies get better the longer they sit because the filling inside keeps them soft and tender. Although don't be surprised if they disappear in a hurry! That raspberry center gets everyone!

Why You'll Love These Soft Raspberry Cookies

  • Soft for days! These cookies stay soft and tender, and the flavor keeps getting better day after day.
  • Hidden raspberry filling center. Each treat has a sweet, jammy raspberry center, so you get fruity goodness in every bite.
  • Dark chocolate drizzle. Melted chocolate and dried berries give these cookies a pretty bakery-style finish.
  • Great for parties or holidays. They are easy enough to make any time, but fancy enough to share on holiday trays or special occasions.
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Raspberry Pie Filling

This raspberry pie filling is easy to make on the stovetop and bursting with fresh berry flavor. You can use it in any dessert that calls for pie filling. And once you make it from scratch, it is hard to go back to the canned version.

A glass jar filled with raspberry pie filling with a spoon lifting out a spoonful of filling.
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I feel like I say this every time I make a new fruit filling, but homemade really is so much better. Once you realize how easy it is to make pie filling on the stovetop, those canned ones just don't compare anymore.

Since I have already made blueberry, cherry, peach, and blackberry pie filling, it was time to add a raspberry version to the list. It's not one I see in stores very often, and I love the sweet, slightly tart flavor and the bright pop of color that raspberry pie filling adds to desserts.

Of course, it took a little testing to get it just right. My first batch was too runny and did not set up the way I wanted. Raspberries release more juice as they cook, and they are more delicate than blackberries, so I needed to make a few adjustments.

An overhead picture of a jar filled with raspberry pie filling.

I reduced the water and lemon juice, which made a big difference in the texture. It thickened perfectly, while staying soft and spoonable, just how I like it.

This glossy raspberry filling is great for swirling into cheesecake and making a dump cake or berry crisp. My favorite is to spoon it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I'm craving something sweet.

Why You'll Love This Raspberry Pie Filling Recipe

  • Quick and easy. This homemade filling can be prepared in 15 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Simple ingredients. All you need are fresh raspberries and a few basics you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • Better than canned. You control the sweetness, and there are no preservatives or corn syrup in this thick, glossy mixture.
  • So versatile. Use it in pies, cakes, cheesecakes, parfaits, or any recipe that calls for pie filling.
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Orange Poppy Seed Bread

This orange poppy seed bread is soft, bright, and full of citrus flavor. The tender crumb, crunchy poppy seeds, and sweet orange glaze on top make every slice so good. It's easy to make and great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert.

Love baking with citrus? Try our orange blueberry crumble cake or cranberry orange muffins next.

Slices of orange bread with frosting on a white plate.

This orange poppy seed bread was first published in June 2017. I updated the photos and text, then republished it in March 2026.

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Living in Florida means fresh oranges are always easy to find, but this time of year is my favorite. February and March are peak citrus season, so I get even more excited to bake with them.

I've made quite a few citrus recipes over the years, like my orange donuts and orange sweet rolls. But this loaf definitely took a little more work to get just right. This simple recipe turned into multiple test batches. Some were gummy, some were dry, and I almost gave up.

But I still had too many oranges on my counter to quit. Plus, I love how my kitchen smells after juicing and zesting oranges, so I kept testing. The game changer was adding a little sour cream to the batter!

That addition gave this orange poppy seed bread a softer texture and just the right amount of moisture. It's soft, moist, and packed with citrus flavor in every bite.

Why You'll Love This Orange Bread Recipe

  • Bright flavor. Using fresh orange juice and zest gives the bread a natural citrus flavor that bottled juice can't match.
  • Soft texture. Sour cream and oil keep the bread moist and tender.
  • Crunch from poppy seeds. The little crunchy seeds help break up the soft texture.
  • Orange frosting. Topped with a simple glaze, this orange loaf looks as good as it tastes.
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Twix Thumbprint Cookies

If you love Twix bars, you need to make these Twix thumbprint cookies. The soft, buttery cookies are filled with a creamy caramel and then drizzled with melted chocolate. Every bite tastes like your favorite candy bar in cookie form. They are simple enough for everyday baking, but festive for holiday trays.

This Twix fudge or java twix oatmeal bars are other fun recipes to try if you like using candy bars in your treats.

A stack of Twix cookies with chocolate drizzles with a bite out of the top one.
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Twix candy bars have always been one of my favorites. They are definitely in my top three. Something about those buttery shortbread cookies, caramel, and chocolate just gets me.

So, when I started thinking about making a new cookie, I wanted to include those flavors. Thumbprints have always been one of my favorite treats to bake. These chocolate raspberry thumbprint cookies are ones I make every holiday, and they never last long. That sweet center makes them hard to resist.

For this new recipe, I wanted a shortbread base, so I used my raspberry thumbprint cookies as a starting point. Then I skipped the jam and filled the centers with gooey caramel. Chocolate drizzles added the perfect touch, making them look so pretty.

These little Twix thumbprint cookies turned out so good and will definitely be a regular in our kitchen. They are basically the cookie version of the candy bars.

Why You'll Love These Twix Cookies

  • Soft buttery shortbread. That classic melt-in-your-mouth texture makes these cookies so hard to stop at just one.
  • Creamy caramel center. Each bite has a soft, gooey filling that pairs with the cookie.
  • Chocolate drizzle on top. Just like a Twix, that layer of chocolate brings it all together and looks so pretty.
  • Perfect for sharing. These look right at home on holiday trays, but honestly, they disappear just as fast any time of year.
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Mocha Cupcakes

If you love coffee, these mocha cupcakes definitely belong on your baking list. The soft chocolate cupcakes are made with coffee, filled with hot fudge, and topped with a swirl of creamy espresso buttercream. It's the perfect dessert for coffee lovers.

If baking with coffee is your thing, you might also enjoy this salted caramel mocha bundt cake or these mocha brownies.

Mocha cupcakes with espresso buttercream on a board and a white cupcake stand.

These mocha fudge cupcakes were first published in April 2013. I took new photos and updated the text, then it was republished in March 2026.

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Coffee is definitely my go-to drink. Every morning starts with a hot cup, then in the afternoon, I make an iced latte for a little pick-me-up.

So, it's no surprise that my love for coffee also finds its way into my baking. Some of my favorite coffee desserts are espresso brownies and this coffee bundt cake.

Recently, I baked cupcakes using a chocolate cake mix, but I replaced the water with brewed coffee for a richer flavor. Then I made them even better by filling the centers with hot fudge before adding espresso frosting!

Chocolate and coffee belong together, and these mocha cupcakes prove it. One bite, and you will wonder where they have been all your life!

Why Mocha Fudge Cupcakes Are the Best

  • Chocolate and coffee are always a good idea. Using brewed coffee in the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the cupcakes a classic mocha taste.
  • A little hot fudge surprise inside. The centers of each cake have a hot fudge pocket, so every bite has a gooey chocolate surprise.
  • Espresso frosting on top. The homemade coffee buttercream is light and fluffy with a smooth coffee flavor.
  • Bakery-style cupcakes at home. The big swirl of frosting, a sprinkle of espresso powder, and a chocolate-covered coffee bean make them look extra fancy.
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Chocolate Mint Bars

These Chocolate Mint Cookie Bars have a soft chocolate cookie base topped with a fluffy mint frosting. Easy to bake and frost all in one pan, sugar cookie bars are perfect for parties, holidays, or just because you like making easy desserts.

If you love mint desserts, try this mint chip ice cream cake or this mint Oreo fudge next.

A stack of three frosted chocolate mint cookie bars with a bite out of the top one.

The post for chocolate mint sugar cookie bars was first published in January 2015. The text and photos were updated and republished in March 2026.

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Sugar cookie bars have quickly become my favorite shortcut in the kitchen. Instead of rolling dough, cutting shapes, and spending hours decorating individual cookies, I just press the dough into a pan and bake.

Over the years, I've made quite a few fun versions, like lemon cookie bars, unicorn bars, and s'mores cookie bars.

Right now, I can't get enough of these chocolate mint bars! They have a fluffy mint frosting on top of a soft, chewy cookie base. Instead of sprinkles, I added some chopped up Andes mint bars for a nice crunch and some extra flair with every bite.

Why You'll Love These Chocolate Mint Bars

  • Made in one pan! The dough is baked and frosted in a 9x13 pan, so no more rolling pins or cookie cutters are needed.
  • Awesome chocolate mint flavor. The dark chocolate sugar cookie, fluffy mint buttercream, and Andes mints have the best chocolate-to-mint ratio.
  • Fun holiday dessert. These dessert bars are the perfect dessert for St. Patrick's Day and Christmas, but honestly, they are delicious all year round!
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