Unforgettable Flavors: Reliving My Top Favorite Recipes from 2019

Happy 2020! It’s true, I’m a little behind schedule in sharing my eagerly anticipated list of favorite recipes from 2019. But as they say, better late than never, especially when it comes to truly exceptional culinary creations! This compilation represents a year’s worth of baking adventures, kitchen experiments, and heartwarming family meals that left a lasting impression. Each recipe on this list earned its spot through its unique flavor, comforting appeal, or sheer deliciousness, becoming a cherished go-to in my recipe collection. I hope that as you scroll through these culinary highlights, you’ll discover a new favorite that brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine. From wholesome breakfasts to delightful desserts and savory supper additions, 2019 was a fantastic year for food, and I’m thrilled to share these culinary gems with you. Get ready to be inspired and perhaps even a little hungry for these memorable bakes!

First up, and currently reigning supreme in my breakfast rotation, is this incredible Carrot Cake Granola. It’s not just granola; it’s a complete flavor experience that transforms your morning routine. Imagine all the warm, comforting spices of a classic carrot cake – cinnamon, nutmeg, a hint of ginger – infused into crunchy oats, studded with sweet raisins and, of course, a touch of shredded carrots. What I love most about this homemade granola recipe is its surprising versatility. While the carrots add a wonderful moistness and a subtle earthy sweetness, sometimes I find myself skipping them entirely, and it’s still absolutely divine, serving as a perfect spiced granola base. Whether you enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or simply by the handful as a satisfying snack, this carrot cake-inspired granola is a testament to how creative and delicious homemade breakfast can be. It’s a healthy-ish treat that feels indulgent and has quickly become a firm family favorite since I first whipped it up in 2019, making it a truly unforgettable recipe.

Oh, the sheer joy of biting into a warm, freshly baked muffin! These Raspberry White Chocolate Muffins are a true revelation, especially now that fresh raspberries are less expensive and more accessible these days – and thank goodness for that! There’s something truly magical about the combination of tart, juicy raspberries bursting through a tender, sweet muffin crumb, complemented by pockets of creamy, melting white chocolate. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that feels sophisticated yet utterly comforting. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast between the vibrant fruit and the rich chocolate, making these muffins simply irresistible for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. They bring a touch of brightness to any day, and the fact that fresh raspberries are now within easier reach makes baking these delightful morsels an even greater pleasure. They quickly became a staple in our household in 2019 for good reason – pure, unadulterated deliciousness in every bite, solidifying their spot as a top recipe.

Don’t let the humble name fool you; these Oatmeal Dinner Rolls might not sound like the most thrilling item on a menu, but they are an absolute triumph in our home. My family absolutely adores them, and I completely understand why. They strike a perfect balance, offering the incredibly soft, fluffy texture you’d expect from a classic dinner roll, but with an added depth and subtle chewiness from the wholesome oats. This slight textural variation makes them incredibly satisfying without being heavy, providing a comforting bite. They’re fantastic warm from the oven with a generous pat of butter, perfect for soaking up gravies, or even as a simple, wholesome side to any meal. They prove that sometimes the most comforting and beloved recipes are the ones that seem the most straightforward, delivering consistent deliciousness time and time again. These easy dinner rolls truly embody comfort food at its best, making every dinner feel a little more special and earning them a well-deserved spot among my favorite recipes of 2019.

Ah, the quest for the perfect chocolate chip cookie. It’s a culinary journey many embark on, and I found a truly remarkable contender in 2019, thanks to Bon Appetit. Their incredible chocolate chip cookie recipe, which I quickly adopted and fell in love with, introduces the game-changing technique of browned butter. This simple step elevates the flavor profile dramatically, adding a rich, nutty, caramelized depth that makes these cookies undeniably special and incredibly delicious. The best part? No electric mixer is required! The entire dough can be mixed in a single saucepan, making cleanup a breeze and the baking process surprisingly simple for such a sophisticated result. The cookies themselves are perfectly chewy in the center, crisp at the edges, and packed with molten chocolate goodness. They truly stood out as a highlight of my baking year, proving that sometimes, a little tweak can make all the difference in achieving chocolate chip cookie perfection. If you haven’t tried browned butter in your cookies, this recipe is your sign to start!

Discovering Italian Love Cake was one of the most delightful surprises of my baking year. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a fun, layered creation that cleverly starts with a simple cake mix – making it incredibly accessible and easy to prepare – and transforms into something truly magical. While it felt new and exciting to me in 2019, I later learned it’s likely a treasured staple found in many old church cookbooks, carrying with it a wonderful sense of tradition and community. The cake features a moist, tender cake base, a creamy ricotta cheese filling that bakes right into the cake, creating an almost cheesecake-like layer, and is often topped with a rich chocolate frosting or glaze. The interplay of textures and flavors is simply divine, making it a showstopper for any gathering. It’s a recipe that sparks joy not just in eating but also in its charmingly simple preparation. I’m already dreaming of expanding on this concept in 2020, perhaps with a bright and zesty lemon version to capture that same ‘love’ in a different citrusy form! It truly captured my heart as a favorite cake recipe.

When it came to baking for larger gatherings in 2019, the versatile 9×13 inch pan was my best friend, and this Potluck German Chocolate Cake was an absolute star among the many sheet cakes I created. There’s something inherently comforting and celebratory about a classic German Chocolate Cake. Its rich, moist chocolate layers are perfectly complemented by that iconic coconut-pecan frosting, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and nutty crunch. This particular recipe, designed for a crowd, became my trusted go-to for potlucks, family dinners, and special occasions. It’s a dessert that consistently receives rave reviews, bringing smiles to everyone who tries a slice. The generous size ensures there’s enough to go around, making it a perfect centerpiece for any event where good food and company are celebrated. It’s a timeless classic that proved its worth throughout the year, solidifying its place among the top recipes of 2019.

Sometimes the best recipes are born out of necessity, and that was certainly the case with these fantastic Buffalo Chip Cookies. After a great sale on Bran Flakes, I found myself with an abundance of cereal that needed to be put to good use. What started as a ‘use-it-up’ project quickly turned into a genuine culinary discovery. These cookies are an absolute winner, defying expectations with their delightful blend of textures and flavors. They combine the hearty crunch of bran flakes with other classic cookie ingredients, resulting in a surprisingly chewy, satisfying, and utterly delicious treat. They’re hearty enough to feel wholesome, yet sweet enough to truly satisfy a craving, making them a unique addition to any cookie repertoire. My family devoured them, and they quickly became a requested item, proving their popularity. It just goes to show that you can create something truly special and memorable even from the most unexpected ingredients, and that’s why they made my 2019 favorite recipes list.

Among the more experimental, yet incredibly rewarding, recipes from 2019 were my ventures into roasted flour. This technique was a fascinating discovery! The idea is simple: by lightly roasting a portion of the flour before incorporating it into your cookie dough, it seemingly helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking, resulting in those wonderfully thick, ‘big fat’ cookies that are so satisfying to bite into. This particular version, the Roasted Flour Giant Oatmeal Cookies, delivered on that promise beautifully. The oats added a delightful chewiness, perfectly balanced by the robust texture created by the roasted flour. But the exploration didn’t stop there; I also applied this method to create Big Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies and delightful Snickerdoodles. While their considerable size might not make them the most ‘practical’ everyday cookie, there’s an undeniable novelty and fun factor in producing such impressive, generously sized treats. They’re perfect for when you want to make a statement or simply indulge in a truly substantial cookie experience, making this baking experiment a definite highlight.

Inspired by the ever-reliable King Arthur Baking Company, my take on their classic Cheddar Bacon Scones quickly became a savory favorite in 2019. This adaptation offers a delightful twist, crafting them into charming mini scones – perfect for portion control, a snack-sized treat, or a more elegant presentation for brunch. A key change I introduced was the use of buttermilk, which contributes significantly to their lighter, fluffier texture compared to the original, making them exceptionally tender. The combination of sharp, tangy cheddar cheese and smoky, crispy bacon is simply irresistible, making these savory scones a fantastic accompaniment to breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch. They’re savory, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful, offering a wonderful contrast to all the sweet bakes on this list. Freshly baked, these little bites are a taste of pure comfort, showcasing how a few simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular and earning them a coveted spot in my best recipes collection.

Even though this masterpiece officially debuted in late 2018, its impact on my baking life was so profound that I absolutely had to include it in my 2019 favorites. I can confidently say that this Spicy Dark Gingerbread has become the *only* gingerbread recipe I will ever make from now on. My very first batch was already exceptional, boasting a deep, rich flavor and a wonderfully moist crumb. However, a brilliant suggestion from a reader to slightly increase the spice levels proved to be an absolute game-changer. That wise tweak elevated this gingerbread to unparalleled perfection. I honestly don’t believe I can improve upon it anymore; it’s truly achieved its peak. While different brands of molasses might subtly alter the final taste – some darker, some milder – every single version I’ve made has been outstanding. It has a beautiful, deep, almost chocolate-cake-like appearance, which is quite intriguing. And speaking of chocolate, I’m already envisioning my next batch with a generous scattering of miniature chocolate chips to enhance that dark, spicy richness. This gingerbread isn’t just a dessert; it’s a comforting, aromatic experience that embodies the warmth of home baking, making it a perennial favorite.

Reflecting on these culinary highlights from 2019 brings back so many wonderful memories of time spent in the kitchen, creating, experimenting, and sharing delicious food with loved ones. It was a year filled with sweet triumphs and savory successes, from innovative breakfast granolas to comforting dinner rolls and show-stopping cakes. Each of these recipes, in its own way, contributed to a truly rich and flavorful year, becoming a staple in my baking repertoire. I encourage you to explore these tried-and-true favorites and perhaps add a new staple to your own recipe collection. Happy baking, and here’s to another year of delicious discoveries and unforgettable flavors in 2020 and beyond! I hope this curated list of my best recipes inspires your next kitchen adventure.