20 best bake sale recipes - Today's Parent (2024)

Introducing the bake-sale saviour. Chewy, chocolatey cookies are so much easier when they can be patted down into one big pan and cut into bars. Get the recipe:Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar

Photo: Erik Putz

Kyle’s mom is already bringing banana muffins, so try these blueberry-ginger babies instead. Ginger is an antioxidant, so you’re basically stopping gross school germs in their tracks here. Get the recipe:Blueberry-Ginger Muffins

Photo: Roberto Caruso

You’re just three ingredients away from this melt-in-your-mouth fudge. Hi, butter, whipping cream and maple syrup. Get the recipe:Maple Fudge

Photo: Erik Putz

Turns out you’ve been making these wrong your whole life. Here’s how to make it rightt: Let the melted butter get nutty and brown, then add salt. These are better than all the rest. Get the recipe:Salted Brown Butter Puffed Rice Treats

Photo: Erik Putz

Look at you making your own granola bars. They really don’t require a lot of effort, and with sweet chocolate and salty pretzels up to bat, they’ll be a home run at that bake sale. Get the recipe:Chocolate Pretzel Granola Bars

Photo: Roberto Caruso

If you’re looking to outshine the other parents at the bake sale, may we suggest these addictive little bites? It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a silky white chocolate body that’s riddled with pretzels, potato chips, toffee and a hint of lemon zest for good measure. Get the recipe:White Chocolate Crunch

Photo: Ryan Szulc

Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is school-safe. You probably met over a grain bowl, but give tahini a try in your baking. It makes a soft and mild cookie that’s just a little bit salty (and not because its mad at anyone). Get the recipe:Tahini Cookies

Photo: Erik Putz

Hands up if you like baking. Well, lucky you, these squishy, cream-filled cookies are delicious—but you’ve got to work for them. We’re definitely throwing our money down for these guys. Get the recipe:Hot Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Sinking your teeth into a fudgy brownie is the best. Imagine that sweet treat topped with toasted mallows. Yeah, we did that. Get the recipe:Rocky Road Brownies

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Salty-sweet kettle corn is something you just can’t stop munching. Pack it up in individual baggies and watch it all disappear. Get the recipe:Cinnamon Toast Kettle Corn

Photo: Roberto Caruso

OK, but who says you actually have to “bake” for a bake sale? Here’s your cheater method: Store-bought bakery cookies sandwiching marshmallow fluff that’s been mixed with graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips. You’re welcome. Get the recipe:S’mores Faux Ice Cream Sandwiches

Photo: Vincent Noguchi

Squares rule because they’re easy to make, a breeze to dole out and are always delicious. In this case, it's a blondie base that’s got cranberries and white chocolate chunks sprinkled throughout. If you’re feeling wild, get in there with some dark chocolate, too. Get the recipe:Cranberry and White Chocolate Squares

Photo: Ryan Szulc

This recipe yields 75 cookies, meaning you can make enough for this week’s bake sale then stash the rest of the dough, portioned into logs in the freezer, for when the next bake sale creeps up—or for those late-night cookie cravings. We like to call it Cookies on Demand. Get the recipe:Big Batch Oatmeal Chocolate Raisin Cookies

Photo: Erik Putz

Check out this silky citrus layer that’s hanging out on a buttery base, dusted with icing sugar and decorated with candied lemon for extra pizazz. How do you like those lemons? Yeah, we thought you’d like that. Get the recipe:Double Lemon Bars

Photo: Ryan Szulc

If you’re a minimal-effort baker (this is a safe space, it’s OK), these heart-shaped cookies are for you. Puff pastry, jam and sugar. That’s it. Get the recipe:Raspberry Sweetheart Cookies

Roberto Caruso

There’s a lot going on in these chocolate morsels—a lot of good stuff. Allow us to elaborate: A fudgy brownie-like cookie base + dried cherries + white chocolate chunks + chocolate chunks. Go forth and make these, please. Get the recipe:The Ultimate Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Photo: John Cullen

With all those sweets, it’s nice to break it up with a little savoury. A flakey, cheesy and bacon-y biscuit is the perfect solution. Get the recipe:Cheddar and Bacon Scones

If you’re looking to stand out against a sea of cookies and muffins, these hand pies are looking at you. Get the recipe:Blueberry Hand Pies

Gold star goes to you for making your own crackers. Who even are you and can we be your friend? Get the recipe:Cheesy Gold Star Crackers

Photo: Roberto Caruso

Looking for a weekend project? Say hello to these fried donuts. Alternatively, you could drive to your local bakery and shop for fried dough there. Get the recipe:Old-Fashioned Cake Donut Rings and Holes

Photo: Andrew Grinton

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