The Betty Crocker Cooky Book - a Vintage Treasure for Today's Bakers

I am a bit of a cookbook collector. I own hundreds. However, there is one in my collection that I treasure above all others. It is a 1963 edition of Betty Crocker's Cooky Book. It is tattered (well-loved as I like to call it) and the cover has fallen off and has to be held in place with tape. Most people would take one look at it and pitch it in the garbage. However, I wouldn't part with it for anything in the world. You see, that cookbook belonged to my great-grandmother.

My great-grandmother, Edwinna, passed away in 1986 when I was 12 years old. My grandmother decided that I needed something to remember her by and chose for me this cookbook from all of Edwinna's possessions. I remember that my 12 year old self was not too impressed with her choice! I stuck it on a bookshelf where it was promptly forgotten.

I came across the Cooky Book again when I was packing up my childhood belongings, preparing to start a new life with my husband. At that time, I finally realized what a treasure I had been given, and the cookbook has had an honored place in my kitchen ever since.

This cookbook became even more precious to me when I had kids of my own. Each time I make a recipe from it, I find myself wondering if my great-grandmother ever made that recipe. I love the thought that Edwinna had used those very same pages to make delicious treats for her family and friends.

Betty Crocker's Cooky Book is my go-to cookbook whenever I want to make cookies. It contains 138 pages of recipes of all kinds - drop cookies, bar cookies, molded or pressed cookies, rolled cookies, refrigerator cookies, and more! It even has a section of fun holiday cookies. Scattered throughout the book are delightful vintage illustrations and full-color photos of all the recipes.

My mouth is already watering when I think of all the yummy holiday cookies I will make for family and friends in the coming months. I have to smile when I think of my daughters and I gathered in the kitchen, with the Cooky Book open on the counter, making tons of Russian tea cakes, decorated sugar cookies, candy cane cookies, Krumkake, and Spritz Cookies.

Recently, I was excited to discover that Betty Crocker's Cooky Book has been re-released for a whole new generation to enjoy. I have already decided that I am going to get copies for each of my daughters when they are older so that they can make wonderful memories baking cookies with their own children. I just love the thought of multiple generations of women in our family all using this beloved cookbook to make cookies for their families to enjoy!

In the mood to make cookies now? Check out some of my must-haves for cookie baking!

Are you hungry for cookies now?

Now that I have you in the mood to make cookies, be sure to check out this fun video with great tips for decorating sugar cookies. Yum!