Reflecting on Sweet Success: Our Top Recipes and Blog Journey of 2012
As the final days of the year gracefully draw to a close, it’s a moment for reflection, gratitude, and a delightful journey back through the culinary creations that have defined our kitchen over the past twelve months. Here at Crunchy Creamy Sweet, 2012 has been an incredible year filled with countless batches of cookies, rich brownies, innovative desserts, and heartwarming savory dishes. More importantly, it has been a year of growing connections with our wonderful community of home bakers and food enthusiasts.
Every click, every share, and every comment has helped shape the flavors and stories we’ve brought to your tables. Now, with the numbers meticulously tallied and your preferences clearly voiced, we’re thrilled to present the definitive list of the most popular recipes of 2012. These are the dishes that captured your hearts, filled your kitchens with tantalizing aromas, and became staple favorites throughout the year. Get ready to revisit some beloved classics and perhaps discover a new obsession among these crowd-pleasers!
Crunchy Creamy Sweet’s Most Loved Recipes of 2012: Your Top Picks!
Here are the recipes that truly resonated with you, our amazing readers, proving themselves as the undisputed champions of flavor and fun in 2012:
Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut
Leading our highly coveted list of reader favorites are the enchanting Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut. This recipe perfectly captures the essence of a truly irresistible blondie, elevating it with the delightful tartness of cranberries and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. It’s clear that this harmonious blend of flavors resonated deeply with many of you, solidifying its place as the reigning champion of the year. Whether served at holiday gatherings or enjoyed as an everyday treat, these bars offer a blissful experience in every single bite, making them a consistent hit that truly lives up to its name.
Nutty Nougat Caramel Bites
Prepare your taste buds for an adventure with our Nutty Nougat Caramel Bites. These aren’t just a treat; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors. Each small bite delivers multiple layers of temptation – from the rich, chewy nougat to the decadent caramel and the satisfying crunch of nuts. It’s a testament to how small packages can hold immense deliciousness, making them an ideal indulgence for any occasion or a delightful gift for someone special.
Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies
A true game-changer for many, our Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies offer versatility and pure comfort. Whether you prefer to safely enjoy the irresistible cookie dough straight from the bowl or bake it into perfectly golden, chewy cookies, this recipe caters to every craving. It’s a wonderful option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone who simply can’t resist a spoonful of unbaked dough, making it a highly cherished and adaptable recipe in your baking arsenal.
Caramel Apple Coffee Cake
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with our much-loved Caramel Apple Coffee Cake. This cake is a celebration of fall, combining tender, spiced cake with soft, caramelized apples and a delightful crumb topping. It’s one of those deeply comforting desserts that just feels right, perfect for a crisp morning with a cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to a family meal. Its undeniable deliciousness secured its spot as a consistent favorite.
Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies
For every brownie aficionado out there, Robert’s Absolute Best Brownies are a non-negotiable must-try. This recipe promises an unparalleled fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor that will leave you absolutely speechless. It’s not just a brownie; it’s an experience, a standard by which all other brownies should be judged. We are so thrilled to see this classic achieve such widespread acclaim among our readers.
Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt
Cookie dough strikes again, but this time with a cool, refreshing twist! Our Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt brings together the best of both worlds: the beloved chunks of cookie dough nestled within a creamy, tangy frozen yogurt base. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth and your craving for that raw cookie dough taste, making it an innovative and popular dessert, especially during warmer months.
Cook’s Illustrated Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hailed by many, including myself, as the ultimate, definitive chocolate chip cookie, the Cook’s Illustrated Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe remains a timeless masterpiece. Its meticulous approach yields a cookie that is perfectly balanced in chewiness, crispness, and chocolate distribution. It’s no surprise that this scientifically perfected recipe has become a collective favorite, proving that some classics are truly unbeatable.
New Classic Brownies
Just when you thought brownies couldn’t get any better, our New Classic Brownies arrived on the scene, quickly establishing themselves as a new benchmark for perfection. These brownies boast an incredibly moist and rich texture with a deep chocolate flavor that will undoubtedly earn them a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Prepare for a truly luxurious dessert experience that you’ll want to savor slowly.
Soft Ginger Cookies
Light, fluffy, and bursting with warm, aromatic spices, our Soft Ginger Cookies are a delightful addition to any cookie platter. Their incredibly tender texture practically melts in your mouth, while the invigorating ginger flavor provides a comforting warmth. These cookies are a celebration of simplicity and classic taste, making them an instant favorite for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Your cookie platter will thank you!
Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Shortbread Cookie Sticks
Elevate your shortbread game with these elegant and incredibly easy Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Shortbread Cookie Sticks. The delicate, buttery crunch of shortbread is perfectly complemented by the tropical hint of coconut and, of course, a generous drizzle of rich chocolate. This chocolate addition is not merely optional; it’s essential to complete this irresistible flavor profile, making them a sophisticated yet simple dessert.
Summer Avalanche Rice Krispies
For a dose of ridiculously easy fun and nostalgic flavor, our Summer Avalanche Rice Krispies are the answer. These no-bake treats are a delightful twist on a childhood classic, combining crispy rice cereal with gooey marshmallows and extra goodies for an explosion of texture and sweetness. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or a simple sweet craving, they’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Cocoa Brownies
Prepare for an intense chocolate experience with our Cocoa Brownies. These aren’t just brownies; they are a masterpiece of fudgy, dense, and deeply satisfying chocolate goodness. Each bite is so rich and decadent that you’ll find it nearly impossible to share them with anyone else. Their profound cocoa flavor and irresistible texture make them a true indulgence for the most devoted chocolate lovers.
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Rice Krispies
A sophisticated twist on a beloved classic, the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Rice Krispies combine the bittersweet intensity of dark chocolate with the subtle crunch of sea salt, all enveloping crispy rice cereal. This harmonious blend of flavors creates an addictive treat that appeals to more refined palates. It’s no wonder this particular recipe, a personal favorite of my husband, made it onto your top list!
Best Homemade Pizza Dough
Moving beyond desserts, our comprehensive, photo-packed tutorial on making the Best Homemade Pizza Dough became a culinary cornerstone for many of you. Mastering homemade pizza dough opens up a world of fresh, customizable pizza creations right in your kitchen. This step-by-step guide empowers you to achieve perfectly chewy and crispy crusts every time, making family pizza night an even more delicious and rewarding experience.
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Anna’s Personal Favorites: A Taste of My 2012 Culinary Journey
While I cherish every single recipe shared on Crunchy Creamy Sweet, and am endlessly grateful for your enthusiastic reception of them, there are always a few that hold an extra special place in my heart. These are the recipes that I found myself returning to again and again, the ones that brought me the most joy in the kitchen, or simply captured a perfect moment. Here is my curated list of my absolute favorite recipes from 2012 – a glimpse into my personal culinary highlights of the year.
Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut
Yes, these gems are so good they made both lists! My love for blondies is undeniable, and these Cranberry Bliss Bars with Coconut truly stand out as the finest I’ve ever created. The combination of sweet, chewy blondie, tart cranberries, and a hint of tropical coconut, all crowned with a delicate white chocolate drizzle, is simply irresistible. They are truly the best bars I have tried to date, and I highly recommend them if you haven’t yet indulged.
Blondie Pie
Imagine a warm, gooey blondie, but in pie form, generously filled with sweet caramel and tender apples. That’s our sensational Blondie Pie. This dessert is pure comfort in every slice, marrying the delightful chewiness of a blondie base with the classic flavors of caramel and apple. It’s a heartwarming treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or simply to satisfy a serious sweet craving.
New Classic Brownies
These New Classic Brownies are not only one of the best brownies you will ever eat, but they also inspired one of my favorite photos on the blog. The depth of flavor, the perfect fudginess, and their sheer elegance make them a consistent winner in my kitchen. They truly represent a ‘new classic’ for a reason – delivering profound chocolate satisfaction that’s hard to beat.
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Rice Krispies
There’s something inherently magical about the pairing of dark chocolate and sea salt, and these Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Rice Krispies exemplify that perfect synergy. The bittersweet notes of quality dark chocolate are beautifully enhanced by the subtle crunch and briny burst of sea salt, creating an addictive no-bake treat that’s a sophisticated step up from the original. A truly divine combination!
Best Homemade Pizza Dough
Our Best Homemade Pizza Dough is more than just a recipe; it’s a family tradition. We make it very often because it consistently yields outstanding results – a perfectly chewy yet crisp crust every single time. It’s the foundation for countless delicious homemade pizza nights, fostering joy and creativity in the kitchen, and it’s truly a recipe I can always rely on.
Cook’s Illustrated Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to the quintessential chocolate chip cookie, the Cook’s Illustrated Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe remains our undisputed family favorite. Its precise methodology and thoughtful ingredient ratios create a cookie that is consistently perfect: chewy edges, soft centers, and generous pockets of melted chocolate. This recipe sets the gold standard for me, and I return to it time and again.
Cocoa Muffins
Who says chocolate can’t be for breakfast? Our delightful Cocoa Muffins are the perfect way to start your day with a touch of indulgence. Light, moist, and wonderfully chocolatey, they make a comforting and satisfying morning treat or a delightful snack any time of day. Sign me up for chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Pina Colada Blondies
These vibrant Pina Colada Blondies are a miniature tropical escape in every bite. Infused with the irresistible flavors of pineapple and coconut, they transport you straight to a sun-drenched island with every chew. They’re a fantastic reminder of summer, bright and cheerful, and a unique twist on the classic blondie that never fails to lift my spirits.
No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
For the ultimate in decadent simplicity, look no further than our No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake. This recipe delivers an unbelievably rich, creamy, and intensely chocolatey experience without ever needing to turn on the oven. It’s the most indulgent cheesecake you will ever have – smooth, luscious, and utterly satisfying, making it a perfect dessert for entertaining or a luxurious treat for yourself.
Thick and Chewy Cookie Bars with Easy Chocolate Frosting
This recipe holds a special place because it combines my favorite cookie bars base with an absolutely delightful, easy-to-make chocolate frosting. Our Thick and Chewy Cookie Bars with Easy Chocolate Frosting are incredibly versatile, simple to whip up, and always a crowd-pleaser. They are the epitome of comfort baking: fast, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
Cranberry Jam (Freezer Style)
This incredible Cranberry Jam (Freezer Style) is a revelation! It requires no pectin or complicated canning methods, making it wonderfully accessible for home cooks. Its vibrant flavor and beautiful color are truly outstanding, and what I love most is its adaptability; I’ve tried this recipe with various other fruits, and it has never once failed me. It’s a versatile staple for homemade preserves.
Salted Butter Caramel Sauce
If the name doesn’t immediately tempt you, then I truly don’t know what will! Our Salted Butter Caramel Sauce is pure liquid gold. Rich, buttery, perfectly balanced with a hint of salt, it’s the ultimate topping for ice cream, apples, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful. It’s an essential, versatile, and utterly delicious staple that elevates any dessert to gourmet status.
Brown Butter Brown Sugar Cookies
These extraordinary Brown Butter Brown Sugar Cookies taste like salted caramels in cookie form – simply ahh-mazing! The nutty, complex flavor of brown butter combined with the deep sweetness of brown sugar creates a profoundly satisfying cookie experience. They are chewy, flavorful, and incredibly addictive, showcasing the magic that simple ingredients can achieve.
Triple Chocolate Molasses Bundt Cake
Prepare for perfection in every single bite with our opulent Triple Chocolate Molasses Bundt Cake. This cake is a masterpiece of rich, complex chocolate flavors, enhanced by the subtle warmth of molasses. Its striking presentation and incredibly moist texture make it a showstopper dessert, ideal for special occasions or when you simply crave something truly extraordinary.
Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Shortbread Cookie Sticks
Easy yet undeniably fancy, these Chocolate Drizzled Coconut Shortbread Cookie Sticks offer a sophisticated way to enjoy shortbread. The crisp, buttery shortbread with a tropical hint of coconut is beautifully finished with a drizzle of dark chocolate, making them the perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or a cozy latte. A simple recipe with elegant results!
Rum Truffle Mocha
Make it. Seriously, just make it. Our Rum Truffle Mocha is an indulgent beverage that perfectly blends the rich flavors of coffee, chocolate, and a hint of rum. It’s a luxurious treat for those moments when you need a comforting yet sophisticated pick-me-up, a truly special drink that feels like a dessert in a mug.
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A Year of Sweet Transformation: Our Journey Through 2012
Looking back at 2012, it’s clear that it was a year overflowing with delightful flavors – especially chocolate, the comforting warmth of brown butter, the tropical essence of coconut, and the rich sweetness of caramel. Beyond the delicious recipes, this past year marked a significant chapter in the life of Crunchy Creamy Sweet. This little blog embarked on a transformative journey, graduating from its humble beginnings on Blogspot to finding a robust and customizable home on a self-hosted WordPress platform. This move was pivotal, allowing us to enhance your browsing experience and lay the groundwork for even more exciting content.
The growth we’ve experienced has been truly humbling. What started with just a few dedicated followers blossomed into a vibrant community of thousands, all sharing a passion for delicious food and creative baking. I genuinely couldn’t be more grateful for each and every one of your thoughtful comments and emails. Hearing that a recipe brought joy to your kitchen, inspired you to try something new, or even encouraged you to put your own unique twist on it, truly makes my day. That, above all else, is the ultimate goal for Crunchy Creamy Sweet: to ignite your culinary passion, get you confidently into your kitchen, and empower you to create fabulous, memorable treats for yourself and your loved ones!
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for being such an incredible part of this journey!
Sweet Hopes for 2013: Growing Together
As we turn the page to a brand new year, our aspirations for 2013 are beautifully simple yet profoundly meaningful. Our foremost goal is to continue sharing an abundance of even more delicious, inspiring, and accessible recipes that will delight your senses and spark your creativity in the kitchen. But just as important, if not more so, is our commitment to nurturing and strengthening the incredible friendships and connections we’ve forged with all of you. Crunchy Creamy Sweet isn’t just a recipe blog; it’s a community, a shared space where food brings us together.
We look forward to another year of baking, cooking, sharing, and growing together. May your days be filled with happiness, laughter, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods.
May your wishes for the New Year come true, bringing you peace, joy, and countless delicious moments!
Cheers to a sweet 2013!
xoxo,
Anna