Jolene's Recipe Journal

Maple French Toast Muffins are soft, tender muffins topped with egg-soaked cinnamon swirl bread that bakes up golden and lightly crisp. Each muffin is brushed with maple syrup and finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Gingerbread Overnight Oats are a quick, spiced, and creamy breakfast you can prep ahead for busy holiday mornings. They’re portioned in jars for an easy grab-and-go option.

Z is for Zeppole! These small Italian donuts have been a favorite in home kitchens for generations. Traditionally made from a simple yeasted batter, they’re lightly sweet and soft. This version adds a touch of orange zest for a bright, fresh flavor that makes them extra special. Unlike some traditional recipes that are shaped or filled, this method uses small scoops of batter for easy frying. The result is bite sized, golden donuts finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar that make them simple to enjoy at home. What You'll Need 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast 1-1/2 cups warm whole milk (110° to 115°) 3 large eggs, room temperature 5 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon orange zest  3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour Oil for deep-fat frying Powdered sugar, for dusting How to Make It In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, orange zest, yeast mixture, and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Gra...

A Gingerbread Espresso Martini is a holiday twist on the classic coffee cocktail. It combines vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and gingerbread syrup in a shaken drink with a frothy top.

Pizzicati, also known as Italian pinch cookies, are small, tender cookies with a sweet jam center. They get their name from the way the dough is “pinched” around the filling to seal it.

These M&M Oat Shortbread Bars are buttery, chewy, and packed with oats for a texture that sets them apart from traditional shortbread. The mini M&Ms add color and sweetness, making them an easy and cheerful addition to your holiday cookie trays.

These Holiday Sugar Cookie Cups are an easy, festive treat made with a sugar cookie mix, a simple two tone swirl of frosting, and plenty of holiday sprinkles. They bake into soft, bite sized cookie cups that are perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or bringing to holiday gatherings.

Y is for Yogurt!  For the letter Y in our Alphabet Challenge, we’re celebrating yogurt with a simple, delicious cornbread. Yogurt adds tenderness and a subtle tang that makes this perfect alongside soups, chili, or simply with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. With just a few pantry staples, it comes together quickly, making it a convenient choice for busy cooks. The batter is simple to mix, and in about 25 minutes, you can have warm, golden cornbread ready to enjoy. What You’ll Need 1 cup yellow cornmeal 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 large egg, lightly beaten, room temperature 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup canola oil 1 tablespoon honey How to Make It Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F and coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Combine wet ingre...

This Gingerbread White Russian blends classic holiday flavor with a smooth, creamy finish. Kahlua, vodka, gingerbread syrup and heavy cream come together in a chilled, sugar rimmed glass for the perfect seasonal cocktail.

Eggnog Pizzelles are a seasonal twist on a classic Italian cookie, crisp and delicate with nutmeg, rum, and vanilla flavors.

These gingerbread biscotti are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and studded with crystallized ginger. They're perfect for dunking in coffee, tea or cocoa.