The Bakehouse Almanac: January 2026
Welcome to The Bakehouse Almanac — a new monthly ritual I’m so glad you’re here for. At the top of each month, this little almanac will land like a note taped to the fridge accompanied by a mug of coffee slid across the counter. It’s our monthly guide of sorts: a mix of good intentions, short lists, seasonal thoughts, and a few personal notes from me as we move through the year together. Think of
My 18 Best Birthday Cake Recipes
January is supposed to be about fresh starts, good intentions, and maybe drinking more water. Luckily, one of my most reliable habits is birthday cake. While the rest of the world is easing back into routines, I’m over here daydreaming about frosting swirls, that romantic wisp of candle smoke, and
Perfect Cheddar Chive Scones with hot honey butter
These cheddar chive scones are big, flaky, and full of sharp cheddar and fresh chives, finished with whipped hot honey butter for a savory-sweet brunch favorite. I needed a savory offering for last month’s Bakehouse Texas Bakery Box—something cozy and familiar, but still special enough to hold its own among
Giant Cornmeal Linzer Cookie Recipe
Buttery and crisp, this linzer cookie recipe swaps almond flour for cornmeal to give classic cut-out sandwich cookies a delicate, golden crunch. Filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar, these Giant Cornmeal Linzer Cookies are a festive twist on a timeless favorite. These Giant Cornmeal Linzer Cookies came to
Buttery Cheddar Pecan Crackers
Welcome, friends, officially to the holiday season. The big old house in Bellville, Texas is settling into its own traditions this year, and I have to say… it feels exceedingly sweet. We put the Christmas tree up on the front porch well before Thanksgiving (a premature move by my old
The Bakehouse Texas Chocolate Chip Cookies (Texas-Sized Bakery-Style Cookies)
Bakehouse Bakery-Style Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best chocolate chip cookie recipe for big, thick, chewy cookies loaded with melty chocolate. Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and irresistibly buttery – these cookies are your secret weapon. Friends, it’s a great day! After more than a decade
And Here’s Where We’ll Close This Chapter
Friends, good morning! My parents are coming to Texas next week, and I’m counting down the days. The last time they were here (last Thanksgiving, to be exact), I’d roped them into helping me pull off a surprise wedding before the big family dinner which was, as you’d imagine, no
Nesting Season Has Officially Begun
Are you feeling that—the pull toward nesting? Is your energy dipping? Do you fall asleep earlier? Because, same. I’m leaning into it—slower mornings, softer nights,
My Best Browned Butter Banana Bread Recipe
Meet your new favorite banana bread recipe! It’s moist, deeply flavored, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s an easy, one-bowl loaf that fills
Trusting the Water
I have been too excited to come update you on my swimming journey. Right after last month’s post, I started swimming lessons. For anyone who
Lightning Bugs, Blueberry Scones, and an Analog Fall
I’m reporting live from one of my favorite corners of the country – tucked into the trees of Northwest Arkansas. We’ve spent the week camping
An October Baking Moodboard
Friends, hi! I’m ready for October (even though it fully snuck up on me this year). The air has shifted, I’ve taken the shortsleeved sweaters out of hiding (long sleeve sweaters are still a ways away), and suddenly the kitchen feels like the best place to be again. It’s the
Building a Winter Life We’ll Love
Hello! I’m writing to you on a rainy morning. FINALLY. The heat has broken and it is pouring. The world smells so fresh (except for rainy day lunch at the middle school where I’m the vice principal — damp kiddos plus mingling food smells is really something) and I love
Apple Cinnamon Texas Sheet Cake
Every fall, I feel this pull (it’s a mission, really) to dream up a new twist on the classic Texas Sheet Cake. It’s a tradition of sorts now. Last year, I baked a Pumpkin Pecan Texas Sheet Cake, the year before that I couldn’t resist leaning into the classic chocolate version
Links for Another September Sunday
Word on the street is September is almost over. A month I spent surviving, not thriving. Sometimes when life gets this busy—so busy there isn’t room to think—things fall through the cracks. But if I were to throw a more positive spin on it, it’s a season to really figure
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Hi! I'm Joy!
Welcome! This has been my little corner of the internet since 2008!
I’m a baker, photographer, cookbook author and teacher. I live laugh love in Bellville, Texas.