Q: How can you tell when chocolate cookies are ready? For light-colored cookies (chocolate chip, sugar, etc.), I know they're ready when they're just slightly golden at the edges, but you don't have that visual clue with chocolate cookies. Any suggestions?

Sent by Julie More

Getting a head start on holiday shopping is one way to ease December stress. Another way is to check your pantry now for holiday baking essentials so you can avoid beginning a recipe and realizing you're out of sprinkles, parchment paper, or your cookie cutters are sub-par. We have a few great tips to get ready for holiday cookies, quick breads, cakes and pies. More

Q: What are some good cookie recipes that make large batches of cookies? I'm trying to plan ahead for the holidays.

Sent by Dani More

Q: A pastry chef at a popular French bistro tried one of my home-baked cookies and offered to buy the recipe from me. I am willing to sell it to her, but I have no idea what a reasonable price would be. What does it mean to me if I sell my recipe? Can I not bake it anymore, ever? More

Avoiding animal products doesn't mean missing out on the holiday baking fun. Here are 10 favorite recipes for vegan cakes, breads, cookies and more, including no-knead cranberry-walnut pumpkin bread and simple vanilla almond sandies. More

Holiday baking is now in full swing, with pies, tarts, crisps and cookies popping up on food blogs and in full-page magazine spreads. Gluten-free cooks shouldn't feel discouraged, though: there are plenty of delicious gluten-free dessert options for the holidays! We found gluten-free versions of a few classic Thanksgiving desserts, from Pumpkin Pie to Apple Crisp—and a few even went above and beyond the norm. (A certain Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe comes to mind!) Check out a few gluten-free baking ingredient and tips below, as well as 10 great dessert recipes: More

Q: I have recently been contemplating getting a cookie jar for the sake of nostalgia. I understand that traditional jars aren't the best thing for keeping cookies fresh but I want the feeling that having a cookie jar invokes in the kitchen if you will. Something quirky and fun to look at... More

Do you have a friend or loved one on active duty overseas? If you'd like to send them a holiday food package this season, go right ahead! But here are a few rules to keep in mind when shipping edible goodies to troops overseas: More

Love holiday baking, but short on time? Turn to your freezer for help! Cookies, cakes, cupcakes and even whole pies can be made ahead of time and baked or thawed when you need them, so you'll always have a special dessert on hand, no matter how busy your schedule. More

Of my hundreds of cherished cookbooks, my old school community cookbooks rank at the top of the class. (Bonus points if written by a Southern Junior League!) I love reading these retro tomes for entertainment, but they are often the first place I turn for new recipe inspiration, as well. More