I love baking treats and desserts for my friends. It’s one of my favorite things to do, and a way that I feel I can contribute to hangouts and get-togethers. In the spirit of “keeping warm” during the winter months of short days and dark evenings, here are a few friend-favorite and tried and true recipes I love to make.

• salted caramel chocolate chip cookies:
  We can call this the recipe that started it all. I learned so many cookie-making tips from this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction. And any cookie recipes from her, including this one, have been amazing. If you like salted caramel and soft, decadent chocolate chip cookies, try these!
• gooey, decadent s’mores chocolate chip cookies:
  This is a recipe I developed a few years ago. If you love s’mores, you’ll love these. Be aware they’re rich and a very special treat.
• cinnamon sugar banana bread:
  Another recipe of my own, this recipe is a cinnamony, sugary play on traditional banana bread. A bit more dense and less crumbly, it’s worth a try if you like banana bread and want to change it up a bit.
• salted caramel apple crisp/crumble:
  I use the linked apple crisp recipe (which is very good) as a base and drizzle salted caramel sauce on top. You can sprinkle some coarse salt on top for even more of a salted caramel kick and of course, serve with vanilla ice cream.
• buttery soft pretzel rolls:
  These buttery soft pretzels are a repeat hit with my friend group. I’d say they’re more of a roll than a traditional pretzel, but so good. I’ve made versions with traditional salt sprinkled on top and with cinnamon sugar.
• chocolate chip cookie bars:
  This is a go-to recipe for me when I need/want something quick but gooey and chocolatey. Using mini chocolate chips makes these bars extra gooey and you don’t have to wait for any cookie dough to firm up in the fridge overnight.

Do you have any favorite recipes you love to bake for your friends?