Cookies, Cookies & More Cookies!

Though the category is well past capacity, German (Cupcakes, Cupcakes & More Cupcakes!) makes a solid contribution to the snack genre in this collection of cookies and bars for all occasions, tastes, and skill levels. Whether bakers opt for classics like linzers, brownies, and gingerbread, the formidable Hamantachens, or why-didn't-I-think-of-that treats like Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich cookies, there are enough surprises here to keep cookie-lovers entertained. Though there are some puzzling entries (her New Year's Pop Rock Cookies call for almost a cup of the iconic candy and seem more like a dare than a genuine recipe) and her Almond Horn cookies employ ground hazelnuts rather than almonds, she makes up for it with can't-screw-up recipes for Cinnamon Twists, a four-ingredient, kid-friendly treat using puff pastry; and the three-ingredient Milk Chocolate & Cornflake Fingers. Bakers interested in expanding their cookie repertoire will appreciate twists like Tehini and Agave Cookies, Pistachio Cardamom Cookies, and the Argentinian Alfajores, a sandwich cookie calling for Dulce de Leche. Cookie-lovers of all skill levels will appreciate the breadth, making it something they can turn to again and again as palates mature and skills strengthen. Though slim, the book deserves a slot on any serious cookie-baker's shelf. (Apr.)