Customer Reviews

500 Cookies: The Only Cookie Compendium You'll Ever Need (500 Cooking (Sellers))

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you are hunting for 500 different cookie recipes, I do not recommend this book. There are maybe 200 recipes. Each has three variations that could easily be done by any novice or amatur cook. Such as Variation I, For Cinnamon Cookies, Add 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon; Variation 2 - For Ginger Cookies, Add 1/2 teaspoon ground Ginger; Variation 3 - For Orange Cookies, add 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest. Then, the variations for nearly all the recipes are the same. The ingredients are missing for some of the recipes. For example, the first recipe I wanted to try was for the Cinnamon Stars. In the directions, will tell you to add water. Water is not listed as one of the ingredients and no where within the recipe does it tell you how much water to add. I also bought 500 Cupcakes, sure hope I am happier with that book than I am this one.

A compact compendium of five hundred recipes for cookies drawn from all over the world, Philippa Vanstone's 500 Cookies is organized with separate chapters devoted to classic cookies, teatime cookies, cookies for kids, chocolate cookies, celebration cookies, wholesome healthy cookies, cookies for special diets, cookie bars, dessert cookies, and savory cookies & crackers. An informative introduction and a thoroughly "user friendly" index round out this remarkable collection of delicious cookie treats that range from Scottish Shortbread; Polenta Crescents; Chocolate Spice Cookies; and Cinnamon Stars; to Applesauce Cookies; Chewy Almond Cherry Bars; Cream Cheese Cookie Slices; and Blue Cheese Crumbles. Along with the list of ingredients and "kitchen cook friendly" instructions, each cookie is also illustrated with a color photograph. 500 Cookies will soon prove to be a family favorite on the cookbook shelf as it showcases traditional fare with exotic offerings suitable for any and all dining occasions from after school snacks to elegant dining occasions.

there were a lot of cookies but not what I expected. they would add another cookie to the count by adding one ingredient. Basic

Editing problems not withstanding, the primary problem with this cookbook - to me - is that I expected a cookbook with 500 cookie recipes. Counting "variations" is, well, cheating. Invariably purchasers feel duped because they aren't getting what the title says. A secondary problem is that though the book's size is visually appealing (it's about 5 or 6 inches square and about 1.5 inches thick) such small pages require the print to be very small, making it difficult to read. And last but not least, the book doesn't lie flat when open, meaning you must put a bookmark at the page your're using, then constantly reopen the book to read ingredients or mixing directions, which means washing your hands so you don't get butter and sugar and flour on the book.

When I first ran across the "500" series of cookbooks I enthusiastically added a number of them to my Amazon Wish List. I'm taking them all off now.

This is an awesome cookie cookbook. Just the perfect size for the kitchen shelf. The pictures are terrific, and I especially enjoy the variations to the standard cookie recipe...what a great idea! I tried several recipes for Christmas this year and received compliments on all...especially the meringue cookies! Buy one for yourself and one as a gift for your favorite baker!

I have to say today I throw this book away. I have tried over 20 of the recipes and have been very disappointed every time. Everything I bake where I get the recipe from somewhere else is wonderful but I swear this cookbook was written and the recipes never tested. I am sick of wasting ingredients and my time. Don't waste yours.

If you are looking for a dessert cookbook, try the 500 Cupcakes book instead. It is as if someone didn't proofread this book. The front of the book says to use self-rising flour but then in all of the recipes it says to use all-purpose flour. There are tons of confusing things like this throughout the book. But this book sure is cute!

The 500 Cookies provides 125 recipes for a variety of cookies and bars for everyday use to special occasions. Each of the 125 recipes has four minor variations that tweak the item into a different version by adding a new flavor profile. Overall it is an average cookbook but for those who are skilled in baking like my wife it provides base recipes that can then be used to make their own variations while using this as a widespread springboard and because the recipes are chosen for easy variations they lend themselves to creating your own as well. We have only found a few recipes to be a little vague on the directions but overall have not had too many problems with this book. Overall well recommended for those that are looking for a lot of cookie recipes that can be built on.

I ordered this book anticipating lots of great, well-known cookie recipes. I was disappointed when I read through and saw that there was an entire section of recipes that aren't really cookies-more like after dinner biscuits. The recipes are also complex and call for ingredients that only a professional baker would have. It would be very difficult to have children help with the recipes, especially ones that have many steps or require long breaks between steps. I returned this and will look for a more family friendly cookie book.

I recieved this book as a Christmas present a year ago. This book does not have a good selection of cookie recipes and often is very confusing. I have tried numerous recipes and all have been horrible. I do not believe these recipes were proofread or even tried out before being published. One example of the recipes being "confusing" - recipe calls for 1 cup (5 oz) macadamia nuts. Now, last time I checked 1 cup = 8 oz. So which measurement do I use??? This type of problem is in almost ALL the recipes! I just don't get it... I do not reccomend this book at all. You will waste your expensive ingredients just like I have!!!