easy recipes

Name: Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought; 6 Tablespoons of melted butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons of vanilla; 3/4 cup of evaporated milk

Air Fryer Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

February 12, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

As a foodie, I’ve always been obsessed with the yummy things that people gravitate towards. But it wasn’t until my late 20’s that I was introduced to warm Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. Honestly, I didn’t realize what the big deal was. That is, until a co-worker brought me my first ever warm Krispy Kreme donut. And that, my friends, was a game-changer. Recently I had the pleasure of introducing my kids to Krispy Kreme. But, instead of spending the money a couple of times a month to pick some up, I decided to make my own Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts recipe!

Why you need an air fryer

So the Air Fryer in itself is a fairly new (and hot!) commodity. But our convection toaster oven has had an air fry function built in for the last 3+ years. So I’ve had the chance to play around with the air fry function a bit. It worked okay, but having an actual air fryer has seriously changed the game. It heats up very quickly. Something as simple french fries turn out absolutely delicious.

What you’ll need to make Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

Besides your handy dandy air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought
6 Tablespoons of melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3/4 cup of evaporated milk

That is it! Honestly, the most ‘difficult’ part is the prep of the glaze. But the glaze is the absolute best part of a Krispy Kreme donut, am I right?!

Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought
6 Tablespoons of melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3/4 cup of evaporated milk

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Using a baking hole punch, punch hole from center of biscuit.

STEP 2 -

Spray air fryer basket with oil and place four donuts leaving space to expand. Spray donuts with oil.

STEP 3 -

Cook on 390 for 5 minutes.

STEP 4 -

Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and evaporated milk until completely combined.

STEP 5 -

Place donuts on a cooling rack over a baking sheet.

STEP 6 -

Pour glaze over donuts. Reuse captured glaze from baking sheet and re-glaze donuts 6-8 times.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

February 7, 2021 by Rachel 5 Comments

Okay, friends. Valentine’s Day is almost here. I know I’ve given you loads of options for sweets and treats. But I’m going to keep this ‘traditional.’ I know so many people who are obsessed with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Confession: I am not one of those people. I love peanut butter, but I just think that those peanut butter cups are gross. If I go for store-bought, I prefer Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups. But if I want to really want to knock the socks off my family, I make my own. And these heart shaped peanut butter cups are the perfect addition to our Valentine’s Day.

What you’ll need

I’m not going to lie, the design of these and decorating can be a tad bit intimidating. But I promise it is way easier than you think. I’ll include tips to make this an easy process — with a delicious outcome!

Ingredients –

1.5 Cups of dark chocolate wafers
6 ounces of natural peanut butter (smooth, and stirred really well to ensure there isn’t any peanut oil visibly present)
3.5 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
Good pinch of quality salt
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Heart mold
edible gold leaf, nonpareils (optional)

The heart molds can be purchased on Amazon. If you’re looking to really step up the design, get the edible gold foil. It’s gorgeous and it’s a showstopper. Do not be intimidated by it!

Notes on the recipe

Be sure to use the freezer when noted. The chocolate needs to be hardened. And so does the peanut butter mixture. Otherwise, it will be a gooey mess.

How to make your Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups

Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients

1.5 Cups of dark chocolate wafers
6 ounces of natural peanut butter (smooth, and stirred really well to ensure there isn’t any peanut oil visibly present)
3.5 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
Good pinch of quality salt
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Heart mold
edible gold leaf, nonpareils (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth.

STEP 2 -

Fold a piece of parchment paper in half then transfer the peanut butter to one half, fold the other side of the paper over so the peanut butter is in the middle of the two sheets, and smooth the peanut butter mixture to an even ½ inch thickness. Set this in the freezer for about 20 minutes. *It is easier to work with frozen peanut butter mixture, but you can certainly do this with softer peanut butter, it will just be a little bit harder to work with.

While that is chilling you can start with the chocoolate.

STEP 3 -

Melt the chocolate to package instruction and carefully smooth it into each corner of the heart molds with a small rubber spatula.

You want to have a solid and even coating on the hearts, for this carefully turn the mold around and look at it from each direction to make sure no spots are missed.

I like to have the silicone mold on a tray or plate while doing this as it helps with stabilizing the tray while the chocolate is setting up.

You will have plenty of chocolate left over in your melting dish after this step, you will use this in the next steps. Leave the tray on the counter while the peanut butter filling chills.

STEP 4 -

Remove the filling mixture from the freezer and free hand cut or use a cookie cutter to cut out hearts that will easily fit into the center of the chocolate hearts.

STEP 5 -

The chocolate should still be very liquidy and the peanut butter hearts should easily push right into the chocolate.

Try to press them in just enough that they are in all the way-but not so far that they would likely push through to the chocolate that would be the top part of the hearts once removed from the molds.

STEP 6 -

Pour the rest of the chocolate over the hearts and carefully smooth out so the chocolate evenly fills all of the space around and over the peanut butter filling. Try not to add so much that the bottoms will be mounted up with the chocolate, aim for a flat bottom.

STEP 7 -

Set in the freezer to chill for about 20 minutes.

STEP 8 -

Remove the completely solid hearts from the mold, I like to use food safe gloves for this to avoid fingerprints.

STEP 9 -

Use the remaining melted chocolate to drizzle over the top of some or all of the hearts. Sprinkle nonpareils on some.

STEP 10 -

I used clean food tweezers to apply a little edible gold leaf on two of the hearts. The trick to using gold leaf is to get the surface of the item you will be decorating just a tiny bit wet. This can be tricky with chocolate so try to add just tiny droplets of water on the exact spot you want the gold. The gold leaf holds up perfectly fine in changing temperatures such as room temp, the fridge, freezer and then back to room temp again.

STEP 11 -

ENJOY!

Heart Shaped Peanut Butter Cups

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

PIN FOR LATER

Must Try Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe

February 5, 2021 by Rachel 9 Comments

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I’m a tad bit Stabucks-obsessed. I developed a Starbucks coffee habit in Syracuse, where I was an undergrad student. It started with Venti Iced Coffee. Years later, I’m basically a straight black, nitro cold brew gal. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy some of their other, fancier, creations now and then. And this Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink recipe is something I LOVE for an afternoon pickup. And, it turns out, it’s quite simple to duplicate — and cheaper!

What you’ll need to make this copycat drink

2 bags of tazo passion tea in cup of water
3/4 cup of tazo mixology herbal tea concentrate berry hibiscus margarita
1 cup of milk
2 Tablespoons of vanilla syrup
2-3 strawberries, sliced
ice

That’s it! And, once you have these ingredients on-hand, you can make this all . the . time! If only I earned stars for every time I made this Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink! Be sure to pair this with your favorite cake pops and you’re set to go!

Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe Card

Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 bags of tazo passion tea in cup of water
3/4 cup of tazo mixology herbal tea concentrate berry hibiscus margarita
1 cup of milk (coconut, if possible)
2 Tablespoons of vanilla syrup
2-3 strawberries, sliced
ice

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Steep tazo tea bags in one cup hot water for at least 4 minutes.

STEP 2 -

Combine all ingredients (except strawberries) over ice in a drink shaker. Shake until combined.

STEP 3 -

Add sliced strawberries in cup with ice, pour combined drink over.

STEP 4 -

ENJOY!

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Must Try Air Fryer Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

January 30, 2021 by Rachel 13 Comments

There are plenty of mornings in our house where my kids wake up screaming that they want cinnamon rolls. In fact, I’m not going to lie — my kids wake up most mornings begging for cinnamon rolls. I’m not sure what started this. I remember, as a kid, begging my mom for ‘cinnamon toast.’ And I suppose cinnamon rolls might be this morning memory for my kids. I have tried basically every canned cinnamon roll on the market (PS. whatever you do, do not buy ALDI canned cinnamon rolls!). Regardless, I was never happy with the canned rolls. Instead I tried to make an exact copycat Cinnabon rolls recipe. Guess what? I nailed it.

Why use an air fryer?

Just like my other favorite appliance, the Instant Pot, the Air Fryer is incredible. It’s super easy to use and the cooking method just makes things extra delicious.

What You’ll need to make these Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

whole milk
active yeast
white sugar
egg
unsalted butter, melted
all-purpose flour
salt
cup light brown sugar
cinnamon
cream cheese
powdered sugar
vanilla extract

The recipe details seem difficult, but I promise it is way easier than you think! Most of the total time is spent letting the dough rise. So please don’t be intimidated about this recipe!

Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Yield: 2 very large cinnamon rolls

Copycat Cinnabon Rolls

Prep Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

The Dough

¾ cup warm whole milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active yeast
¼ cup of white sugar
1 egg and 1 egg yolk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt

The Filling

2/3 cup light brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

The Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place milk in a microwave safe container and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Pour warm milk into a mixing bowl and add yeast.

STEP 2 -

Add sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until completely combined.

STEP 3 -

Stir in flour and salt until dough begins to form.

STEP 4 -

Using a stand mixer, attach dough hook and mix on medium until dough forms into a ball and not sticking to the mixing bowl. Add some flour if too sticky. If using hands to knead, knead the dough for 10 minutes on a floured surface until dough is no longer sticky.

STEP 5 -

Place the dough ball in a well-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Place bowl on the counter for an hour and a half to allow for the dough to double in size.

STEP 6 -

Place the dough on a floured surface and flatten with a rolling pin until the dough is roughly a square foot of surface. (12”x12”)

STEP 7 -

Rub room temperature butter to cover the dough leave a slight margin around the dough.

STEP 8 -

Sprinkle and combine the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture to complete the filling.

STEP 9 -

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into inch and a half wide strips.

STEP 10 -

Roll the strips into themselves until all are rolled into a wheel. Place dough wheel into spring mold pan that fits the air fryer basket. Cover pan with cloth and allow dough to sit for 15 minutes.

STEP 11 -

Cook in air fryer for 20 minutes on 350 degrees.

STEP 12 -

Remove cinnamon roll from air fryer and allow to cool.

STEP 13 -

In a mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until frosting is combine completely.

STEP 14 -

Top the cinnamon roll with the frosting and enjoy!

PIN FOR LATER

The easiest copycat Cinnabon roll recipe

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe

January 22, 2021 by Rachel 13 Comments

Living in Ohio, I feel like we were ‘late’ to the game when it came to Chick-fil-A. We would sometimes stop there during our travels south. But it wasn’t until I was in high school that a Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in Northeast Ohio. They definitely have a cult-like following. And, at first I didn’t quite get it. But after moving back home from New York, I caught the ‘bug’ that is a Chick-fil-A obsession. And, now that I have my trusty air fryer, I’ve made a Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich recipe that is to DIE for!

Why the air fryer?

Okay, so truth be told, we’ve been long-time advocates of the air fryer. Traditional fryers are messy and big! But air fryers aer simple and take up way less space. In fact, our Breville Smart Oven has an air fry feature we’ve been using for years. But, in addition to our Instant Pot, the air fryer is our next most-used kitchen appliance.

It’s such a great investment. And it’s way healthier than a deep fryer. Especially for the Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich!

What you’ll need

In addition to your air fryer, you’ll need the following:

2 chicken breasts
1/4 cup of pickle juice
1/4 cup of water
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk, whole
1 cup of flour
2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons of cornstarch
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 Tablespoon of oil
2 hamburger buns
6 pickle slices

How to make your own Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich

Prep Time 35 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 47 minutes

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
1/4 cup of pickle juice
1/4 cup of water
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk, whole
1 cup of flour
2 Tablespoons of powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons of cornstarch
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 Tablespoon of oil
2 hamburger buns
6 pickle slices

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place the chicken in a gallon size ziplock bags. Pound them until they are 1/2 inch thick.

STEP 2 -

Cut the breast into 4 pieces.

STEP 3 -

Place the chicken back in the bag. Add in your pickle juice and water. Allow them to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.

STEP 4 -

Whisk the egg and milk together.

STEP 5 -

In a separate bowl, mix together your dry ingredients: flour, starch, and spices.

STEP 6 -

Coat the chicken in the egg mixture, then the flour mixture.

STEP 7 -

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking oil.

STEP 8 -

Place your chicken in the air fryer basket. Spray the chicken with cooking spray.

STEP 9 -

Cook for 6 minutes at 340 degrees. Flip and cook for another 6 minutes at 400 degrees.

STEP 10 -

Place your chicken on your hamburger bun with three slices of dill pickles.

STEP 11 -

Enjoy!

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Easy Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip Recipe

January 19, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

We are nearly a year into a massive change in all of our lives. I will be honest — at the beginning of all of this, I was ordering a TON of takeout and using meal-kit services. But something changed and I started to get much more creative with my meal ideas (thanks in large part to Pinterest). And even things like pizza needed to be switched up. I mean, how much pizza can a family eat?! Well, this super easy Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip recipe satisfies the need for ‘different’ and it’s amazing!

What you’ll need

This recipe is super easy. I do recommend using a cast iron skillet like this one. Heads up – do not wash it with soap and water!

Here’s what else you will need to make this easy cheesy skillet pizza dip:

6 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (16 ounce) package frozen bread dough dinner rolls, thawed
One (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup pizza sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup (¾ ounce) sliced pepperoni
2 Tablespoons minced fresh basil, for garnish

I am SO happy that we are no longer a dairy-free family and can enjoy delicious foods like this dip. Because it is to die for.

How to make Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip

Cheesy Skillet Pizza Dip

Ingredients

6 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (16 ounce) package frozen bread dough dinner rolls, thawed
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup pizza sauce
¼ cup (¾ ounce) sliced pepperoni
2 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons minced fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

STEP 1 -

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

STEP 2 -

Combine the butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

STEP 3 -

Cut each dinner roll into four equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

STEP 4 -

Dip the dough ball into the butter mixture. Place the dough ball along the outer edge of a 10-inch cast iron skillet, leaving the center open. Stack the remaining dough balls on top of the bottom layer.