While we love a good hand-me-down recipe (like these favorites from Grandma), it can be tricky to decipher the directions. What exactly is a pinch of salt? How much is a scant cup of sugar? And uh, why doesn’t this recipe specify an oven temperature?
These uncertainties can lead to a recipe’s total failure. Or, in Ree Drummond’s case, extreme success.
We had the chance to chat with The Pioneer Woman about all sorts of things, from her favorite childhood meal to the time she accidentally doubled the butter in a chocolate cake recipe—and it turned out even better than the original.
The Best Chocolate Cake. Ever.
If you’re a Pioneer Woman fan, you’ve likely seen Ree’s recipe for The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever.
“That actually was something my mother-in-law taught me how to make,” Ree told Taste of Home staff writer, Kiersten Hickman. “The secret is that you pull it out of the oven and you’ve got the warm frosting already ready. So the second it comes out, I pour the icing all over the hot cake. It kind of bubbles down on the sides—it’s truly magical!”
(Psst: You’ll make these sheet cakes again and again.)
An Epic Mistake
What Ree didn’t know, however, was that she had accidentally doubled the amount of butter in her mother-in-law’s original cake!
“I misread her recipe,” Ree admitted. “My husband, early in our marriage, was like, ‘I like your sheet cake so much better than my mom’s.’ And I asked, ‘What do you mean? She gave me the recipe. It is your mom’s!’ And he said ‘No, it’s different.’ So finally we figured it out one day.”
Turns out, the ingredient in question was “1 c. butter.” Ree used one cup—or two sticks—of butter. But for Ree’s mom-in-law, “c” stood for cube, which equals a stick. “I kept it with my tweak!” she said.
Here’s everything you need to know about butter.
More Butter Is Better
Ree’s misstep proved something we’ve known all along: More butter is better! While we can’t say that all of our baking mistakes have been as successful (like the time in college I added 2 tablespoons of baking powder to chocolate chip cookie bars instead of 2 teaspoons…) it seems that you can never go wrong with an extra butter pat (or stick!).
See what Ree’s been making lately in her newest cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier.
Get Your Fix with These Buttery Recipes
St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake
A friend gave me a quick version of this
gooey butter cake recipe using a cake mix, but I prefer baking from scratch, so I came up with my own. My family can't get enough! The middle will sink a little; this is normal. This dessert is delicious served warm or cold. And always make sure you're using the
best butter you can find! —Cheri Foster, Vail, Arizona
Go to Recipe
Wisconsin Butter BurgersIt’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Herb-Buttered Baby CarrotsThe herb butter can be used for everything from vegetables to roast chicken, turkey, game hens—let your imagination be your guide.—Sandra Corey, Caldwell, Idaho
Dreamy PolentaI grew up eating polenta, so it’s a must at my holiday gatherings. Traditional recipes require constant stirring, but using my handy slow cooker allows me to turn my attention to the lineup of other foods on my spread. —Ann Voccola, Milford, Connecticut
Layered Yellow Cake with Chocolate ButtercreamThis yellow cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, but the tender cake with flavorful chocolate buttercream is truly perfect for any occasion. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon Popovers with Pecan Honey ButterMy mom passed this recipe down to me many years ago. We love the delicate lemon flavor with the pecan honey butter. The popovers are a nice addition to any dinner, but they're especially delicious at breakfast with a bowl of fruit and yogurt. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Buttery Herb Roasted ChickenRoasting chicken is always such a comforting thing, especially when you can pick the herbs right from your garden and pair them with some fresh citrus to smear across the bird! My family can't get enough of this herb-roasted chicken recipe. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Easy BiscuitsWhip up this buttery, easy biscuit recipe to serve with breakfast or dinner. The dough is very simple to work with, so there's no need to roll with a rolling pin; just pat to the right thickness. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Kentucky Butter CakeLook no further than Kentucky butter cake for a fluffy, buttery cake with an excellent crumb and a vanilla-almond butter sauce that permeates every bite.
Original Brown Butter Refrigerator CookiesI especially like these cookies because they’re quick and easy to prepare. I can mix them up in a few minutes and pop them into the refrigerator or freezer until I’m ready to bake. These cookies won
Country Woman’s first-ever recipe contest back in December 1970. —Ione Diekfuss, Muskego, Wisconsin
Sauteed Tarragon RadishesWho says radishes only belong in salads? These sautéed radishes are cooked in wine and tarragon, and may just change the way you look at radishes forever. These can be served on their own, or added to your favorite au gratin recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)My husband’s German family calls this
Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Grilled Veggies with Caper ButterWe enjoy the tart, peppery taste of capers. No one likes a bland veggie, and caper butter helps peppers, squash and zucchini shine. —Danyelle Crum, Indian Trail, North Carolina
Aunt Rose's Fantastic Butter ToffeeI don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
Blood Orange Caramel Tarte TatinI never had blood oranges until I moved to California. Their growing season is pretty short, so I use them in everything I possibly can. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this dessert. The sweet orange flavor pairs perfectly with brown sugar and looks so lovely. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California
Browned Butter Red PotatoesI've been making my version of Dad's potatoes for years, and it goes great with any meal. Browning the butter gives the potatoes a whole new taste. —Anne Pavelak, Endicott, Washington
French Butter CookiesThe Brittany region of France is known for its use of butter. These French butter cookies, also known as sable Breton, shine the spotlight on the famous ingredient. This recipe is mildly sweet, rich, crisp and has a hint of salt. You won't be able to resist having a second—or third. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Classic Butter Pie PastryThe best pies start with the best crusts. Learn how to make a pie crust recipe from scratch using these step-by-step instructions.
Buttery-Onion Corn on the CobMy mother has been making this oven-roasted corn on the cob recipe for years. Every time I make it for company they rave and can't believe how easy it is! —Lisa Denson, Decatur, Alabama
Buttery Whiskey-Glazed Pearl OnionsI always have pearl onions on hand to add to stews and vegetable dishes—they're great pickled too. Every Thanksgiving, I make this glazed onion dish. It can easily be made ahead and reheated. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Holland Butter CookiesMy great-grandmother's Holland butter cookies have been passed down in my family from generation to generation. This recipe uses only five ingredients that are usually already in the house. For different holidays, I swap the almonds for cherries, walnuts or ginger. —Tineke De Rosa, Blairstown, New Jersey
Vanilla-Butter Sugar CookiesThese butter sugar cookies are one of my favorite cookies to bake for Christmas. The dough recipe is versatile, so you can use it for other holidays, too. Children like to help with the cookie decorating. —Cynthia Ettel, Glencoe, Minnesota
Buttery Mashed PotatoesThese creamy, buttery mashed potatoes use simple ingredients. The tricks are to use Yukon Gold potatoes and then to warm the cream and butter before adding them to the potatoes. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime ButterThis grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Carrots LyonnaiseThis recipe from a junior high home economics class was brought home by my sister Laurie. My family liked it so much that it became a part of our Christmas dinner tradition. — Elizabeth Plants, Kirkwood, Missouri
Flaky Butterhorn RollsThe recipe for these dinner rolls, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s. They are simple to prepare because kneading skills are not required and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them "Grandma’s croissants"! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Tender Pecan LogsFolks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they're just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. —Joyce Beck, Gadsden, Alabama
Cheddar and Chive Mashed PotatoesMy husband swears my cheddar mashed potatoes are the world's best. We always have some in the freezer. Sometimes I dollop individual servings in muffin cups and reheat them that way instead. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Gooey Butter CookiesAs a native of St. Louis, I wanted to make a cookie version of the famous gooey butter cake. And although many gooey butter cake recipes use a cake mix, these cookies are made from scratch. —Julia TenHoeve, Richmond, Virginia
Dutch LettersThese S-shaped super flaky butter pastries filled with almond paste and topped with crunchy sugar are popular in both Iowa and Holland during the Christmas season. Here's a recipe that will let you make and enjoy them all year round. —Shirley De Lange, Byron Center, Michigan
Cast-Iron Loaded Breakfast BiscuitsThese loaded breakfast biscuits are full of hearty breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon, mushrooms and cheese! They are perfect to bake up on the weekends, then freeze for a quick weekday breakfast. A gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for the all-purpose flour. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cauliflower GratinCauliflower gratin is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious that even the kids will ask for seconds! If you like a little crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top after 30 minutes of baking. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Maple Butter TwistsMy stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
Butter-Dipped Biscuit SquaresThese are the easiest and best biscuits I've ever made. They're light and buttery and they go well with virtually any meal. —
Rebekah DeWitt, Star City, Arkansas
Miso-Buttered SuccotashThe miso paste in this super simple and
healthy canned vegetable recipe gives depth and a hint of savoriness. To brighten the flavor profile even more, you could add a splash of your favorite white wine. —William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina
Buttery Bubble BreadHomemade bread can be time-consuming, difficult and tricky to make. But this fun-to-eat monkey bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, is easy and almost foolproof. If I'm serving it for breakfast, I add some cinnamon and drizzle it with icing. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut ButterThis is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffle. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington
Bake-Sale Lemon BarsThe recipe for these tangy lemon bars comes from my cousin, who is famous for cooking up farm feasts. —Mildred Keller, Rockford, Illinois
Grilled Corn in HusksIf you're new to grilling corn in the husk, season the ears with butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley. It's especially good! Be sure to give the corn a long soak before putting it on the grill. Hot off the grate, the kernels are moist and tender with a wonderful, sweet flavor.
—Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Rainbow Butter CookiesOur family can't get through the holidays without these fun, colorful cookies. They come out of my oven by the dozens! —Lanette Tate, Sandy, Utah
Granny’s Apple Scalloped PotatoesThis scalloped potatoes with apples dish is delicious with breaded baked pork chops, which you could cook at the same time in another cast-iron pan. We are retired and it's just the two of us, but you could easily double the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
CornbreadGolden squares of buttery cornbread pair perfectly with any comfort meal. This cornbread is crisp on the outside with a soft, crumbly interior.
Grilled ShrimpThese buttery grilled shrimp are so good you'll want to eat them all summer long! Learn how to grill shrimp as an easy appetizer or topping for salads, grain bowls and more.
Buttery Spritz CookiesSpritz cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, or for any time during the year when you want a soft and delightful treat!
Buttery Radish BaguetteMy dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Bread Pudding with NutmegI always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and on holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding with nutmeg he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri
Chocolate EclairsWith creamy filling and fudgy frosting, this chocolate eclair recipe is extra special. —Jessica Campbell, Viola, Wisconsin
Buttery Sweet Potato CasseroleWhenever we get together as a family for major holidays, my kids, nieces and nephews literally beg me to make this sweet potato casserole. It goes together in minutes with canned sweet potatoes, which is ideal for the busy holiday season. —Sue Miller, Mars, Pennsylvania
Hot Buttered Cider MixPut the butter base for this beverage in a decorative jar and attach a copy of the recipe for a great gift from your kitchen. You can omit the brandy for a kid-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Thumbprint Butter CookiesThese buttery little rounds add beautiful color to a platter of treats. Fill the thumbprint in the center with any fruit preserves you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
ShortbreadI live in Missouri, but many of our family recipes come from New Zealand, where I lived as a youngster. I proudly claim a Down Under heritage! These special-occasion cookies bring back warm and sweet memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family—no matter where they live. —A. Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri
Roasted Potatoes with Garlic ButterA platter of golden and orange potatoes can serve double duty as your dinner centerpiece. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Baked Potato SoupThis baked potato soup recipe tastes just like a loaded baked potato but in soup form! Bowls of the cozy soup are served with sprinkles of cheddar cheese and smoky bacon.
Brown Sugar Pound CakeThis tender pound cake is the first one I mastered. You'll want to eat the browned butter icing by the spoonful. It tastes like pralines. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Frosted Cashew CookiesWe savor these cookies at Christmas, but they're special year-round with coffee or tucked into a lunchbox. I won a ribbon with these cookies at my county fair. —Sheila Wyum, Rutland, North Dakota
Butter SteakThis garlic butter steak recipe is the restaurant-quality steak you've been looking for. The pan-seared steak is deliciously rich and garlicky, and the butter makes it oh, so tender—even if you use a budget cut like top sirloin or flat iron steak.
Lemon & Rosemary Butter CookiesCooling lemon and aromatic rosemary make these butter cookies stand out at the holidays. I use them to punch up the cookie trays for potlucks or as gifts.—Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Garlic Butter ShrimpAromatics and lemon lend pleasant flavor to this garlic butter shrimp recipe. I like to serve it over wild rice mix from a box. —Sheryll Hughes-Smith, Brandon, Mississippi
Swedish Butter CookiesIt's impossible to eat just one of these Swedish cookies. Naturally, they're a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this treat. My recipe is "well-traveled" among our friends and neighbors. —Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois
Yellow Cake with Buttercream FrostingThis is a classic scratch cake. The homemade buttery frosting and crisp, sugared edges really make it stand out. —Aria Thornton, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stollen Butter RollsMy family members enjoy my stollen so much and say it’s just too good to be served only on holidays. I created this buttery, less-sweet dinner roll version. —Mindy White, Nashville, Tennessee
Grilled CabbageIf you're only eating cabbage in coleslaw, you're missing out! Grilled cabbage is the secret to transforming the crunchy leaves into sweet, tender bites. Here's how to grill cabbage so it turns out perfect, every time.
Frosted Butter Rum Brickle BitesThe rum, real butter and toffee bits made these cookies my husband’s new favorite. If you’d like them less sweet, skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while still warm. —Cindy Nerat, Menominee, Michigan
Cranberry Cake with Almond-Butter SauceMake room for this recipe in your collection. Tart cranberries and sweet almond glaze turn this potluck cake into something truly special. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Swiss Cheese BreadThis bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Amish Sugar CookiesThe Amish seem to be master bakers, and they did not skimp on Amish sugar cookies.
Browned Butter Red PotatoesI've been making my version of Dad's potatoes for years, and it goes great with any meal. Browning the butter gives the potatoes a whole new taste. —Anne Pavelak, Endicott, Washington
Butter Pecan FudgeToasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California
Classic Chocolate CakeIf you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
Icebox RollsI remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Mimosa Butter CookiesYou can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. —Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico
Chicken in Lime Butter"A few ordinary, on-hand ingredients make this moist and tender chicken something really extraordinary! The flavor added by the rich, buttery sauce with a splash of lime juice is unmatched. It’s been a hands-down winner at our house for 20 some years," says Denise Segura of Draper, Utah.
Pecan Butter TartsI searched for the perfect
butter tart for ages. After many attempts, I discovered this favorite that begs for a scoop of ice cream on top. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Double DelightsYou get the best of both worlds with these chocolate and vanilla cookies. They're an appealing addition to any cookie tray. I usually serve them at the holidays, when they're often the first cookies to disappear, but you can have them any time of year. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Pecan CobblerOn those days when you can't decide between cobbler and pie, try this pecan cobbler recipe for the best of both worlds. It's gooey and delicious!
Buttery Ganache Cookie CupsOur family wanted to share our love of ganache-filled cupcakes, so we made them into cookies. Even better: we bake the cookies in muffin cups, fill with ganache, and get the best of both worlds! —Adela Srinivasan, Parker, Colorado
Cheddar Buttermilk BiscuitsEvery bite of these flaky biscuits get a little kick from cayenne pepper and sharp cheddar cheese. They're a nice accompaniment to soup and stew.
—Kimberley Nuttall, San Marco, California
Butter Pound CakeWhether garnished with fresh berries and sprigs of rosemary or just served plain, this rich cake is fabulous. It bakes to a beautiful golden brown and it's definitely a keeper! —Edgar Wright, Silver Spring, Maryland
Italian Butter CookiesButtery soft with a sweet chocolate tip, these Italian butter cookies are a surefire way to impress your guests. Make them ahead of time (they freeze exceptionally well), or fresh in just a few hours; either way, you'll have a simple yet tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Lemon-Butter Brussels SproutsKick up these stovetop lemon Brussels sprouts with fresh lemon zest. Even my toddler will eat this up! — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Overnight Cinnamon RollsThe wait may seem hard, but these overnight cinnamon rolls are worth it. These rolls are made with a doughy, moisture-rich dough packed with cinnamony goodness and are the perfect addition to your weekend brunch spread. Serve them piping hot with the decadent glaze dripping down the edges.
Garlic BreadA basket of garlic bread makes any meal feel like a special occasion. Here's how to make a quick and easy homemade loaf.
Beer and Pretzel CaramelsBeer and pretzels are a natural combination—mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin CookiesWhen you're craving a dose of sweet fall flavor, these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are bound to hit the spot.
Old-Time Butter Crunch CandyBoth my children and my grandchildren say the season wouldn't be the same without the big tray of candies and cookies I prepare. This one's the most popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Butter Pecan CakeThis irresistible butter pecan cake features multiple layers, plenty of toasted buttery pecan crunch and a thick layer of buttercream frosting. In a word, it's delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream to complement this decadent southern dessert.
Stilton, Bacon & Garlic Smashed PotatoesBold, savory flavor from bacon, Stilton cheese and fresh garlic take mashed potatoes to a whole new level. This side dish is so rich and satisfying, it could be eaten as an entree! —Jamie Brown-Miller, Napa, California
Snowball CookiesI love making these buttery, nutty cookies during the holidays. This snowball cookies recipe (also called pecan meltaways) is simple enough to make ahead and freeze, too!
Browned Butter Spice CookiesIf you like spice cake, you’ll love this recipe! Browned butter, dark chocolate and a splash of rum produce an unconventional spice cookie that’s guaranteed to please. —Kristin Kenney, Newport Beach, California
Icebox ButterhornsThese beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana
Coffee Cake RecipeOur coffee cake recipe turns coffee-o-clock into a true treat!
Shortbread HeartsThese flaky cookies melt in your mouth. Dipped in chocolate, they look festive.—Barbara Birk, St. George, Utah
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Sticky Cinnamon-Sugar Monkey BreadYou can do all the prep work for this monkey bread the night before. I prepare the dough pieces and put all the sauce ingredients in the pan so it's ready for the morning. You can sprinkle chopped nuts in with the dough pieces before pouring the sauce on and baking. — Diana Kunselman, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania
Homemade Corn Muffins with Honey ButterI turn classic corn bread muffins into something special by serving them with a honey butter. They're gone in a flash! —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
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