This cookie and bar book emphasizes flavor and the use of healthier ingredients, such as fruits, seeds, spices, extracts and nuts. Almost all of the 63 flavors have both a cookie and a bar recipe for that flavor. Each page, which is shaped like a large recipe card, has one recipe and a rating system, so users can keep track of their favorites.

Linda Murdock has some unique recipes, including an eggnog cookie, a root beer bar and two cayenne recipes. Although the classics, like chocolate chip, are covered, she has designed the book around a variety of popular flavors. She has substitutions to help reduce calories, without reducing flavor. Most recipes are easy to make.

Pages are illustrated with black and white photos, explanatory notes or historic trivia. The How Ingredients Work section explains the basics of baking and the Q&A section answers most concerns for beginning, as well as seasoned, bakers.