10 Recipes To Make You Happy When Times Feel Tough

Take a break from your newsfeed and join us in some therapy cooking! Here are ten of our favorite recipes guaranteed to lift your spirits, from Cinnamon Rolls to Homemade Mac and Cheese.

By
Emma Christensen
Emma Christensen headshot
Emma Christensen
Emma Christensen is the Associate General Manager for Simply Recipes, the author of three books on home brewing and a graduate from The Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. 
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Published March 09, 2020
Emma Christensen headshot
12 Recipes To Take Your Mind Off Things

Is it just me, or could we all use a little break from the news right now? Personally, I feel like every time I check the news or log in to social media, something new has happened that just makes me feel like crawling into bed and pulling the covers over my head.

You, too? Want to join me in a little therapy cooking?

I went through our Simply Recipes archive and picked out ten of my favorite recipes that I feel certain will lift your spirits and soothe your soul, if only for a few hours in the kitchen. What are your favorite recipes when you need a little extra comfort?

  • Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

    The best cinnamon rolls frosted with cream cheese frosting.
    Cindy Rahe

    Cinnamon rolls are like lovely, sugary pillows of pure bliss. I love everything from making the dough to shaping the rolls to slathering them with frosting. And OF COURSE eating them.

  • Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

    Kraft mac and cheese - a silver spoon is scooping homemade mac and cheese our of a white casserole dish
    Alison Bickle

    Mac and cheese was a special occasions dish for my brother and I when we were kids: a good report card, birthdays, the last day of school, random Tuesdays when we all needed cheering up. It still has the magical ability to make my whole day feel happy.

  • Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

    How to make the Best Chocolate Chip cookies from this Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
    Emma Christensen

    If you can't remember the last time you made chocolate chip cookies, then it's been too long. A batch of cookies is a gift that keeps on giving — throw one in your bag, hide one in your bedside table, take one with you to the park. A chocolate chip cookie is your friend in times of need.

  • Perfect Cheesecake

    Side view of a new york style cheesecake on a cake stand.
    Elise Bauer

    Have you ever made a cheesecake...just because? Not for a holiday or a dinner party or someone's birthday, but just because you were in the mood for cheesecake and BY GUM you're going to make yourself a cheesecake? I highly recommend giving yourself this treat.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.

  • Lasagna

    Lasagana Recipe in large baking glass
    Elise Bauer

    I always feel like lasagna is a labor of love -- self love, that is. There's the careful preparation of each of the ingredients, the tender layering into the casserole dish, and then the watchful hovering beside the oven while the whole thing melts into gooey cheesy deliciousness. Serve yourself a big ol' slice and pat yourself on the back.

  • Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

    Easy chicken noodle soup in a white bowl.
    Elise Bauer

    This is a soup that takes no shortcuts, and you will be thankful for it. Homemade stock, silky chicken, soft vegetables, chewy noodles, just the right amount of salt. Chicken soup truly is good for the soul.

  • Double Chocolate Cupcakes

    Chocolate cupcake recipe and frosted with chocolate frosting with a bite taken out.
    Cindy Rahe

    I am not generally a baker of cakes, but sometimes, you know what? A gal really just needs some cake. And heck, if I'm making cake, I figure I might as well go all out with double chocolate. Dibs on licking the frosting spatula.

  • Whole Wheat Bread

    Whole wheat bread recipe
    Leela Cyd Ross

    Kneading bread dough is a kind of therapy unto itself, and I highly recommend it. Plus there's something so satisfying about baking yourself a loaf of bread. Filling the house with good smells. Cutting off that first slice and slathering it with butter. It doesn't get much better.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.

  • 7-Layer Magic Bars

    Overhead shot of magic cookie bars ready to eat
    Irvin Lin

    I like to make these bars on Movie Night and bring the whole tray into the living room with a knife for slicing off "just one more square." Cozy up with a blanket and your favorite Netlfix shows, and settle in for a little self care.

  • Pot Roast

    Pot Roast
    Elise Bauer

    There is comforting magic in the humble pot roast. Just knowing that I have a pot roast bubbling away on the back burner makes my shoulders relax. I love knowing that I have a hearty meal to look forward to, not only today but for days to come (we love leftovers in my family!).