Cookbook Preview: January and February 2026

Plenty of health and wellness, with a side of sexy donuts

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Hello friends! I hope that 2026 is treating you well so far. Over the holidays, I spent two weeks mostly cocooning—reading, cooking, eating, spending time with friends and family, easy-going traveling, and letting plans for the upcoming year percolate.

I really luxuriated in that downtime—something I’ve improved at—and now I am ready to go. There are a few big things on the horizon this year, including more Cookbookery features, a big project I’m excited to share (so close!), and an IRL cookbook event coming this spring! More details on all soon.

But first, here’s your January and February 2026 cookbook preview. As always, it aspires to be as complete a list as possible of every cookbook released in the U.S.

A few observations:

• Books with a Sense of Humor - I desperately wanted to find a third title to make this a true trend, but alas there are only two here that appear to fit the bill, Of Course It’s Good! and Donut Daddy. (Perhaps the Cracco in Galleria cover counts?). Maybe this is me manifesting more fun cookbooks.

• Niche Health and Wellness Books - ‘Tis the season! In addition to several general “healthy” cooking titles (and three Mediterranean books), we have offerings that speak to more specific audiences, including Cozy Vegan, The PCOS Recipe Book, The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset, and Mind, Body, Spirit, Food.

• On the Flip Side - As to be expected this time of year, there’s a lull in baking books with just a couple of titles coming our way, including the dramatic Bittersweet.

• An Emphasis on Practical Home Cooking - With only a few titles from restaurants, bakeries, or chefs many of these books focus on nuts and bolts, budget-friendly, getting dinner on the table tonight type meals.

The usual caveats and explanations:

• Despite my best intentions, I’m sure I missed some books. If I did, please let me know in the comments (or hit reply and email me), and I will both update this post and include the book in next week’s newsletter.

• The descriptions that follow each book are promo copy.

• All of these books are available for order or pre-order.

Thoughts? Books you’re excited about? Please share in the comments, and enjoy!

January 6, 2026

The Salad Project: How to Build Unlimited Salads by Clem Haxby (Ten Speed): “Take your salads to the next level with recipes for 56 flavorful, customizable meals featuring 28 creamy, zingy, herby, and spicy dressings from the culinary director of The Salad Project.”

Very Good Salads: Middle Eastern Salads and Plates for Sharing by Shuki Rosenboim and Louisa Allan (Smith Street Books): “From the team behind cult-favorite restaurant Very Good Falafel in Melbourne, Australia, this cookbook includes veggie-filled plates, salads, dips, pita, and pickles, alongside their beloved falafel recipe.”

Cracco in Galleria by Carlo Cracco (Phaidon): “The first book from Milan’s fine-dining restaurant and celebrity chef, Carlo Cracco.”

Of Course It’s Good!: Aggressively Delicious Meals ANYONE Can Make and EVERYONE Will Love¹ by Jessica Secrest (Page Street): “Prepare delicious meals with this no-frills, all-flavor recipe collection from Jessica Secrest, the wildly popular home chef known for her hostile humor and affordable recipes.”

5-Ingredient Mediterranean Cookbook: Amazingly Healthy Quick-Fix Meals by Editors of Harvard Common Press (Harvard Common Press): “Discover just how easy it is to cook and enjoy the world’s healthiest diet--without spending hours shopping for ingredients or cooking in your kitchen.”

The Nonalcoholic Bar: Classic and Creative Cocktails for Everyone by John deBary (Union Square): “Presented by a hospitality veteran and an authority on drinks, this non-alcoholic cocktail book is organized by seven different taste profiles.”

The 30-Day Inflammatory Reset: A Complete Guide to Healing Your Immune System by Dr. Josh Redd (Simon Element): “A practical, science-based roadmap to identify and eliminate hidden inflammation—the root cause of chronic health issues—through diet, lifestyle changes, and environmental modifications that will help you reclaim your energy, clarity, and vitality in just thirty days.”

Cozy Vegan: 100 Delicious, Plant-Based Comfort Food Recipes by Liz Douglas (Simon Element): “Enjoy nostalgic comfort food with these 100 easy, wholesome, and delicious plant-based recipes from Glow Diaries founder Liz Douglas.”

How I Cook: A Chef's Guide to Really Good Home Cooking by Ben Lippett (HarperCollins): “In his debut book, Ben Lippett distills his years of experience as a professional chef in restaurants all over the world to reveal the hows and whys behind everything we do when preparing food.”

Sabor y Fuego: The Art of Authentic Mexican Salsa by Sonia Mendez (Weldon Owen): “With more than 50 salsa recipes and meal ideas, this cookbook offers a rich exploration of Mexico's beloved culinary traditions.”

The Jane Austen Recipe Book: Picnics, Feasts and Afternoon Teas Inspired by the Works of Jane Austen by Robert Tuesley Anderson (Hamlyn²): “Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth with this culinary treasure trove of over 70 delicious recipes, along with notes and essays and beautiful line illustrations, perfect for Jane Austen fans.”

January 13, 2026

Juno the Bakery: Crafted in Copenhagen by Emil Glaser (Strandberg Publishing): “Loaf cakes, fruit tarts and cardamom buns: exclusive recipes from one of the most beloved and world-renowned bakeries in Copenhagen.”

Kawaii Café Bento: Classic and Fun Bentos to Make at Home by Yuki and Noriko (Rock Point): “This inventive book brings the art of Japanese bento boxes to life with a playful twist, perfect for anyone looking to save money and enjoy a balanced, satisfying meal each day--with an extra touch of kawaii charm.”

Don’t Think About Dinner: Save Time and Money with 125+ Easy, Nourishing, Delicious Recipes for Every Meal³ by Jenn Lueke (William Morrow): “Whether you want to improve your health, cut down food waste (and spending), reduce your mental load, or build new kitchen skills, Don’t Think About Dinner provides everything you need to confidently approach every meal of the day—from shopping and stocking the pantry to storing and reheating leftovers, and everything in between.”

The Kitchen Cupboard Chef: Inspired Recipes Using Canned, Jarred & Bottled Ingredients⁴ by Theo A. Michaels (Ryland Peters & Small): “65 ingenious short-cut recipes that show how canned, jarred, and bottled ingredients are not only convenient and budget-friendly but delicious too!”

Mind, Body, Spirit, Food: Adaptable Recipes and Grounding Meditations for Preparing Meals with Joy and Intention by Nicki Sizemore (Storey): “Transform cooking into an act of self-care and gratitude with a culinary expert’s recipes and advice for bringing mindfulness and intention into the kitchen.”

Eat Yourself Healthy: Food to Change Your Life by Jamie Oliver (Flatiron): “From New York Times bestselling author Jamie Oliver comes a new cookbook to help you build a celebratory relationship with nourishing food that will make you feel healthier and happier.”

January 20, 2026

Passport to Flavor: 100 Global Dishes You Can Make Anywhere by Abby Cheshire (Harper Celebrate): “Join social media sensation Chef Abby Cheshire on a culinary adventure on the high seas, in this internationally inspired, travel-infused cookbook with over 100 recipes from fourteen incredible locations around the world.”

Simply Speedy Chinese: Meals in 30 Minutes or Less by Suzie Lee (Quadrille): “From Honey Chilli Beef and Quick Dumplings to Hot Peanut Butter Noodles and Mochi, satisfy your Chinese cravings quicker than the time it takes to order a takeaway.”

The PCOS Recipe Book: Thrive with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: 100 Protein-Building & Hormone-Balancing Recipes by Megan Hallett (Hamlyn): “Learn to thrive with PCOS with this selection of simple, healthy and delicious recipes, and an introduction from nutritional therapist Megan Hallett that will help you to manage your symptoms so you can feel better than ever before.”

The Little Book of Dumplings: Bundles of Love from Around the World by Lynda Balslev (Andrews McMeel): “Embark on a delicious journey with this fun, beginner-friendly guide to delicious dumplings from around the globe. Explore trendy flavors, unique fillings, and cultural twists that will make every bite an adventure!”

January 27, 2026

Big Bites: Time to Eat!: Nourishing Family Recipes That Cook in an Hour or Less by Kat Ashmore (Rodale): “A collection of 100 quick and easy but still nourishing recipes that don’t sacrifice on flavor and will be on the table in under an hour, from the author of the New York Times bestselling cookbook Big Bites.”

Weeknight Air Fryer Cooking: Quick and Easy Meals Fried to Perfection Without All the Oil by Christina Frangipane (Page Street): “Get ready to breathe some life back into your weeknight cooking with a next-level collection of recipes that are equal parts easy and impressive. Recipe developer Christina Frangipane delivers an array of dishes that are sure to make your air fryer the star of your kitchen.”

Everyone Hot Pot: Creating the Ultimate Meal for Gathering and Feasting by Natasha Pickowicz (Artisan): “An expert chef and the author of More Than Cake covers everything you need to know to make a dazzling hot pot feast--the ancient Chinese tradition that is both a meal and a celebration.”

The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast by Ilhan Mohamed Abdi (Interlink): “This sumptuous cookbook celebrates the rich tapestry of Ramadan culinary traditions from around the world, with over 80 nutritious, time-saving and flavorful recipes to help families enjoy this joyous season without stress.”

Vegan Asian Street Food: Over 80 Plant-Based Recipes for Every Occasion by Yang Liu and Katharina Pinczolits (Hardie Grant): “Yang and Kathi of littlericenoodle present a vibrant exploration of vegan Asian street food that goes beyond the familiar bowl of steaming noodles.”

February 3, 2026

The Donut Daddy Cookbook: Sugar & Seduction in 69 Recipes by Anthony Randello-Jahn (Ten Speed): “TikTok sensation The Donut Daddy is here to play with 69⁵ seductive dessert recipes for getting all hot and bothered in the kitchen.”⁶

National Geographic National Parks Cookbook: Dishes Inspired by America's Great Outdoors by Nina Elder and Melissa Knific⁷ (National Geographic): “This mouthwatering cookbook includes 100 recipes inspired by the lodges, restaurants, and ingredients of America’s 63 national parks.”

Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100 Easy, Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good Mood Food by Clodagh McKenna (Kyle Books): “The newest recipe book from Clodagh McKenna, packed with delicious recipes for the health-conscious cook who's short on time.”

February 10, 2026

We Fancy: Simple Recipes To Make The Everyday Special by Jerrelle Guy (Simon Element): “From beloved food writer and author of the James Beard Award finalist Black Girl Baking comes a joyous cookbook that transforms everyday meals into something special and unexpected with just a few simple flourishes.”

Citrus, Illustrated: A Cookbook of 35 Sweet & Savory Recipes by George Geary (Chronicle): “A brightly illustrated guide to all things citrus! Learn about these beautiful and practical fruits, why to cherish them, and how to put them to good use, including 35 sensational recipes.”

Cocina Puerto Rico: Recipes from My Abuela’s Kitchen to Yours by Mia Castro (Union Square): “Cocina Puerto Rico transports you to Borinquen--the Island of Enchantment--otherwise known as Puerto Rico. Or, to chef Mia Castro, home.“

Bittersweet: The Five Tastes of Dessert and Beyond by Thalia Ho (Harvest): “From the creator of the award-winning blog Butter and Brioche and author of Wild Sweetness, a lyrical and visually stunning cookbook of more than 100 enthralling dessert recipes, exploring the five tastes and how they transform on the plate and beyond.”

Hamlyn Cooks: Mediterranean (Hamlyn): “Simple, nutritious recipes inspired by the Mediterranean diet that make a healthy lifestyle easy and delicious.”

Hamlyn Cooks: Juices and Smoothies (Hamlyn): “All the delicious and healthy juice and smoothie recipes you will ever need.”

Hamlyn Cooks: Vegetarian Air Fryer (Hamlyn): “From the trusted and bestselling Hamlyn Cooks series, this cookbook provides hundreds of easy recipes for you to enjoy with your air fryer.”

Hamlyn Cooks: Easy Vegan Meals (Hamlyn): “Fresh, simple plant-based recipes that mean eating meat-free and dairy free has never been easier.”

A Perfect Pancake Cookbook: Recipes for Irresistible Pancakes, Churros, Waffles, and More by Eloise Goode (Hamlyn): “Smothered in small-town coffee shop in fall vibes⁸, this pancake recipe book is a love letter to the coziest season of all.”

A Cosy Chocolate Cookbook: Recipes for Irresistible Brownies, Bakes, Cupcakes, and More by Eloise Good (Hamlyn): “Smothered in sweet coffee shop in fall vibes, this recipe book packed full of chocolatey goodness is a love letter to the coziest season of all.”

Simply Donabe: Japanese One-Pot Recipes by Naoko Takei Moore (Quadrille): “Discover the heart of Japanese donabe cooking with simple yet delicious one-pot dishes from a renowned culinary expert.”

Curry Guy Slow Cooker: 50 Simple Curry Favourites by Dan Toombs (Quadrille): “In Curry Guy Slow Cooker Dan Toombs offers foolproof recipes for creating curryhouse classics at home, all with minimal fuss and washing-up.”

February 17, 2026

Dish & Tell: Recipes from the Heart by Sarah Peterson (Minnesota Historical Society Press⁹): “A collection of tasty dishes accompanied by their ‘tells’—the stories and family histories that heighten the flavors and enhance the sense of comfort these lovingly prepared foods bring.”

One Pan Vietnam: Vibrant Vietnamese Recipes for Everyday by Thuy Diem Pham (Quadrille): “Vietnamese dishes are often thought of as time-consuming and intricate, likely due to the popularity of the country’s famously delicious but complex dish, Pho. However, there are many dishes that, with the right ingredients and a little know-how, come together in no time and, even better, in just one pan!”

February 24, 2026

Lourinhã: Iberian and Mediterranean Dishes to Share by Matt McConnell with Jo Gamvros (Hardie Grant): “In Lourinhã, Matt McConnell and Jo Gamvros share their love of Europe’s bar dining culture through incredible, vibrant recipes from tapas to mezethes. They explore the amazing flavours of Italy, Sicily, Portugal and Greece through recipes that inspired them to embrace and redefine bar dining culture in Melbourne.”

Crave, Cook, Nourish: 80+ Recipes and Expert Guidance for Healthy, Happy Nutrition by Steph Grasso MS, RD with Liz Crain (Ten Speed): “Develop a healthier, happier relationship with food by tapping into these 80-plus nourishing recipes with zero intimidation factor from dietitian, nutrition expert, and TikTok sensation Steph Grasso Dietitian.”

Cuisines of Odesa: A Ukrainian Cookbook by Maria Kalenska (Weldon Owen): “Embark on a vibrant culinary journey through one of Ukraine's most culturally rich cities and celebrate its rich and varied cuisine in Cuisines of Odesa, with over 100 recipes.”

There’s Rice at Home: 80 Global Recipes Celebrating Rice by Rene Subash (Quadrille): “Need rice-spiration? This book will transform the way you cook rice, from the simply perfect, fluffy bowl of rice to the Ultimate Chicken Biryani, by way of some "cheat" global dishes, including Veggie Bibimbap, Onigiri, Cheesy Arancini Balls, and Lazy Person's Fried Rice.”

Obsessed with the Best: 100+ Methodically Perfected Recipes Based on 20+ Head-to-Head Tests by Ella Quittner (William Morrow): “A charmingly obsessive, thoroughly tested exploration of the best ways to cook and bake your favorite foods.”

Last Bites

• A royal cookbook is coming. (Or formerly royal? I have a hard time keeping up with these things.)

• Natasha Pickowicz’s Un-Trend Forecast - From the author of the upcoming Everyone Hot Pot a thoughtful, creative forecast for all things food, drink, and cookbook

• Justin Burke, author of Potluck Desserts, is launching a podcast

• NYT Bestsellers: Good Things by Samin Nosrat (#6) and The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes by Ree Drummond (#8)

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post please tap the ❤️ button, restack, or share with another cookbook fan.

1. This book has pre-sold like gangbusters and is virtually guaranteed to be a bestseller. Will it finally dethrone The Let Them Theory?? Only time will tell, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

2. Lots of books coming from Hamlyn, an imprint of Octopus, these two months

3. Another destined for bestseller-dom (I predict)

4. Fun cover!

5. I see what you did here.

6. I highly recommend clicking through to read the whole description. Someone had a lot of fun with this.

7. Former colleagues and two of my favorite people ❤️

8. Based on their descriptions I suspected that this book and the next one came out in the fall in the UK, but according to Amazon UK that doesn’t seem to be the case.

9. Minnesota Historical Society Press also published Stephanie Hansen’s True North Cabin cookbooks.