You don’t need to be a Swiftie to know an important day is on the horizon. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, drops Friday. We’ve marked our calendars since the singer announced the release in an unprecedented way — her now-fiancé Travis Kelce’s podcast “New Heights” on August 13.
Even the teasers and engagement announcement on her Instagram haven’t been enough to quell my excitement. I’ve personally been listening to the New Heights episode on repeat. And I’ve left with a key takeaway: Taylor Swift, the Taylor Swift, is an avid baker like all of us.
Specifically, she’s obsessed with making sourdough. She’s experimented with flavors from Funfetti to blueberry lemon, Travis’s favorite. More proof of her love for loaves arose when she sent Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco a bread basket to celebrate their engagement. The gift even included the handwritten message, “It’s a loaf story.”
But Swifties know this hobby isn’t new. Swift has posted her homemade baked goods for years, dating back to when Tumblr was a thing.
So, with the biggest date of the year coming up, what better way to celebrate than making Taylor Swift’s favorite baking recipes? Here are a few you can make while blasting The Life of a Showgirl in your kitchen.
Chai sugar cookies
Fall is Swift’s season, and that theme extends to her baked creations. Her most iconic might be her chai sugar cookies. The recipe, which she posted on Tumblr in 2014, has influenced numerous bakers since. You can recreate them with the original recipe by Joy Wilson, a.k.a. Joy the Baker, that inspired Swift herself. A touch of nutmeg makes this the perfect treat to ring autumn in.
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
Although not quite as well known as the chai variation, Swift’s pumpkin chocolate chip cookies were also all the rage on her Tumblr. This version is perfect if you’re more of a cookie purist but want to celebrate the season. And you can also remake this down to the very last chip with the recipe from Food Network.
Rice Krispie Treats
You might remember Lover for its iconic pastel album cover and sweet tunes. I remember it for the adorable heart-shaped Rice Krispie treats Swift gifted fans at a London listening session in August 2019, weeks before the album’s official release. These nostalgic snacks are great for beginners to make, and you don’t even need an oven. All that’s required is a box of crisp rice cereal, marshmallows, butter and a microwave.
Pop Tarts
Taylor must love her classic childhood treats because she’s also tried her hand at making Pop Tarts. According to Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, she baked some for the team’s entire O-line. And since it’s fall, the correct flavor to go for is frosted brown sugar cinnamon.
Cinnamon rolls
Clearly, baking is Swift’s love language. Former Browns quarterback said Swift once made Kelce cinnamon rolls as a pregame meal. She’s also shared them with fans on Instagram with the caption “when you’re proud of your buns so you post them on the internet,” and the love comes through even in a photo. You can make your own buns from scratch with this recipe.
Pumpkin loaf
Swift is never beating the queen of fall allegations. Fashion photographer duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin shared via Instagram that Swift brought a homemade pumpkin loaf to her Time Person of the Year photoshoot in 2023 to share on set. Put those fall spices to good use with this recipe.
Sourdough
This list wouldn’t be complete without the loaf that started it all. Although Swift jokingly called making sourdough a “granny” hobby, let’s be real — the only thing we miss about the pandemic is naming starters. In keeping with the season, add a pinch of cinnamon to your next loaf.