There are some recipes that stay with you—handwritten on index cards, tucked inside family cookbooks, or passed between friends at school or troop meetings. For me, one of those treasured heirlooms is Friendship Bread, a sweet, comforting loaf I first made in Girl Scouts and somehow still have the original recipe for today.
This month, as we celebrate love in all its forms—romantic, neighborly, and the friendships that carry us through—there’s no better time to revive this nostalgic favorite. Consider it a delicious excuse to spread a little kindness (and chocolate) throughout your community.
And because it is February, we’ve upgraded the classic recipe with melty chocolate chips. Think: warm hugs, shared slices, and a reminder that sometimes the sweetest gifts are homemade.
Chocolate-Chip Friendship Bread
Makes 2 loaves — one to keep, one to give.
Ingredients
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1 cup vegetable oil
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup chocolate chips
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Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or ½ cup mini chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
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Preheat and prepare.
Heat oven to 325°F and grease two loaf pans—or line them with parchment for easy gifting. -
Mix the memories.
In a large bowl, whisk oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the buttermilk and vanilla. This is the moment I always think back to mixing the batter with my Girl Scout troop, all of us taking turns with the wooden spoon. -
Blend the dry ingredients.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. -
Bring it all together.
Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until it comes together. Fold in the chocolate chips—this is your love-note swirl. -
Bake the joy.
Divide the batter between pans and bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and your kitchen smells like the coziest bakery in New Jersey. -
Share the sweetness.
Keep one loaf for yourself (mandatory). Wrap the second in brown paper or a ribbon and drop it off to a friend, neighbor, teacher, or someone who could use a little extra love this season.
Love Local Tip
Pair your gifted loaf with a handwritten note... Because when you bake for someone, you’re not just giving food—you’re giving warmth, nostalgia, connection… and in this case, some chocolate.
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