Fourth of July Collections: Digital

The internet is in full meltdown mode over the Bake With Brookie Cookbook, and if you’ve been wondering what’s really going on behind the sugary smile and pastel book cover—you’re not alone. Accusations of plagiarism are flooding the feed, and we’ve done the digging to find out whether this cookbook queen is serving up original treats… or just reheated recipes from creators who never got the credit. 

Here is the proof RecipeTinEats is providing and let’s just say, Brookie should have considered using some AI to at least try and hide it. 

It doesn’t look good.

From word-for-word baking instructions to matching “fun facts” and quirky notes copied nearly verbatim, we’ve seen side-by-side comparisons that are raising more than just eyebrows. Food bloggers and indie cookbook writers have receipts—literal and digital—and some of the “inspirations” behind Brookie’s most viral bakes seem to come from other people’s hard work.

So what does Brookie have to say about all this? Not much. In a vague post, she brushed off the backlash with a “we all share the same ingredients” excuse. But when entire paragraphs match older blog posts… it’s a bit more than just a sprinkle of inspiration, isn’t it?

We’ve compiled what fans really need to know—because this is more than a cookbook controversy. It’s a wake-up call about influencer culture, digital ethics, and who actually gets paid for their creativity.

Is Brookie Bakes guilty of stealing recipes? Or just caught up in a viral takedown? We’ve got the facts—and the photos—that could change how you see her brand forever.

When the buzz first started around Brookie Bakes’ new cookbook, fans were eager to support what looked like a fresh, wholesome collection of home-baked favorites. But whispers of uncredited recipes, eerily familiar wording, and a striking resemblance to existing content soon morphed into full-blown accusations of plagiarism. Now, the internet is ablaze—not just with outrage, but with a deeper conversation about what it really means to be a creator in the digital age.

This isn’t just about whether a cookie recipe was copied. It’s about a system where content—often created by hardworking food bloggers, independent writers, and small creators—is lifted, rebranded, and monetized by influencers with larger platforms and loyal followings. When attribution disappears and creativity is repackaged without credit, the line between inspiration and exploitation gets dangerously blurry.

In an era where virality often trumps originality, influencers can skyrocket to success by leveraging trends, aesthetics, and audience trust. But what happens when the foundations of that success are built on the unpaid labor of others?

This controversy is prompting tough questions. Are we too quick to support anyone with a curated feed and a relatable persona? Are publishers doing enough to fact-check and verify content before rushing to market with influencer-driven books? And perhaps most importantly—how can we protect the voices of smaller creators, whose work is often taken without acknowledgment?

As the conversation unfolds, one thing is clear: the Brookie Bakes cookbook isn’t just a recipe collection. It’s the center of a necessary reckoning in online culture. It’s time to talk about credit, consent, and the cost of turning creativity into content.

When it comes to copyright and recipes, the rules are a bit murky—but here’s the clearest breakdown possible:

 The Basic Rule:

Copyright does not protect ideas, procedures, or methods—which means the list of ingredients in a recipe is not protected.

However, the way a recipe is written, especially if it includes creative expression (like a personal story, unique instructions, or descriptive language), can be protected.

 What can be copyrighted:

• An entire cookbook (as a collection of written works)

• Creative descriptions, introductions, or stories before the recipe

• Any photography, illustrations, or layout elements

 What cannot be copyrighted:

• A basic list of ingredients

• Common instructions (like “bake at 180°C for 20 minutes”)

 Where things get shady:

If someone copies both the ingredients AND the instructions almost word-for-word, it could be considered infringement—especially if there’s clear copying of phrasing or formatting. This is where accusations of plagiarism come into play, even if technically it’s not always a copyright violation.

As the debate over the Bake It Till You Fake It cookbook continues to heat up, one thing is clear: the lines between inspiration, imitation, and outright copying are blurrier than ever. With the rise of influencer culture and the rapid spread of digital content, it’s harder to distinguish where creativity ends and plagiarism begins. So, is she guilty? Only time will tell, but as we’ve seen, the consequences of these actions ripple through the creative community. Whether you’re a fan of Brookie Bakes or not, this controversy is a wake-up call to anyone who creates or shares content in today’s fast-paced online world. So, what do you think? Should the rules around digital creativity and copyright be redefined? The conversation is just getting started, and we want to hear your thoughts!