What the New York Times Cooking subscription includes
The New York Times Cooking subscription is a paid add-on to a New York Times account that gives you access to the full recipe database, meal planning tools, and cooking content without paywalls or article limits. You get searchable access to tens of thousands of recipes from the Times archives and new recipes published weekly. The subscription also removes the paywall from cooking articles, videos, and food writing that would otherwise count against your article limit on a basic Times account.
The subscription costs $6 per month or $50 per year when purchased as a standalone product. If you already have a New York Times News subscription (digital or print-plus-digital), Cooking is often bundled at no additional cost, though this varies by subscription tier and promotional offers. You access recipes and tools through the Times Cooking website and mobile app after signing in with your Times account.
Key Takeaways
- A standalone Cooking subscription costs $6 monthly or $50 yearly and includes unlimited access to all Times recipes and cooking content without article limits.
- If you already subscribe to the New York Times News section, Cooking may be included at no extra charge depending on your subscription type.
- You can search recipes by ingredient, dietary restriction, cuisine, and cooking time, and save favorites to personal collections.
- The subscription includes meal planning features that generate shopping lists based on recipes you select for the week.
- You can cancel anytime through your account settings; the Times does not charge a cancellation fee.
How to set up a Cooking subscription
Start by visiting cooking.nytimes.com. If you do not have a New York Times account, you will be prompted to create one using an email address and password. If you already have a Times account (for News, Games, or another Times product), sign in with those credentials.
Once signed in, look for the subscription prompt on the Cooking homepage or within the app. Select the billing frequency you prefer: monthly or annual. Enter your payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal). The Times will charge your payment method immediately and then on the same date each month or year, depending on your plan. You will receive a confirmation email with your receipt and subscription details.
If you already have a News subscription, check your account settings under "Subscriptions" to see whether Cooking is included. Some News tiers bundle Cooking automatically; others do not. If it is not included and you want it, you can add a standalone Cooking subscription to your existing account.
What features come with the subscription
The recipe search tool lets you filter by ingredient, cuisine type, cooking time, dietary restriction (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free), and difficulty level. You can search by dish name or browse curated collections organized by meal type, season, or chef. Each recipe includes ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, photos, and often a video demonstration or written notes from the recipe developer.
The Save feature lets you bookmark recipes to personal collections you create and name. You can organize recipes by meal type, occasion, or any category you choose. Saved recipes sync across the website and mobile app so you can access them anywhere.
The Meal Planner tool lets you select recipes for each day of the week and automatically generates a shopping list organized by grocery store section (produce, dairy, meat, pantry). You can adjust quantities if you are cooking for more or fewer people, and the list updates accordingly. You can share the shopping list via email or text, or print it.
The subscription also removes the paywall from Times food writing, restaurant reviews, and cooking videos. These articles no longer count against your article limit if you have a basic News subscription.
Cooking subscription versus a basic Times account
| Feature | Basic Times Account (Free) | Cooking Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Access to recipes | Limited; some recipes behind paywall | Full access to all recipes, no limits |
| Save recipes to collections | No | Yes |
| Meal planning and shopping lists | No | Yes |
| Food writing and articles | Limited; counts toward article limit | Unlimited; does not count toward limit |
| Cost | Free | $6/month or $50/year |
How to cancel your subscription
You can cancel anytime through your Times account without penalty or cancellation fee. Sign in to your account on nytimes.com, go to "Account" in the top menu, and select "Subscriptions." Find "Cooking" in your active subscriptions and click "Manage." Select "Cancel Subscription" and confirm.
Your access continues through the end of your current billing period. If you paid for a month, you keep access until the end of that month. If you paid for a year, you keep access until the end of that year. The Times will not refund partial months or years.
If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so at any time by returning to cooking.nytimes.com and selecting the subscription option again.
Cooking subscription bundled with News subscriptions
The New York Times includes Cooking with some News subscription tiers, particularly higher-tier plans and promotional offers. A News + Cooking bundle typically costs less than purchasing both subscriptions separately. Promotional offers change frequently and vary by region and device (web, iOS, Android).
To check whether your current News subscription includes Cooking, sign in to your account, go to "Account," select "Subscriptions," and look at your active subscriptions. If Cooking is listed, it is included. If it is not listed and you want it, you can add a standalone Cooking subscription to your existing News subscription without canceling either one.
If you are considering a News subscription and want Cooking as well, compare the cost of a bundle offer (if available) against purchasing them separately. The Times website will show you available bundle options during the subscription purchase process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Cooking subscription on my phone?
Yes. Download the New York Times Cooking app for iOS or Android, sign in with your Times account, and you will have full access to all subscription features. The app syncs your saved recipes and meal plans across devices, so you can plan meals on your computer and view your shopping list on your phone at the grocery store.
What happens to my saved recipes if I cancel?
Your saved recipes and collections remain in your account after you cancel, but you will not be able to view them or use the meal planner unless you resubscribe. If you resubscribe later, your saved recipes will still be there.
Does the Cooking subscription include video cooking classes or lessons?
The subscription includes recipe videos and cooking demonstrations that accompany individual recipes. It does not include structured cooking classes or instructional courses. Those are separate offerings from the Times and require their own purchase.
Can I share my Cooking subscription with family members?
The subscription is tied to your individual Times account. Family members would need their own Times accounts and subscriptions to access Cooking. The Times does not offer a family plan for Cooking specifically, though some News subscription tiers allow multiple account holders under one billing arrangement.
Is there a free trial for the Cooking subscription?
Trial offers vary and change frequently. When you visit cooking.nytimes.com, the site will show you any current trial offer available in your region. Some promotions offer one month free or a discounted first month. Check the subscription page to see what is currently available.