We live in a time where many popular desserts and pastries are dominated by excess and over-the-top kookiness. Milkshakes are topped with 10 pounds of candy, doughnuts, cake balls, and sprinkles.

Cookie lovers, make your way to Kessler Baking Studio in North Oak Cliff. This bakery sits in a tan, Craftsman-style house on North Beckley Avenue, on the same block as neighborhood favorites Spiral ...