We've admitted to being a little mystified by root beer -- even when drinking the soda straight, it can be difficult to identify the various flavor notes, like anise, sarsaparilla, birch oil and wintergreen.
What we do know is that it shows off distinctive sweetness, spiciness and creaminess -- which are all qualities that we look for in desserts. Of course, root beer's partner in crime, vanilla ice cream, makes the drink fizz into a creamy, near-perfect concoction. But if you add the drink to chocolate cake, or use it to make fudge, you're in for an even more perfect treat. Which is why we're presenting you with these 12 root beer dessert recipes, including cookies, cupcakes and more:
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