A book that contains a collection of recipes and instructions for preparing dishes.
example
Für den Kuchen habe ich ein Rezept aus einem alten Kochbuch meiner Großmutter verwendet.
For the cake, I used a recipe from an old cookbook of my grandmother's.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a simple compound of the verb 'kochen' (to cook) and 'das Buch' (book). So it is literally a book that you use for cooking.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir ein neues Kochbuch für italienische Gerichte gekauft.
I bought myself a new cookbook for Italian dishes.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used with a cookbook. You can 'blättern' (leaf through) it, 'nachschlagen' (look something up) in it, or 'heraussuchen' (pick out) a recipe.
EXAMPLE
Ich schlage oft in diesem Kochbuch nach, wenn ich nicht weiß, was ich kochen soll.
I often look things up in this cookbook when I don't know what I should cook.
Correct preposition
When you take a recipe from the book, you use the preposition 'aus' (from). When you search for or read something in it, you use 'in' (in).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Rezept stammt aus einem sehr alten Kochbuch.