Home | Food and Recipes | 10 Easy and Delicious Baking Recipes for Beginners
Baking can seem intimidating at first, but with the right recipes and a little patience, even beginners can create delicious treats from scratch. Whether you're looking to impress family and friends, or simply indulge in a sweet treat, these 10 easy and delightful baking recipes will help you build your skills and boost your confidence in the kitchen.
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats the comforting taste of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. This recipe is simple, requiring basic pantry ingredients that most people already have at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Banana Bread
Banana bread is a perfect beginner’s recipe because it’s forgiving and requires just a few ingredients. Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe, giving the bread its natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the mashed bananas with the melted butter.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Easy Cupcakes
These cupcakes are fluffy, light, and perfect for beginners. They’re quick to make and don’t require any special equipment beyond a basic mixer or whisk.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a classic that everyone loves. This recipe is straightforward and can be decorated with sprinkles or icing for a fun, personalized touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Flatten each ball with a glass or your fingers.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
5. Simple Scones
Scones are a fantastic beginner recipe that can be customized with your favorite add-ins, like dried fruit or chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead gently a few times, then roll it out to about 1-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Brownies
Rich and fudgy brownies are incredibly easy to make and always a hit. They require just a few basic ingredients and are perfect for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Lemon Pound Cake
A simple and delicious pound cake with a refreshing lemon flavor. This cake is perfect for any occasion and easy enough for beginners to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt alternately with the milk.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Peach Cobbler
This peach cobbler is a perfect dessert for any season and requires minimal ingredients and effort. It’s a great way to practice your baking skills while making a comforting treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or canned peaches
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the peaches in the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter.
- Pour the batter over the peaches.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
9. No-Knead Cinnamon Rolls
For a beginner-friendly way to make cinnamon rolls, this no-knead version is ideal. With a little patience for rising time, you’ll be rewarded with soft, gooey cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup butter