Baking can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you start with some simple and essential recipes. Here are a few beginner-friendly baking recipes that will help you get started on your baking journey:
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Simple Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the flour and mix until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Easy Vanilla Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Basic Bread Loaf
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, and olive oil.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in the prepared pan.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Fluffy Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
These baking recipes are perfect for beginners and will help you build your confidence in the kitchen. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats with your loved ones!