If you're new to baking or feel inexperienced in the kitchen, it's best to start with simple recipes that don't require advanced techniques or many ingredients. Here are some easy baking recipes for beginners:
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic chocolate chip cookies are straightforward and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Banana Bread: A great way to use overripe bananas and make a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the sugar and beaten egg.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Another simple and delicious cookie recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the oats and raisins.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
These recipes should be relatively easy to follow for beginners, and the results will be delicious! Remember to read the entire recipe before starting, follow the instructions closely, and have fun experimenting in the kitchen. Happy baking!