3 Simple Baking Recipes To Try for Beginners

Baking can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially for beginners. It allows you to be creative and experiment in the kitchen, while also satisfying your sweet tooth.

However, if you’re new to baking, it can feel overwhelming with all the complicated recipes out there. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 3 simple baking recipes that are perfect for beginners.

1) Chocolate Chip Cookies

What’s more classic and delicious than a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? This recipe is not only easy to follow, but also customizable depending on your preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

2) Banana Bread

Got some ripe bananas on your counter? Don’t throw them away, use them to make this delicious and easy banana bread. This recipe also allows for some creativity with add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) of butter, softened
• ¾ cup of white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas.
5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in any add-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, if desired.
7. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
8. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3) Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Cupcakes are a delicious and simple treat to make, and this recipe is perfect for beginners. You can also get creative with different frosting flavors and decorations.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup of white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ cup of milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk and mixing until just combined.
6. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, and fill each liner about 2/3 full with batter.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add in the vanilla extract and continue beating until light and fluffy.
4. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the buttercream and decorate as desired.

Takeaway

Baking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating, especially for beginners. These 3 simple recipes are a great place to start, and can be easily customised to your liking.

So put on your baking apron, gather your baking ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some delicious treats. Happy baking!