When it comes to baking, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a tray of freshly baked treats out of the oven. But for beginners, the world of baking can be overwhelming – with so many different techniques, ingredients, and recipes to choose from. That’s why we’ve put together this collection of 20 irresistible baking recipes perfect for those just starting out.
From classic cookies and muffins to decadent cakes and pies, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. And the best part? They’re all incredibly easy to make, with simple instructions and ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
So whether you’re a total newbie or just looking for some new ideas to add to your baking repertoire, keep reading to discover the perfect recipe to get you started.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic favorite, these chewy cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With the combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and a hint of vanilla, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
These moist and flavorful cupcakes are infused with the warmth of vanilla beans and topped with a rich buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste
– Buttercream frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Stir in vanilla bean paste.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add vanilla extract; beat until combined.
Banana Bread with Walnuts
This classic banana bread recipe gets a delicious boost from the addition of chopped walnuts, adding texture and flavor to this moist and aromatic treat.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Start your day with a sweet treat by making these soft, fluffy, and flavorful homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough to a 12×16-inch rectangle; spread with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon.
7. Roll up the dough tightly; cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place rolls on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each roll.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Decadent Red Velvet Cake
A classic Southern dessert, this red velvet cake recipe yields a moist, flavorful cake with a subtle tang from the cocoa powder and a hint of coffee. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder and milk until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. Add red food coloring and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Easy Apple Pie with Lattice Crust
Easy Apple Pie with Lattice Crust Recipe
Summary: A classic apple pie recipe with a twist – a lattice crust that adds an extra layer of flaky, buttery goodness to the already-delicious filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out one pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture and dot with melted butter.
4. Roll out second pie crust to fit the top of the pie. Use a pastry cutter or knife to create lattice strips.
5. Place lattice strips on top of the filling, weaving them together in a lattice pattern. Trim excess crust and crimp edges to seal.
6. Brush lattice with melted butter and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are a staple of comfort baking. With the warmth of rolled oats, sweetness of raisins, and hint of spice, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in raisins.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins are perfect for the fall season, filled with the warm spices of pumpkin pie. Whip up a batch to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake
Brighten up your day with this refreshing Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake, perfect for a sunny afternoon or as a lovely gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Add the melted butter and whisk until combined.
4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. While the cake is still warm, prepare the lemon drizzle by mixing together 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
These chewy cookies are a classic favorite, with the added bonus of a sweet peanut butter flavor and a burst of chocolate goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, whichever you prefer)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Chocolate chips or Hershey’s Kisses for the “blossoms”
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, sugar, egg, and milk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate chip or Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Start your day with a sweet and tangy treat – these Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze are the perfect breakfast or brunch option!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Lemon glaze ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and pat into an 8-inch circle. Cut into 8 wedges.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While scones are still warm, prepare lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice.
9. Drizzle glaze over scones and serve.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Elevate your dessert game with this classic carrot cake recipe paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, this cake is sure to please!
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, carrots, walnuts (if using), and butter. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dip
A classic comfort food combination that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. These soft pretzels are perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
– Mustard Dip:
+ 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
+ 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces. Roll each piece into a pretzel shape.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Meanwhile, mix mustard and honey in a bowl.
9. Serve warm pretzels with Mustard Dip.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Cheesecake Brownies
Elevate your brownie game with the rich flavors of cheesecake! This decadent treat combines the best of both worlds, resulting in a dense, fudgy brownie with a creamy cheesecake swirl.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 and 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, followed by milk and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. While brownies are baking, prepare cheesecake topping: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
7. Remove brownies from oven and top with cheesecake mixture. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheesecake is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: A Twist on the Classic Dessert!
These bars combine the rich flavors of pecans and maple syrup with a shortbread crust, making for an irresistible treat. Perfect for potlucks or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter; mix until crumbly.
3. Press crust mixture into prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Meanwhile, prepare filling: Whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir in chopped pecans.
6. Pour filling over baked crust; bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Almond Croissants
Start your day with a flaky, buttery, and nutty treat by baking these delicious Almond Croissants. With just the right amount of sweetness and crunch from the almonds, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add lukewarm milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
5. Cut into triangles, then roll each triangle into a croissant shape.
6. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each croissant.
7. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Strawberry Shortcake
A classic dessert that combines sweet strawberries with buttery shortcake and whipped cream, perfect for a warm weather treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter; mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into squares or use a biscuit cutter.
4. Place shortcake squares on the prepared baking sheet; bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
5. Allow shortcakes to cool completely. Split in half horizontally.
6. Whip heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Spoon whipped cream over shortcake halves.
7. Top with sliced strawberries and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chocolate Fudge Brownies
These indulgent brownies are packed with a deep, fudgy flavor that will satisfy any chocolate craving. With a dense, gooey center and a crispy edge, they’re the perfect treat for anyone looking to indulge in a sweet delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing
– 2 cups of sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter.
2. Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until smooth.
4. Stir in chocolate chips until melted.
5. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Glazed Donuts with Sprinkles
Take your donut game to the next level with these soft and fluffy treats smothered in a sweet glaze and topped with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for a special occasion or just because!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ glaze (store-bought or homemade)
– Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. Whisk together flour, milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add eggs and mix until smooth.
4. Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil and let cool.
6. Dip cooled donuts in confectioners’ glaze, then sprinkle with desired toppings.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (frying time + cooling)
Raspberry Almond Tart
Raspberry Almond Tart Recipe
A sweet and tangy tart that combines the flavors of fresh raspberries and toasted almonds, perfect for a dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, mix together raspberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Spread evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the raspberry mixture, then sprinkle with sliced almonds.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust. Brush with honey.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet world of baking! This collection of 20 irresistible recipes is perfect for beginners. From classic treats like chocolate chip cookies and banana bread, to decadent desserts like red velvet cake and cheesecake brownies, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find sweet surprises like pumpkin spice muffins, lemon drizzle loaf cake, and strawberry shortcake. With easy-to-follow instructions and mouthwatering photos, you’ll be whipping up a storm in no time. So go ahead, get baking, and satisfy your sweet tooth!
