Baking can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. But with these 20 simple and easy baking recipes, even the most novice baker can whip up a delicious treat in no time! Whether you’re looking for a classic vanilla cupcake or a quick cinnamon roll, we’ve got you covered.
From sweet treats like cookies and cakes to savory delights like muffins and breads, our collection of beginner-friendly recipes is designed to help you build confidence in the kitchen. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or specialized ingredients to get started. Just grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 easy and simple baking recipes that are perfect for beginners. From classic favorites like sugar cookies and banana bread to more adventurous treats like lemon bars and coconut macaroons, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
Classic Vanilla Cupcakes
A timeless favorite, these moist and flavorful cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. With a delicate balance of sweet and subtle vanilla flavors, they’re sure to please even the most discerning palates.
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, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
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 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk (or milk), beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these classic treats that are quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This simple recipe yields soft, chewy cookies loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
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 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, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract (optional).
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Basic Banana Bread
Bananas are a staple fruit that can be used in many recipes, including banana bread. This classic recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing 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. Do not overmix.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Simple Blueberry Muffins
Start your day off right with these moist and flavorful blueberry muffins that are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
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, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
No-Fail Brownies
A rich and fudgy brownie recipe that’s easy to make and always turns out perfect, with a dense and intense chocolate flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing the pan
– 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
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cocoa powder until well combined.
4. Let cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Stir in flour, salt, and vanilla extract.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Stir into the brownie mixture until smooth.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Quick Cinnamon Rolls
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these scrumptious cinnamon rolls that can be ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 tablespoons warm water
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and sugar to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch long rectangle.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the dough.
6. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 8 equal pieces.
7. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each roll.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Easy Apple Crisp
Enjoy a warm and delicious apple crisp with just a few simple steps! This recipe is perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 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 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts (if using).
5. Spread oat mixture evenly over the apple filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Basic Sugar Cookies
Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
These soft and chewy sugar cookies are a timeless favorite, perfect for snacking or decorating. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying fresh-baked goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– Colored sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Yield: About 24-30 cookies
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Simple Lemon Bars
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet lemon bars that require only a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Add melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
5. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Bowl Chocolate Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and rich one-bowl chocolate cake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Easy Pumpkin Bread
This classic fall treat is a staple of any seasonal gathering, and with this simple recipe, you can have a delicious loaf fresh from the oven in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Quick Peanut Butter Cookies
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these deliciously simple peanut butter cookies that can be whipped up in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Basic Shortbread Cookies
A simple yet elegant treat that requires only a few ingredients and minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and salt; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Simple Strawberry Tart
A sweet and tangy dessert that’s perfect for springtime gatherings or everyday indulgence. This simple strawberry tart is a delightful combination of fresh strawberries, creamy vanilla bean-infused custard, and flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and vanilla extract. Add sliced strawberries and toss to coat.
4. Arrange strawberry mixture over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Drizzle melted butter over strawberries. Fold edges of pastry up over filling to form a crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
7. Allow tart to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
No-Yeast Pizza Dough
Make delicious pizza without yeast! This no-yeast recipe is perfect for a last-minute dinner or when you don’t have time to wait for yeast dough to rise.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Optional toppings (cheese, sauce, vegetables, meats)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
3. Add olive oil and continue to mix until dough is smooth.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes elastic.
5. Divide the dough into 2-4 equal portions, depending on desired pizza size.
6. Roll out each portion into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
Cooking Time:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Easy Cheesecake Bars
Easy Cheesecake Bars: A Simple Treat
These creamy cheesecake bars are a crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal effort and time to prepare. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crust ingredients until well combined. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Pour cheesecake batter over crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours
Quick Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These chewy cookies are a classic favorite, packed with the warmth of oatmeal and sweetness of raisins. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch fresh from the oven in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in raisins.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Basic Carrot Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is a staple dessert for any occasion. With the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Add butter and mix until well combined.
5. Stir in carrots, walnuts (if using), and the flour mixture.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Simple Almond Biscotti
Create crunchy and flavorful biscotti using just a few ingredients and simple steps.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and olive oil. Add sliced almonds and stir until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log, about 12 inches long.
6. Place the logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Coconut Macaroons
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these deliciously simple coconut macaroons!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites and sweetened condensed milk until stiff peaks form.
4. Add vanilla extract to the egg mixture and fold gently into the coconut mixture until well combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each macaroon.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Summary
Get baking with ease! This collection of 20 simple and quick recipes is perfect for beginners. From classic vanilla cupcakes to no-fail brownies, these treats are sure to please. Easy-to-make classics like chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, and sugar cookies are joined by sweet surprises like cinnamon rolls, lemon bars, and strawberry tart. Plus, there are savory options like pizza dough and oatmeal raisin cookies. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be whipping up delicious bakes in no time. Perfect for busy days or special occasions!
